I bought this adorable Early American rocking chair about five years ago at a flea market with the intention of immediately redoing it. I loved its size, shape, and potential. I paid only $20.00 for the chair and knew I could redo it for far less than purchasing a new rocker. However, time slipped by while the little rocker remained as it was, missing cushions and needing loads of work. Finally, I was able to “get around tuit” and make my little rocker the star of the room!
I knew the chair had good bones, but I still examined it carefully, making sure that it was solid and needed no mechanical repair. I tightened up bolts and screws and replaced the webbing in the seat. I didn’t want to go through all the work of making cushions and sanding and staining wood only to have the chair fall when someone sat on it!
Next, I chose the stain I wanted. Since the walls in my house are fairly light, I wanted something that would be a stark contrast. I chose a Minwax dark walnut stain with the plan to allow the stain to soak in deeply for strong, rich color.
Turning to the cushions, I measured the seat and back, then went to a local fabric store that was going out of business. I was able to purchase a large piece of four-inch foam for the cushions for only $16.00. This was the most expensive part of the whole process. I cut the single piece of foam I had taken into two smaller pieces using a serrated knife according to the measurements I had taken. The seat cushion was slightly larger than the back cushion, which would sit on top of the seat.
Although I didn't choose to, you can add extra cushiness to your cushions simply by adding a layer of batting to the foam. Just don’t forget to compensate for the extra depth this creates by adjusting your measurements when you cut out your fabric pieces.
I purchased two yards each (at $3.69 a yard) of two different but coordinating fabrics in simple cotton because I knew this chair would ultimately end up in a bedroom. I also have cats that would probably get more use out of the chair than I would, so washability was a must. Regardless, the rocker would see light use, and an easy-to-sew, easy-to-care-for fabric would be fine. (If you are going to use a chair in an area where it will see a lot of use, consider purchasing a heavier, stronger fabric.) I also purchased two packages of 30-inch Soft Sew On Velcro to use in place of zippers on the cushions. I’m not great with putting zippers in anything, and the Velcro was a cinch. It was relatively inexpensive also at $2.67 a package.
Finally, I got down to the actual re-do. I took the rocker outside and, with my son’s help, sanded every inch of it with a small power sander. The spindles, however, required hand sanding and were a bit time-intensive. After sanding, I wiped off all the sanding dust with a damp cloth.
But, eventually, the chair was ready for staining. Since I wanted it very dark, I didn’t put the stain on, let it sit, and then rub off the excess. I “painted” the stain on and left it to soak in and dry. However, I was careful to apply the stain following the grain of the wood. I immediately smoothed the wet stain by slowly gliding the brush along the wood grain.
If you decide that you’d like a little more shine to your wood surfaces, you can purchase stain that stains, protects, and adds shine all in one step. You can also add the shine later by applying a couple of coats of clear polyurethane. I plan to do this later with Minwax Wipe On Poly. It should be easy to use, and the label says it dries quickly, which is exactly what I need.
While the stain was drying, I cut out my fabric one half inch larger (for seam allowance) all the way around than the actual foam measurements. For each cushion, I cut out one large piece of each of the two fabrics for the front and back of the cushion because I wanted the cushions to be reversible, yet give a different but coordinated look whenever I wanted.
I also cut three long lengths for three sides of each cushion according to the measurements I had taken. This is called the welt. For each cushion, I had one wide strip for the front and one for each of the sides.
The final side was a little trickier since I wanted to use Velcro to make the cover removable. Rather than cutting one solid piece for that side, I cut two pieces ¾ the depth of the cushion, plus seam allowance. On each of these pieces, I folded down a one-inch “hem” and pinned one side of a Velcro length on the right side of one hem and the wrong side of the other (so you can put the Velcro together and see only the right sides of both pieces). I stitched the Velcro on with the sewing machine using two lines of stitching for strength. I then put the two pieces together to make sure the Velcro lengths matched and were invisible when put together correctly. I left them together so I could use that combined piece as the fourth side.
Pinning the right sides together, I stitched all of the side strips, forming a ring. (pressing open all completed seams as I went) Then, with right sides together again, I pinned the welt to the edges of the top piece. I made sure that the corners matched exactly. Then I stitched all the way around.
Again, putting right sides together and with the Velcro opened, I pinned the combined top and welt to the bottom, then stitched all the way around. I turned the completed cover right side out through the Velcro opening and put it on the foam piece. My cover was completed! I followed the same procedure with the other cushion and placed them both in the chair.
Here is my “new” rocker. What do you think?
Time to sit back and relax. I love it!!
Sherry
Football season officially kicks off next week, and these spinach balls Jan made are the perfect game time snack! You can make these ahead of time and freeze them. Then, you can take out just a few and bake them when you want.
