The humble deckchair - a British Summer essential! We caught up with Haines customer Olenka, to find out how she recovered these stunning deck chairs using a sunny yellow canvas fabric from Haines. We also asked her all the questions a budding DIY'er would want to know about completing this project. Keep reading to find out more!
How to recover a deckchair in 6 steps:
1. Remove the old sling
Begin by sliding out the rods or dowels at each end of the old sling, freeing the fabric from the deckchair frame.
2. Cut your fabric
Using the old sling as a template (or measuring the inner frame if that’s gone missing), mark up your new fabric. Be sure to add a 3cm seam allowance on all sides, and an extra 5cm at each end for the rod pockets - adjust this based on the size of your dowels.
3. Hem the edges
Neaten the long edges by folding in 1.5cm to create a clean hem. Pin in place, then top-stitch each edge with a steady hand. A crisp, clean line here will reward you later.
4. Sew the rod pockets
At each short end, fold the extra 5cm of fabric over to form the pockets that will house your dowels. Stitch the top and bottom of each fold to form a secure tube, reinforcing with a second line of stitching for added strength.
5. Install the sling
Thread the dowels through your newly sewn pockets and slide them into the grooves of the deckchair frame. The fabric should be taut, but not drum-tight - comfort is key.
6. Admire your work
Step back, take a seat, and enjoy the fruits of your craftsmanship.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being easy), how hard was this project?
A confident 3 out of 10. If you can thread a machine and sew a straight line, you’re golden. It’s more method than mastery. If I can do it, truly anyone with basic sewing skills can.
Why did you choose that particular fabric?
The fabric found me before the project did! I spotted the cheerful yellow stripes while shopping for blind material and simply couldn’t leave it behind. It sat in the cupboard, waiting patiently for its moment. When the original slings gave out, the stripes stepped in to save the day. The heavyweight canvas was not only ideal in weight and durability, but the pattern was perfect.
Is there anything you'd do differently next time?
Absolutely - I'd consult my needle stash before diving in. I snapped one early on by using the wrong type. Canvas requires a heavy-duty needle, so do yourself a favour and equip accordingly. Lesson learned.
What's next on your DIY/home redecoration list?
Next up are a pair of antique French tub chairs, which my children have taken great delight in dismantling, arm by arm. They’re in desperate need of restoration. I’m on standby, waiting for Haines to drop the perfect 7m of upholstery fabric, and their moment will come. My eyes - like the chairs - are firmly peeled.
