Revamp a worn-out DECKCHAIR SEAT
Give old deckchairs a new lease of life by re-covering in durable outdoor fabrics
If you have a preloved deckchair in the shed that’s seen better days, then now’s the time to give the seat a revamp so it can have its time in the sun again. Make sure to choose a hard-wearing outdoor fabric, such as cotton canvas, to ensure it withstands the elements and your efforts last for years to come.
YOU WILL NEED
Deckchair frame Sandpaper Clear varnish Canvas fabric Tape measure Fabric scissors Sewing machine Strong thread 100-110 machine needle
1 REMOVE THE FABRIC
Detach the existing canvas sling seat from the wooden frame. Either dispose of it if it’s unsalvageable or use the material for other projects.
2 PREPARE THE FRAME
Give the frame a good clean with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or dust. Once dry, lightly sand the surface to remove any varnish or rough patches. Tighten any loose screws and replace any that have rusted. Apply a coat of clear outdoor wood varnish to help weatherproof the frame. Leave to dry.
3 CUT THE FABRIC
Measure the length and width of the frame. Add a 3cm seam allowance to the width measurement. Cut canvas fabric to size using fabric scissors. If using a patterned fabric, be mindful of how the design will look on your finished deckchair.
4 SEW THE SIDE SEAMS
Fold the long edges of the fabric under by 1.5cm, then pin. Stitch the seams on both sides using a sewing machine, strong thread and a 100 or 110 size needle. Remove the pins as you go.
5 MEASURE THE CHANNELS
To work out the width of the channels your wooden dowels will slide into, measure from the top bar to the inside bar on both sides of your deckchair frame. This will be around 10cm.
6 CREATE THE CHANNELS
Fold the first short edge of your fabric over by this channel measurement. Pin in place 2.5cm from the fold to allow enough space for the wooden dowels to slide through. Repeat on the other side and sew in place.
WHY NOT PAINT THE WOODEN FRAMES IN A BRIGHT, CHEERY SHADE BEFORE RE-COVERING?
7 ATTACH TO THE FRAME
Thread the channels of your finished canvas sling into the deckchair frame. Insert the wooden dowels into the top and bottom channels to secure in place.
IDEA TO STEAL Co-ordinating outdoor cushions make great extra seating
CHECK IT OUT Similar outdoor fabric, £39.50m, Just Fabrics