Woven Patio Chair

by katvanlew

39K43027

Intro: 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.

STEP 1: Supplies Needed

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.

STEP 2: Preparing the Frame

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.

STEP 3: Cutting Up the Bags

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.

STEP 4: Sewing the Strips Together

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.

STEP 5: Folding and Pinning the Strips

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.

STEP 6: Sewing the Plastic 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. 

STEP 7: Attaching the Strips to the Frame

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. 

STEP 8: Hand Sewing Plastic Strips in Place

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.

28 Comments

Two Paddles Design 8 years ago

This is beautiful, makes me wish we had a dog so we would have dog food bags to recycle!

Lavoz24 8 years ago

Ha! Now I know what to do next time a bamboo stool chair crosses my path. I always see woven seat chairs for sale or free and I leave them because it's costly to repair it but NOW I know what to do!

You should take a look at Kipkay.com, he made a 4th of July hammock out of red,white and blue duct tape and two dowels.

ktml13 8 years ago

super idea...wonder if the bags can be spray painted...will try it and lyk

artlife 10 years ago

This is excellent! I have the same chair frames and I need to re-do them. I have started saving dog food bags. Thanks.

BriannaRenee 10 years ago

I cannot believe how awesome and creative this is!

gelykn 10 years ago

I have recycled the large bird seed bags of the same material and used them for making tote bags with handles. Can also use them for replacing directors chair material. I am going to try this one too. Many possibilities. Thanks

FALCON4EVR 10 years ago

I got a chair from a friend and the bottom had broken out. Now I can make a yellow one out of cat litter bags! The Tidy Cats litter bags are made of the woven material. This should be fun!

Arghus 10 years ago

i would think they will tear in time especially where you used to saw machine

onemoroni1 10 years ago

Nice project and use of materials especially the low cost.

PlumberB 10 years ago

Funny, I spent time working at a prison some years back. Inmates would weave amazing things from potato chip bags - which were plentiful. Hotpads, baby shoes, boxing gloves, window shades. What crafty little felons! Your idea reminded of that. I like it!

Ninzerbean 10 years ago

Fantastic idea, thanks for sharing.

sparkleponytx 10 years ago

I love this idea! I'm going to Pinterest it.

katvanlew 10 years ago

Thanks, it was quite time consumeing but so glad I made it!

thepelton 10 years ago

Neat! I saw some women's handbags woven out of disposable commercial bag containers. Another thing that would work is inner tube strips.

katvanlew 10 years ago

I have made a tote bag out of these but didn't fold the strips, just cut them into 1" wide strips. I am not aware of any place to get mass quantities of old bicycle innertubes in my area but that is a great idea!
More Comments