December 06, 2010

rocker {redo}

I found this set on KSL (like craigslist in Utah) for $20. I needed one for the nursery, but was pretty particular on the color scheme and couldn't find anything for less than $200 in the colors I needed. So I thought I'd brave the magical world of recovering. This was my first attempt ever at recovering furniture so I thought I'd start out with something VERY simple. Well at least I thought it would be. (Notice the oreo's? Yea, I blame my weight gain on 'the baby'. RIGHT.)
A little scary...

So to begin I took the pads off the frame. They were velcroed on back so it wasn't a big deal. I seam ripped the bottom pad at the back edge, and then took our the original foam. I bought a role of 2" thick foam at hobby lobby with a coupon for 40% off, so I think it ended up being around $16. I traced the original foam onto the new roll and then cut it out.
I flipped the original cover inside out and then allowed for about a 1/2 inch seam around the edges, just kind of eye balling it. The suede I found at Joanns on clearance for $7 a yard. I think I used 2 or 2 1/2 yards. Every time I type yard, it comes out yeard. Then I have to backspace. Seriously.

I put right sides together and then just sewed the bottom piece leaving the back open. I put both pads back in, to give more padding and because I allowed a larger seam.
I then pulled the back tight and pinned it. I folded two ribbon pieces and pinned them where I wanted them to tie onto the frame on the back.  Then I machine stitched. Yea, I know it looks pretty ghetto, but it's my first time. And it's in the back.
I did the same for the top piece. Stitched right sides together, but only put the new pad in. Then machine stitched the bottom. I marked where I wanted the ribbon in the back and then hand stitched it on. To make the pad look 'puffy', seriously I don't even know what the term is, I just hand stitched front to back a bunch of times, pulling it tight each time until it gathered. I used a thicker thread so it wouldn't break, because you have to go through the pad. I also noticed I usually have a bunch of junk in the background of my photos, yeesh. I'll get to that.
And she's done! The whole project including paint and materials to recover was about $55. Huzzah. I painted the frame white after sanding, and let it dry before replacing the pads. The corners of the bottom piece I also hand stitched a little stitch so they were tight against the curve. I have still to complete the ottoman... another post for another day. :) Let me know what you think or if you have questions! (Sorry for the lack of step pictures)

9 comments:

  1. Hi Camilla

    Hey, well done!! Came up looking awesome.

    Love the colour you chose for the fabric.

    Michelle :-)

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  2. I think this turned out pretty awesome and now you have me considering re-upholstering my own glider! I have it in my kids' room and the color of it's fabric just doesn't really "fit".

    Hmmm... But seriously, nice work!! :)

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  3. SWEET!!!! I have that exact rocker!! and mine looks way worse than that. Thanks for the idea and the "umpf" to get it re-done.

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  4. Would you believe me if I told you I have a glider and ottoman sitting in my garage, waiting until Christmas is over, so they can be my first reupholstery job?? They're even tan. Yup. Scary.

    Aloha!

    Charlie

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  5. I have a question....when you painted the frame, did you spray paint white or paint with a brush? Thanks!

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  6. Did you spray paint your chair or paint with a brush? Thanks :)

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  7. I actually did both! The frame for the chair I brush painted, but the ottoman was just spray pain to save time. :)

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  8. A bit late coming across this, but wanted to say THANK YOU for this post! I have the exact glider/rocker in our entry way and I've always HATED the fabric...it's a country blue with little mauve flowers...very dated looking. I'd been toying with the idea of recovering it, but was intimidated...after seeing your attempt, I think I'm just going to go for it!

    Thanks again!!

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