If you have never done a furniture “fix-up” project, this is a great one to start with. It’s just some simple sewing.
Usually, your director’s chair will come with the seat and back pieces and you can use them as a pattern. Mine did not. I also had the challenge that the dowel rod that holds the fabric in place was missing. I’m going to share with you how I made my pieces but if you are lucky enough to have pieces from your chair, use them as your pattern.
So, that meant that I had to take some measurements to create a pattern for the chair.
First measure the back: the fabric will have to go around the “poles” so you will measure from the outside of each of the poles. Add 1 1/2 inches to this measurement…we’ll call this measurement “A” (mine is 21.5″)
You also need to measure how “tall” you’d like your back panel to be. Double this number and add 1 inch. Call this measurement “B”. (Mine is 15″).
You will cut a back piece that will measure A x B or in my case 21.5″ x 15″.
Next, you need to cut a piece of fabric for the seat. The first measurement will be determined by measuring from where one dowel rod goes to the other dowel rod and then add 6″. Call this measurement “C”. Mine is 25″. Next, measure the distance from the front of the chair to the back and add 1″. Call this measurement “D”. Mine is 17″.
Cut your fabric the size of CxD or 25″ by 17″.
You also need to determine the dowel rod size that you need. I ended up needing a dowel rod with a diameter of 5/16″. To check, just take a scrap of your fabric and wrap it around your dowel rod and slide it into your chair frame. It should be snug but not impossible to slide into position.
Next, you will need to cut your dowel rod and it should be about 1.5 inches shorter than the length of your chair frame. The photo below shows the cut dowel rod slid into position.
Now, it’s time to get out the sewing machine. Be sure to use upholstery thread and a heavier needle (I used size 14).
Now it’s time to put everything together. Slide your dowel rod into the seat “dowel rod pockets” and then slide into position. (Note: you will need slack in your fabric so do this with your seat slightly folded). Next slide your seat back into position.
Doesn’t this chair look simply smashing? I LOVE it! And I’m super pumped that I still have another 1/2 yard of this gorgeous fabric left to make something else!
Come back tonight at 9:00 pm EDT and I’ll show you what I made using my other amazing HGTV home dec fabric (Checkered Past – Berry).
Oh and check out my side bar for an amazing coupon along with information on a great sale on HGTV home dec fabric at Jo-Ann.
4 You
ista.ista.ista
I’ve been wanting some new covers for my directors chairs! Thanks so much for posting this!
Schulz Family
visiting from make it pretty monday. This is definitely very pretty
Crystelle Boutique
This turned out super nice! I really like the fabric you choose…. Is it very comfortable?
hugs x
Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Di
What a great redo, love the fabric! This directors chair has a new life.
Cyndi Farfsing
Great Idea!!! Thanks for sharing!
Heather May
That is so cute! I used to know how to sew but sadly…haven’t done it in so long! I did get the machine out the other day and your blog makes it look easy so here goes nothing! Thanks for linking up to Frugal Fit Family!
Christine
LOVE what you did with the fabric! I received the same fabric last week! I started my project this weekend.. hopefully it’s finished for next week
Thanks for partying with me last week! Can’t wait to party with you again tomorrow evening at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!
Betsy @ Romance on a dime
Looks great – very cute fabric! Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!!
The Thriftiness Miss
Wow Marilyn, this looks great! That fabric is so pretty too. I love the colors Thanks so much for sharing with us at Weekend Wonders! Hope you’re enjoying your week so far.
Jocie@TheBetterHalf
Super cute fabric, Marilyn! I got rid of my director’s chair awhile ago and wish I had kept it now!
Kay Long
Very nice! Thank you, for sharing. I’m in the process today making new covers.