by Jayne Clarkson

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 09, 2010

Re-upholstering furniture can be both a rewarding hobby and a easy way to save money on home interiors. Although at first glance it may seem intimidating, to re-upholster a kitchen or dining chair is much easier than it first appears . Revamping old or tired furniture can also update a room easily without having to spend an inordinate amount of money or time.

1. To begin with you will need: a chair, a pair of scissors, a tin of either gloss paint or varnish ,a paint brush,a piece of rough sand paper, a piece of fabric or oil cloth , a ruler, a pencil or tailor's chalk and a stapler or staple gun.

2. Once you have acquired every thing you need, begin to sand down the chair in circular movements.The new colour paint or varnish will sit more easily on a smooth surface. If you are short of time you can of course use an electric sander.

3. Once all of the residual varnish has been removed , either paint or re-varnish the chair with your chosen colour. It's often a good idea to choose a colour that will compare or contrast with the pattern or colour which features in the fabric you have chosen.

4. Whilst the chair is drying , take your piece of fabric pattern side down and lay on the floor or table. Any even surface will do. Then take the seat out of the chair and place on top of the fabric. If you are covering more than one chair , it is a good idea to make the pattern as near to the edge of the material as possible. This ensures the minimum of wastage.

5. Then take your pencil or tailor's chalk. Firstly, draw around the seat itself. As it is a solid shape , the seat makes a great template. Then in order to have enough fabric to cover underneath the seat and avoid gaps, draw around the shape once more, ensuring that it is 4" larger  the entire way around. Oil cloth is a gear fabric to use as it does not fray when cut. Also it is very easy to clean as it only needs a wipe with a damp cloth. Great for spills

6. Once you have made your pattern, cut around the second larger shape . Now that you have your piece of fabric, place the seat on top of it . One edge at a time, keeping the cloth as stretched as possible staple together the seat and fabric. Repeat this process for each of the four sides and fold tightly underneath at each corner.

7. Finally retrieve your dried , newly painted chair and place your re-upholstered seat back in to it. Voila , your recycled chair is finished and ready to sit in .

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