This document provides instructions to give an old chair new life by covering its cushion with a shaggy fabric technique. It involves cutting fabric strips and pulling them through a mesh covering using a crochet hook. The strips are alternated in different colors and stapled underneath to complete the cushion. Other ideas mentioned include using different fabrics for unique textures and making scatter cushions if the chair isn't removable.

1. How to … give an old chair new life

2. Functional, but not very
attractive by today’s décor
standards, this old chair
needs a new lease on life.
Follow these easy steps to
give any droll seat a very
trendy shaggy look.
You’ll need a chair with a
removable cushion base which,
Depending on the state of the
chair, it may need a little repair
work, sanding and cleaning. All
this prep should be done before
applying a white base coat. This
chair has had two coats of
Plascon’s Greybear enamel,
with each application being
allowed to dry for 24 hours.
The technique for the seat is
finicky but the end result makes
the process worthwhile. You’ll
need fabric, mesh, a pair of
scissors, a crochet hook and a
staple gun.

3. STEP 1
Cut your mesh into a size
that will completely cover
the cushion, allowing for
turnover space and stretch.
I used mesh from a fabric
shop, but you can also use
the plastic, non-slip variety
from a hardware store. If
your cushion needs
plumping, remove the
existing fabric and add more
sponge.

4. STEP 2
Choose a fabric in two
colours, such as this
combination of chocolate
brown and mint, in the
same texture. Try to pick a
material that doesn’t fray
because it can be messy,
and wash it before use to
prevent shrinkage and
bleed. Cut the fabric into
strips thin enough to go
through the mesh holes.

5. STEP 3
Using a crochet hook, pull
the fabric strips through the
mesh, hooking the ends
through the hoops.
Alternate the colours and
spacing.

6. STEP 4
When you’ve covered the
mesh, pull it taut over the
cushion of the chair, fold
over the edges and, using a
staple gun, attach to the
underside. At this point you
can check for gaps, trim the
fabric and remove any
frayed edges. Place the
cushion into the chair to
complete your project.

7. OTHER IDEAS
For a more interesting
cushion, combine fabric of
different textures and
styles. Use towelling to
create a funky bathroom
chair or tulle for a girl’s
room.
If you don’t have a chair
with a removable seat, a
cushion made using the
same method will do just as
nicely, or you can make
shaggy scatter cushions.
This fabric technique can
also be used to create small
rugs and interesting table
features, such as runners
and placemats

8. GET MORE
Get more great DIY and home
decor ideas from Sanlam Reality.