How to Reupholster a Glider Rocker

Glider rockers are common in many homes. Glider rockers do not take up a lot of space and provide a gentle rocking motion that traditional rocking chairs do not. Because they do not take up a lot of room, glider rockers are perfect for nurseries and living rooms. Most glider rockers are made from a simple wood base that is outfitted with a series of cushions and pillows. Recovering the pillows and cushions with new upholstery fabric is a great way to update an older glider rocker.

Seam ripper
Upholstery fabric
Pins
Fabric scissors
Chalk or pencil
Sewing machine
Sewing needle
Sewing thread

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the old cushion covers from the glider rocker. Use a seam ripper to undo the seams. Work carefully so you do not damage the fabric. You will be using the old fabric from the cushions on the glider rocker as a template for the new cushions.
- 2
  Lay the new glider rocker upholstery fabric face down on a table or the floor. Pin each of the old pieces of fabric to the new upholstery fabric.
- 3
  Cut the new upholstery fabric to size with a pair of fabric scissors.
- 4
  Use a piece of chalk or a pencil to mark pleats in the new fabric. Pin the pleats in place with a fabric pin.
- 5
  Pin together the pieces for each cushion or pillow. Sew the pieces together with a straight stitch, working with a 1/4-inch seam allowance on each cushion. Leave the back of each cushion open to reinsert the foam.
- 6
  Pin together the two back edges of the cushion and stitch it together by hand with a blind stitch.
- 7
  Place the finished cushions on the glider rocker.

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Chairs