Woven Patio Chair

A friend of mine had some metal frames for round patio chairs. The canvas seats had fallen apart a long time ago and he was trying to think of a way to use them again. The frames were a bit rusty but still quite sturdy. At the same time, I was trying to think of something to make out of dog food bags. I purchase dog food in these 20 pound plastic, woven bags that I hate to throw away. They are quite strong and imposible to tear. This chair should not be left out in the sun for long periods because the plastic will eventually crack and weaken, I keep my colorful chair under my porch.

You will need several dog food bags The bags are made out of plastic looking strings, tightly woven together., A metal chair frame, scissors, sewing machine, thread, spray paint, sand paper, clothes pins and measuring tape.

The metal frame I used was still sturdy but it was a bit rusty so I got some sandpaper and sanded it. Then I spray painted it outdoors and allowed it to dry for a couple of hours.

Cut the bottom off of the bags. Locate the seam on the side or back of the back. cut the seam open. Open the bag and wipe the inside with a damp cloth. Cut each bag into 4" strips.

Cut the ends of the strips at a diagonal. Sew the ends together with a 1/2" seam allowance. This step distributes the bulk better when folding.

Fold the strip in half lengthwise, crease with your finger. Open the plastic and fold both sides toward the center crease. Fold in half again. This hides all of the raw edges. Pin the folded strip.

Using a sewing machine, stitch the strip folded. Sew 5 or 6 strips together and leave about a foot unfolded so you can add more as you need. I wound my strip on a piece of cardboard until I was ready to weave the chair. 

Now you can place the plastic strips to the metal frame. If you are working with a round frame, don't pull the strips tight, but if it is a sqaure frame with a seat and a back, it does need to be pulled tightly. Start in the middle attaching 2 or 3 strips vertically and then 2 or 3 strips horizontally, and work your way to the edges. Use Clothes pins to hold them in place until you achieve the desired length. Hot glue the ends to the back to hold in place until you can sew each one. 

When you have the strips woven and glued in place, hand sew with strong embroidery thread or crochet string.and a large yarn needle. Go around entire frame, securing each end.