How to make new sling for patio chairs?

Question

I have a set of patio chairs that have a metal frame and fabric slings like the image. The fabric is rotting out. I see that you can buy new 'slings' and take the chairs apart and try to put the new fabric in place. The replacements are expensive and ugly. I'd like to just make 'rectangles' of indoor/outdoor fabric and use grommets and cord to 're-seat' them. I'm thinking by having the fabric sort of wrap around the sides--and lacing up the back. Has anyone tried this? I hate to just buy new chairs when the frames are fine.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

The grommets and lacing sounds like a solid plan. I think parachute cord would be a nice durable 'cordage' to use for this project. I have been using it to weave survival bracelets and such. You can find it in a whole lot of colors compared to a few years back. http://www.ebay.com/itm/550-paracord-parachute-cord-Mil-Spec-Type-III-7-Strand-10ft-20ft-50ft-100ft-/160750810939 http://www.ebay.com/itm/550-paracord-parachute-cord-Mil-Spec-Type-III-7-Strand-10ft-20ft-50ft-100ft-/160809115405?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2570f85f0d

Cyndi Moore Tippett · Answer

I have a swing with the same issue...please repost on how it turns out. I will be interested in seeing the finished product.

Front Porch Ideas · Answer

We are also interested in what responses you get. We have several of these chairs and they are just not very colorful or appealing - yet they are fine for extra seating. Would be fun to jazz them up a bit! ~~Mary

Donna J · Answer

Wow! I was about to post a question about having the mess painted. I will follow to see what comments are made with this. I have six chairs and would like to change the color.

Liz Holland · Answer

I'm sure you would need to leave them a little loose, so they have some 'give' when people sit. I have some chairs with hard nylon straps that the dogs ate and am thinking of going with grommets and lacing. Maybe I'll use leather for the seats. Good luck, let us know how it turns out!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

@Liz Holland Actually getting them tight would be the better option...they make a special webbing stretching tool for this purpose. http://www.plumdoodles.com/2012/08/27/early-american-french-country-rocking-chair-makeover/ I recently re-caned some chairs using the woven cane 'sheets' here the cane is soaked first to soften and loosen it up. It is stretched in place and secure with spline strips. When the cane dries out it becomes much tighter. Using leather only may work for indoor stuff, but it too stretches quite a bit. I have recently done some project with leather as well. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/walnut-and-leather-lap-desk-1077217

Linda · Answer

Thanks for the idea! I hope to try to make covers this weekend if the fabric I ordered comes in by then.

Liz Holland · Answer

Thanks for the link, gonna be my next project!

Sll · Answer

I know this is an older post, but I was searching for how to make a cover myself for some chairs I got for free that have ripped mesh. I found this video by Sailrite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7ph2PP-tPg that has pretty clear instructions on making your own sling. Of course they are trying to sell their fabric, but it looks like you could use any regular outdoor uphosterly fabric.

How to make new sling for patio chairs?

Walnut and Leather lap desk

Suggested Project Book

Don't Throw Out Dollar Store Trays Til You See These Crazy Cool Ideas

Other

More

How to make new sling for patio chairs?

Walnut and Leather lap desk

Suggested Project Book