Dr. Suess Chair "How To"


Since my post about my new "Dr. Suess" chair, I have had many inquiries on how we re-covered it. I'm sure this is not the proper way but, it's what worked for us. It was so easy that we can't wait to do it again. Maybe one for the master bedroom.



I scored this chair at a local thrift store for $30.  Here's how it looked when I brought it home...



The first thing we did was pull off the existing fabric.  Along the way, we took digital photos so that we would remember which piece went where.



We left all the batting in tact since it was still in great condition.



Each piece was used as a pattern to cut the new fabric. I found this fun zebra print at my favorite fabric store for $10/yd. This project took 5 yards.



Using a staple gun, we applied the new pieces in the opposite order that they were removed.


The last piece was the trickiest. It was the front of the arms. They were applied using a "u" shaped upholstery needle and thread (so the staples wouldn't show) The seat cushion was removed and recovered (this was the only sewing involved).

This was the first time I attempted a DIY upholstering job.  It turned out to be a pretty simple project. The total cost was $80. Thanks, Mom.

This project is linked up to:

28 comments:

  1. So pretty! Is that your house in the header? It's gorgeous if it is! I like your style girl!

    Rachelle

    Thanks for linking up!

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  2. How easy! A lot faster than sewing it all together. Jami

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  3. Wow. What a transformation! Looks divine! Thanks for coming over to Jen and Juice and commenting on my wall of maps! Have a great weekend!

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  4. Wow! Great job. It looks amazing!

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  5. Your chair looks fab! We have always being intimidated by this kind of projects, but now we might even consider it! The U shape needle...that's the piece we were missing!...now we just need one crafty mom!! LOL!!

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  6. That looks amazing!! I've been wanting to try and re cover a chair but I'm too scared!! Thanks for the tips. Maybe I will swallow my fear and give it a try. I did see some great chairs this week at the thrift store. I may need to go back :)

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  7. Wonderful makeover ... it looks like a million bucks now! Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comment. Hope you come back soon. Sandra

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  8. wow - this post is like finding a gem! I love how you all updated the chair. It looks so dramatic and fresh now :)

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  9. This looks awesome! I've been dying to attempt a re-upholstery, but I'm a little nervous, just found your blog and I'm really enjoying it!

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  10. good job, i have two miniture rocking chairs that i want to recover. I got them at a garage sale for 3 bucks. i have the fabric just need the courage!

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  11. I'm so glad I saw this! I've been contemplating doing it but everyone had pretty much talked me out of it because they said it was way more complicated than I thought it would be. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it and I just found the blog today and love it too! :)

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  12. Looks like you did a great job!

    For future reference on the front piece of the arm, cut a piece of cardboard to match the desired shape, place long tacks every three-inches, cover with batting, then fabric (and if desired the welt), then hammer the piece on the front of the arms.

    The usual method of upholstery is cover the inside of the chair first, then the out-sides, then back and then the dust cover on the bottom.

    Not that you need any advice, it looks like you did a great job.

    BTW - I love Thrift Shopping too. I have champagne taste, but poverty income. You're doing great!

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  13. I will do this with an old chair in my garage - what do I have to lose? I was planning on putting it in the yard sale. Some fabric and staples and I already have a circular needle.

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  14. I have a chair to try it too! I am scared!

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  15. Brilliant! You did an awesome job!

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  16. Suggestion... in addition to taking pictures of each piece (so many pieces to remember where they go), using a Sharpie, mark each piece before they come off (because the fabric is taut) with #'s and label their location (1 right front arm, 2 left front arm, 3 right arm, etc.) then work the numbers backward when applying the new pieces!

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  17. Thanks for your blog. It's just what I needed for a dog chewed wingback that I hate to lose. Great follow up suggestions, too.
    Thanks much!

    I plan to blog about this myself and refer readers to your blog.

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  18. Thank-you. Just waiting for the perfect chair.

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  19. Wow it looks amazing! I have s charity shop chair that I bought recently.. Was wanting to recover it in a funky fabric and you make it look so simple! I'm going to buy myself a staple gun and go for it now! Thanks for sharing!

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  20. Thank you, I have a similar chair that we got a $600 quote to recover. You've given me the nerve to try it myself!

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  21. Moving soon and was going to get rid of my couches for new ones, but they're so comfortable. I'm actually laying on it now! Haha. But they're red, I was thinking maybe a different color for our new home.You know, for a fresh start. But, I showed this to my husband and now we are both excited to do this! Now, we can keep them! You're a lifesaver! Thank you!!!!

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  22. Sooo glad to find this. My fav old chair - which I bought new 20 years ago - has been in waiting for a redo for a looooong time after my kitties used it for sharpening their claws. I do not sew so will need to recruit help with the cushion, but I am going to tackle the rest of it myself . I knew eventually I'd find the proper inspiration. Thank you!!

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  23. I know this post is quite a while ago and I have always loved your "signature" zebra chair. I had no idea what an ugly origin it had! Incredible makeover Sarah!

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