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Shaker Tape Weaving Instructions

Shaker tape is heavy-duty 100% canvas tape made specifically for chair weaving because it does not dry out and break. The tape makes weaving quick and easy and makes a comfortable seat. Shaker tape comes in many colors and a popular design is the checkerboard design, in which you weave together two colors to achieve the desired design. To determine the yardage of tape needed for a chair using ½-inch tape, multiply the width by the length of your desired woven chair, and divide the total by 9.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Chair frame
  • Clamp
  • Upholstery needles
  • Heavy thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp one end of the Shaker tape roll to the back left side of the chair frame. Bring the back of the tape under the rung to the front of the chair seat frame. Position the tape so that it is even with the back rung.

    • 2

      Bring the tape over the front rung, across the seat and under the back rung. Bring the tape back to the front of the frame. Keep going back and forth until half of the back has been woven. Keep the tape taut but not too tight. Slide a pre-cut foam cushion between the top and bottom portion of the tape.

    • 3

      Continue to wrap the tape in the same manner until you reach the right side. Adjust the tape so that the back rung is fully covered. Sew the second color to the end of the first color with a 1-inch overlap. Bring the tape under and around the right corner to begin weaving.

    • 4

      Weave the tape in an over-one, under-one, over-one, under-one pattern until you reach the other side. Pull the entire length of tape through the weave. Push the tape as far back as it will go.

    • 5

      Turn the chair upside-down and weave the under weave back across the chair to complete the first row of the weave.

    • 6

      Set the chair upright and weave the top second row. Again, turn the chair over and weave the bottom. When the second row is complete, push it as close to the first row as it will go. Continue this top and bottom Shaker tape weave across the chair seat.

    • 7

      Fold the loose ends and tuck them under the weave. Stitch them down.