How To Fix A Broken Rocker On A Rocking Chair

What can I say, I'm definitely a sucker for the downwardly-trodden, the misfit, the cleaved, and unwanted. And so, when someone offers me a slice, whether it'south destined for the trash or simply a puzzle for someone to fix, I take a difficult time turning them downwardly. Enter in this antique broken rocking chair. Isn't it lovely?

I mean, just look at those legs, the gorgeous walnut wood. Often, many folks error a sewing rocking chair for a child's chair because of the size. However, these smaller chairs are designed to adapt someone with needle and thread, crochet hooks, or knitting needles because information technology has no artillery. That frees upward the person to utilize their elbows without brake. It's funny considering I totally go it. I have to sit sideways in comfy chairs to get at my work. This chair makes total sense to me.

Where did I get it? Well, a married couple I know that own a thrift shop are sweet friends of mine, Ben and Ashley. They were offered by a kind donor to come take a myriad of furniture she was storing in her barn, both broken and sound. This broken rocking chair was 1 of them. Ben offered it to me because it needs more than just a cleaning.

Information technology's evidently missing the caning in the seat, but likewise has a pause in the backrest. Ugh. It's sorry when something like this happens. Not to worry, though, because information technology is repairable. Yay!

FIXIN' TIME

First, I notice that the wood is more than on the dry side – probably from sitting in the barn for who knows how long. Too, there seems to be something added to the backrest originally every bit seen below. The direction of the grain is of utmost importance in piece of furniture building, merely evidently someone knew straight off that this was weak in this spot.

So, to remedy the damage, I drill three holes the diameter of the dowel I'm using (3/viii″) in from the back connecting to the seat and upright leg.

Afterwards that, I use wood gum and insert the dowel, as well as glue the fissure. Once the dowel is in, I cut it to length and permit cure.

Next, once the dowel is in, I countersink ii ½" screws into the dowel. Why? Well, the dowel is to strengthen the wood, and the screws will add reinforced support to agree the weight of someone leaning back. Final, I insert forest plugs over the screw heads and then apply wood putty and also let that cure. After curing, I sand it downward and motility on to the next step.

My first choice to repair the seat is to build a new seat out of jute webbing like I've done in other upholstery projects. Unfortunately, I was short in my webbing stock by a few inches. Therefore, I decide to cut a slice of ply to encompass the pigsty in the seat instead. This works perfectly fine too.

COLOR & FABRIC Time

As much every bit I really dislike having to say information technology's time to pigment…it's time to pigment. While I dear to keep the wood center stage, it's not possible with all the repairs I make. With that, I decide to bring this chair a modern vibe with nod to days gone by. Additionally, you can come across the aforementioned state of affairs when I plant a cleaved settee curbside likewise.

I choose blue because of the upholstery I'm using from my stash. It'south the same blue I just used on the marble inlay table and besides on my dining ceiling. Side by side, is upholstery and batting. Everyone loves a cushy tush, so start goes on the batting.

Followed by the upholstery and trim. Isn't this the exciting part? wahoo! I used this same upholstery on an Art Deco dressing tabular array seen HERE in this past postal service.

ROCKIN' Time

At last we can see the results of my broken rocking chair makeover. Accept a look…

It'due south got a modern vibe that makes you smile and is however comfortable for using every bit a sewing rocker or any solar day rocker. Not only practice I love the size of these considering they fit in anywhere, just also the gait is soothing. And, how about that upholstery?

It's cheerful and full of soft colors, and besides has textile protection for longevity. I can see this in my sewing/craft room one mean solar day. All the same, I'thou offering information technology in my online shop as my lil' ol' self can't seem to movement from my electric current spot but yet.

It'southward funny how inanimate things can send you lot down retention lane before you tin can blink. My mother had an antique folding needlepoint rocking chair in the corner of their bedchamber. I remember sitting on it waiting for my mom to get reach for church building. Have y'all had a special rocking chair in your life?

I'd dearest to hear your stories and walk downward memory lane with you. Likewise, practice pin and share this broken rocking chair repair so that others tin can relieve their loved ane's article of furniture items too. Some times it but needs a willing spirit.

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