How To Transform a Cane Weave Chair with Cross Stitch

One curbside find + an idea + three days of stitching = my favourite upcycled furniture project ever. This unwanted cane weave chair was given a colourful update with some simple cross stitch.

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

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There is something so satisfying about finding a discarded object, giving it some special attention and turning it into something covetable. Apart from my time, this project cost me nothing at all.

I had all the supplies left over from other projects, which is the best kind of crafting I think.

Here are more upcycle projects you may enjoy:

Here’s how I made a Cross Stitch Chair

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

1. I found this beautiful hand woven cane web chair on the side of the road, it was nice and solid but a little weathered.

2. I gave the wood a light sand with some fine sandpaper and a light coat of danish oil.

Danish oil is a lovely alternative to varnish as it conditions the wood and gives a lovely silky satin finish, as well as bringing out the woods natural colour.

3. Using some yarn I marked out the center line of the weave on both the seat and back of the chair to help me center the design.

4. The cross stitch technique was exactly the same as that used for a tapestry canvas, being conscious to keep the back of the stitching as tidy as possible.

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

Here is what the back of the stitching looks like, as you can see I haven’t used any knots to fasten the yarn, but rather let the stitching itself hold the loose ends securely.

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

Some close ups…

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

and the final reveal. Ta da!

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

Do you love it? I love it. A LOT!

Update: It’s an honor to see my work in print. This project has been featured in a new book by Rebecca Proctor, an expert on sustainable design, showcases projects from 24 international product designers with step-by-step instructions so you can create your very own piece of high-end upcycled design for your home.

cross stitch chair mypoppet.com.au

You can purchase UPCYCLE: 24 sustainable DIY projects here, or request it at your local book seller

Have you ever restored a road side find?

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