Tutorial: Folding Chair Makeover

So I had these ugly folding chairs 

and I thought they would probably be useful to have in the shop.  But first I had to pretty them up.

What you'll need for 1 chair:

1 yard of upholstery weight fabric

1.5 yards of coordinating piping

hot glue gun

staple gun

screwdriver

Step 1.  Measure your seat cushion in both directions, though it should be a s quare.  Add 2 inches to each measurement and cut your fabric to those dimensions.  Mine was 15 and 3/4 inches each direction so I cut out a 17 and 3/4 inch square.

My seat cushion could not be removed because of these bolts, 

So I decided to hot glue it to the chair while adding piping.  If you have a serger, finish the edges of your fabric before starting to keep the fabric from fraying.  If you don't have a serger you can cut the square with pinking shears to finish the edges.  Place your fabric over the seat cushion and tuck it under as best you can.  I used a point turner to help me tuck. 

Now get your piping.  I bought some pre-made grey piping but if you're so inclined you can make it yourself.

Starting in the middle of the back, get your hot glue gun and put some glue between the fabric and the metal.  Working quickly in small increments, because the glue dries fast, put on your piping.  Again I used my point turner to help me get the piping on without burning myself.  Yes, I will need a new point turner.

When you get back to where you began just glue the ends neatly under.

Voila, seat cover done.  Now unscrew the top cushion from the back of the chair.

Lay the cushion on the wrong side of your fabric and trace around the outside with an erasable fabric marker.  

Now use your seam gauge or a ruler to add 2 inches all around and then cut it out.

Time to staple!  Start by making sure your fabric pattern is the way you want it and then carefully staple alternating sides so that you can pull the fabric taut.  Because the top cushion is curved, it helps to flatten it a bit when you are pulling the fabric. Make sure you don't cover up your screw holes.  

Screw that top back on and TADA!  You have a custom folding chair!

Comments

[alycia]

wow great job! looks fresh and new :)

[simone]

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