Tie your memories to a chair

If you have a sturdy wooden chair with a removable seat stored in an attic or garage in need of seat replacement, or if you find one for a few dollars at a garage sale, here’s a fun way to put it back in use, and you won’t have to pay for recaning it. Instead, weave Dad’s and Grandfather’s old neckties around the frame of the seat.

You and your kids will be using the basic, simple weaving technique they learn at school when making paper place mats.

Before you begin weaving about 30 neckties onto the chair, you might wish to sand it, apply a base coat or two of latex paint and then paint designs on the slats and legs with acrylic paint in playful colors.

To Weave the Seat

“Place chair right side up. Make sure the old seat is removed completely. Wrap a necktie over front and rear seat support, and tie it tightly with a double knot underneath the chair. (It may be easier to tie the knot if you turn the chair upside down). Slide the tie to the left side of the chair.

“Wrap around and knot a second tie next to the first. Continue adding and knotting about 15 more neckties to completely cover the seat space.

“Weave horizontal rows with the basic over-and-under technique using the same number of additional ties. Simply weave a tie over and under the vertical ties, keeping them close together. Double knot each one tightly under the chair. When complete, your seat should be firm and comfortable.

“Trim off excess tie length under the chair.