How to Build a Papasan Frame

Chair Frame

• 1

  Cut four pieces of 1 1/2-inch rattan to several inches longer than the diameter of the chair you want to make The longer you make these pieces, the deeper your chair will be. Papasan chairs are not normally wider than 60 inches. Cut three of these pieces in half.

• 2

  Calculate the circumference of the chair. The circumference of a circle is the constant pi (3.14) times the diameter. For instance, if you were making a chair that is 60 inches wide, the circumference is 60 times 3.14, or 188.4 inches. Cut another piece of 1 1/2-inch rattan to the size of the circumference.

• 3

  Soak the rattan piece equal to the circumference of the chair in water. Boiling or steaming it is better, but may not be possible due to its size. When it is pliable, bend it into a circle. Using a form makes this process easier. Use screws to hold the two ends together, and let the circle dry.

• 4

  Soak the seven shorter pieces of rattan. Attach the longest one to the circular frame with a screw and bend it so that the other end touches the other side of the rattan circle, dividing the circle exactly in half. It should bend outwards slightly; papasan frames are bowl-shaped. Attach the other six pieces at even intervals around the circle, again using screws. Bend all of them inward so that they meet in the middle of the long piece and attach them with screws. You may need to whittle down the ends somewhat with a knife.

• 5

  Wrap any end connected with a screw with rattan wrapping. This wrapping may also require soaking for best results. Wrapping the connections will both improve stability and cover any sharp edges resulting from the screws and cuts from the saw.

• 6

  Soak the long, thin piece of rattan. Nail the end to the middle of the frame, where the seven pieces of wood meet. Slowly bend it in a spiral around the outside of the frame, nailing it to the thicker pieces of rattan as you go to hold it in place. Wrap the ends with more rattan cane if desired.

Chair Stand

• 7

  Cut two pieces of 1 1/2-inch rattan. One must be slightly smaller than the other. When bent into a circle, the circumference of these pieces must be large enough to hold the chair easily. A larger circumference lends more stability to the chair.

• 8

  Soak the rattan pieces, then bend each piece into a circle in the same manner used for making the chair frame. Hold in place with screws and allow the circles to dry.

• 9

  Cut several pieces of 1 1/2-inch rattan all to the same length -- at least 1 foot but no longer than two. You need at least four pieces; more pieces will give you more stability. Use screws to hold these pieces vertically between the two circles to create a cone shape. Distribute the pieces evenly around the circle.

• 10

  Wrap any joints held with screws with more rattan cane.