Crystal Clear

Some time ago, I picked up a chair from the garbage. It was a little ratty, but in good shape. I started to remove all the old covering some time ago (two years at least!), but stopped because I didn’t have the right tools.

I finally found a tool to help me remove all the tacks. What a difference! The cat’s paw turned hours of work into 30 minutes or so, and with little frustration, swearing, or scraped skin.

Now, after buying material and new foam (thanks mom!), the chair is ready to be assembled. Assembly is the easiest part – simply pull tight and staple!

Here is the chair ‘naked’, but ready to begin.

The next step was to do the arms. It is important the order of assembly so that all the stapled edges are covered by other pieces.

The arms were the hardest part. In order to get them tight, I had to use clamps to hold the fabric in place while I stapled. I wish I had about two more hands!

(Click on any of the small images to open a new window with a larger image)

Arms, seat, back, sides, rear, skirt. That’s the order I followed.

One trick I’ve learned is to use lots of cardboard. By cutting thin strips of cardboard and then stapling the cardboard to the fabric, it holds better and doesn’t rip the fabric when pulled, and if that is a folded edge, it provides a straight line for the fabric to follow.

It’s finally done! Not perfect in every way, but I’m happy with it. It does look clean and the rows do line up for the most part. The only sewing was to finish the edges of the bottom flaps. Everything else was a staple gun – easy peasy!

Plus I have the joy of rescuing a piece of garbage. This chair will go in our bedroom as a place to sit and be quiet or to read.

Comments(1)