Introduction: Unscrew Sew Fix and Improve Old to New Look!!

Since my niece introduced me to this site,I have been addicted to this wonderful site.Believe me or not I have neglected all my other work and focusing only on Instructables.I am glad that my hubby gives me a lot of support in my projects,and also helps me with other work at home so that I have time to do my instructables.
Every new projects that is open,I want to try some thing, and even in my sleep I dream of what I am going to do next.

Recently we upgraded our living room with new carpets and curtains,and these blue chairs were looking  really awful.We have been hunting for new chairs and found some beautiful leather chairs which is costing way beyond my limit.
I was thinking of selling them,but I guess
no one is going to buy these chairs  because of the colour and the small patches in some of the chairs.Or I have to sell it for a peanut price.
Just at the correct time fix and improve contest was out. Wow !! I was taken up with this and  decided to re cushion and put it out for sale....
Choosing the material was a bit difficult. It has to be  100% cotton, economical  and my hubby should also like it..
I have time only on weekends,So we rushed to Ikea on Saturday and was happy to find some thing that we both liked.Sunday I started off with my new instructable  for fix and improve contest.

My target was to finish it on the same day,if not it will prolong until next weekend.Yes! I managed to do it on the same day with the help of my hubby.Thanks to him...
I always like to publish with lots of pictures ,so that every one can understand looking at the pictures alone.

Step 1: Requirements

Material of your choice - 2Meters 30 cm
Thread to match
Scissors
Top pins
Tape (in case you need)
Pencil/Marker
Paper
Sewing machine (not included in the Picture)
Screw driver (forgot to include)
Stapler
Loads  of staple pins
Pliers (not included in the picture)

Step 2: Old Dining Table Chairs

Step 3: Removing

Turn the chair upside down and unscrew  the four nails attached  on all four sides.
Once the screw nails are out the seat can be taken out.The back rest is just inserted on to the two slots on both ends.Give a tap on the back  rest  and it comes out.All six chairs are removed.

Step 4:

See the patches!  We have used this for almost 10 years.This was a gift for us when we moved to the new flat. oh!! blue  is not my colour. Any way we used it for such a long time .Now it is high time to get new ones.
Now get the staples out from the back of the seat. My hubby helped me to remove the staples one by one  carefully, as the lining was very thin and there are chances of the lining getting damaged.

Step 5: Cutting

Since I am good in sewing I don't need to measure and mark before cutting the material.I can do it off hand,so I laid the material on the carpet wrong side facing upwards.I did not want to remove the old blue cover as the work will be too much.So I cleaned up the old seat and placed  the seat  on the material wrong side facing upwards.
I was a bit disappointed  with my hubby for not taking a full photo.I realized it only when I was uploading the pictures.Too late as every thing is fixed already .Any way you could see half of it.
I left around 2inches on all for sides for stapling and cut the material around.


Step 6: Stapling

I couldn't do much of stapling because it was  a bit  hard to press.I don't have that amount of energy.My hubby also helped me to  do the stapling.First we  did side A and then had to pull the material up tight and staple side B.Then again pull on side C to staple.Finally  pull the material on side D and staple to complete the seat. If the material is not pulled it will be not be even on the right side.This method will make the material on top of the seat smooth and taught.
Next step is to turn the seat on the wrong side and staple the lining carefully.This gives a good finish even though it is on the wrong side.

Step 7: All Six Seats Are Ready!!

I managed to take the lines the same way on all six seats.

Step 8: Back Rest

Ha! no spots or patches on the resting piece.I cleaned it up and placed it on a piece of paper.
I marked it a round with a felt pen.Then cut along the marked line  on the block.
Fold  the material in to two,the wrong side facing out ,place the paper block  and pin it. Then  cut out the material leaving about 1-1 1/2 inches on all sides for sewing allowances.
Sew on  all three sides marked A B &C
Turn inside out and slip in the piece,and  again pull the sewn cover very well,so that there are no gathers and it gives an even finish..Now  hand sew the open side.Cut the excess material away.Leave only  1/4 inches
If I had to take the stripes in an order as a design on all 6 pieces  I need too much of material.

Step 9: All Six Back Rest Completed

Step 10: Assembling the Back Rest

Pic 1 : This is where the curvy side of the back rest has to be inserted. Looking at the rest of the pictures you can follow up as how it is assembled. First I inserted the top piece  and then the bottom piece on to the chair .Since I did not remove the old blue cover ,it was a bit too thick and my hubby had to insert it with a small pocket knife.

Step 11: Assembling the Seat

It is very easy.Just turn the chair up side down ,place the seat underneath and screw all four nails in the slot.When you do this the back rest will automatically get tightened.

Step 12: Compare the Old and New Look :)

Wow. It looks so neat and beautiful.
Compare the old and new look.

Step 13: Completed


Sharing my project with love.
Thanks for reading and please cast your votes and stars for me,if this helps you to re do your chairs.Thanks


Note:
I have posted this in the Hurriecane contest too.
I am a day care mom who is working full time,and do not have enough time for my sewing and crafting work which I love it very much.If ever I win the laser cutter I will give up my full time job or reduce it to a couple of hours(because I do a lot of craft work  with the kids and they will be dissapointed to see me no more)and start my own business at  home as I have enough and more sewing orders which I can not do it on time.Every instructable I do with the help of the laser cutter,I will definetly post it on this great site.

Fix & Improve It Contest

Participated in the
Fix & Improve It Contest

Maker Moms Contest

Participated in the
Maker Moms Contest

Hurricane Lasers Contest

Participated in the
Hurricane Lasers Contest