Repairing an Old Chair

A chair with a woven fabric seat. I love this little chair, but it needed help. I sanded it, stained it with natural Minwax stain. Then I started the seat. I made the seat by using rag strips, braiding, and finally weaving.

Total Time: 20 hours

Yield: 1

Source: Minwax

Supplies:

1 cup natural Minwax stain
4-5 sq yd strips of two inch cotton fabric in a variety of colors spliced together for braiding

Steps:

Remove old seat.

Sand entire chair.
Stain with natural Minwax stain
Let dry at least 48 hours.
Gather 4-5 yards of two inch strips of fabric in a variety of colors

Start by splicing the strips together.
Tie the ends of the fabric to one corner of the chair seat. Leave at least 5 inches hanging--it will be worked in later. Tie the strip ends (make them at least 5 inches long).
Start at one side, braiding, and splicing as you go. Stretch braid to opposite, parallel side, wrap braid around rung twice. Then stretch to other side. Begin braiding the fabric. Braid a few inches at a time, it's easier to work with, until you have enough to stretch to the other side. Wrap the braid around the rung twice. Continue braiding back and forth until it is filled.

At that point, wrap the braid around the chair back at its base and continue working the other direction weaving through the first row of braids.
Keep the rows close. You may need to use plaits as the seat fills in.
When the seat is completely braided, wrap the end of the braid around the rung. Leave 10 inches of fabric at the end. When completed, work the strip ends into woven seat you have completed. Whipstitch the ends if needed.
Have a seat! You earned it!

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