Replacing Canvas on Tubular Metal Chairs? Good Questions

Q: We have four chairs that are tubular metal with black canvas seats and backs. The canvas looks like it was sewn onto the frame. I would like to replace the canvas but I am not sure how to go about doing it. Has anyone had experience with chairs like this? It looks machine sewn but the only I can think of doing it on the frame is by hand. Thanks.

Sent by Jeanne

Editor: Does anyone have suggestions for Jeanne?

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Comments (13)

It looks simple enough to do by hand!

Machine stitch the fabric edges and loops and then hand stitch it unto teh frame taking care to use a suitable weight of yarn as it will be weight bearing.

I'd have to suggest that you take these chairs to a professional with the proper sewing machines/equipment to handle this job. Hand sewing these chairs is a recipe for disaster or a potential trip to the emergency room.

YES! I have the same exact chair and asked AT that only a few weeks ago. I actually want to redo mine in leather because the canvas seat is so uncomfortable. (I'm using it as an office chair, while I work my way up to an Aeron or similar). Does anyone know of a place that can do this in leather without it costing a fortune in NY or Astoria area?

Neither sewing by hand or using a handheld sewing machine will be strong enough to hold the weight of a person. It needs an industrial sewing machine.

Take it to a pro.

Can't you take the chairs apart and slip on the new back and seat before reassembling?

If you're going to sew this at home, I suggest making the seat and back covers as loops--long rectangles, cut slightly small, sewn together on one end, and then stretched over the frame. I've seen this done, and it looks quite nice and solves the problem of sewing on the frame. Canvas stretches easily, and by cutting it slightly small, you'll get a nice, tight fit. Or, you could insert grommets on the ends of your canvas rectangles and lace together, like a corset.

Chris M--Good call. That's exactly what a pro will do.

I can't see the legs, so I don't know if this is a good option, but World Market sells canvas designed to slip onto director's chairs with all sorts of cute designs. It might be worth checking out.

Some options can be seen here: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3621159

Chris M. is right. It wouldn't take fives minutes to unscrew the frame, less if you have a screw gun. You slip the fabric down off the legs of the chair. This is about as simple a sewing job as its gets. Use the old covers as a pattern and be sure to use upholstery or rug grade sewing thread. When I made my covers for my folding directors chair I sewed the seam over several times to make sure it was sturdy. Really, this is a very simple do it yourself job.

I forgot to add it really should be machine stiched but if your really handy with a needle and thread you can do it by hand.

I have the same chairs, but in light tan leather, I think they were from Workbench a few years back. The leather has ripped on all 4 of them. I recommend if you use leather you pick a very strong one and have it sewn professionally.

Thanks for all the comments. Upon reflection, I did not think I wanted to tackle these myself. We took them to a pro who will do all four for $240. That includes taking them apart, changing the fabric, and reassembling. My thought was that even if I could get them apart, I was only one striped bolt from chaos. We originally bought them at Workbench in the clearance center and got a good deal so it makes sense to refurbish them.