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How DIYers Get Extra Seating Without Buying New Chairs

So with the holidays quickly approaching us,  its normally a time when we have a huge influx of guests, some wanted….AND you know some not so much….

Either way you need to find a place for everyone to sit. Check out last week’s Facebook Live DIY with Hometalk where we showed you how to make folding canvas stools that you can easily pull out when needed and stow away when not in use.DIY Canvas Folding Stools anyone can make.

(In case you missed the LIVE DIY: How DIYers Get Extra Seating Without Buying New Chairs with Hometalk session here it is.)

OK, So this project is the perfect beginner level woodworking project.  It was developed by two my favorite woodworkers: Ana White and Jamie Costiglio of That’s My Letter. So I started venturing more into woodworking and furniture building a little over 2 years ago.  It was something I had been wanting to do for some time but had noDIY Folding Canvas Stool clue where to start.  Then I discovered Ana White’s book “The Handbuilt Home: 34 Simple Stylish and Budget-Friendly Woodworking Projects for Every Room”  Ok to provide a little background info to many of us female woodworkers…  Ana White is like the “The Beyonce of Woodworking.”  Her execution is flawless and effortless.   Hahaha.  After reading her book, I felt like I could build anything and everything.  So I started with her miter saw cart.  From there I was hooked.  I discovered Jaime Costiglio from That’s My Letter a few years ago when I saw her in a holiday series with Ana. For the past few years she and Ana have been doing this “Handbuilt Holiday Series.”  Jaime is amazing in her own right.  She and Ana have developed a skill in which they can make the most complex builds seem simple and achievable by anyone regardless of level of skill.  So you guys be sure to check out their 2016 Handbuilt Holiday series, where they post new plans every Friday.

OK. Now here is how you make a folding canvas stool.  It’s perfect for extra seating, to take on a camping trip, or as a gift for someone special.  And It’s super affordable! Click HERE for complete plans.

Materials

  • 2 – 1×2 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 – 5/16″ dowel, 2 feet long
  • Fabric for sling (can use Canvas or an old Tshirt as fabric)
  • Bolts: 2 – 1/4″ x 2″ long
  • Nuts: 2 – 1/4″
  • Washers: 6 – 1/4″
  • 2″ Spax screws

Tools

  • A Drill
  • Hand Saw or Miter saw
  • Glue Gun
  • Aleene’s OK to Wash-It
  • Stapler
  • Iron
  • And if your fancy 😉 , a sewing machine.

1st  always when making something from plans you want to read through the plans through its entirety before beginning!  It’ll save you a lot in the long run.

So for the most part I followed the build plans as outlined. But I made a few modifications.  I cut the legs at a 45 degree angle on the miter saw.  And I extended the shorter 5/16″ wooden dowel by 1/2″ to 11.75″.

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 Tip: Drill the hole for the bolt through the legs all at once by lining up and clamping to your work table. Drill using a 1/4 drill bit.

  1. Assemble the outer frame, making sure the angles of the legs are in the same direction.
  2. Assemble the inner frame, making sure the angles of the legs are in the same direction.
  3. Using the bolts join the inner and outer frames
  4. Make the Canvas sling
  5. Attach via wooden dowels or staple to the wooden frame.

20161014_222505 - Copy   DIY Canvas Folding Stools anyone can make    20161014_222654 - Copy

When making the canvas sling you a few options. AND you don’t have to be a sewer. YAYYY!! Right! Cause Ya’ll I can’t sew.   LOL

You can create the fabric sling using fabric glue via a glue gun or Aleene’s OK to Wash-It fabric glue. OR You can simply staple the fabric to the wood frame. It is really up to you.  These stools can hold up to 200 or so lbs.  I have not tested the weight using the fabric glue.  But the sewn and stapled canvas supports a max weight of about 230lbs.

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Build a folding canvas stool
The wooden dowels should sit against the wooden frame

Build a folding canvas stool

DIY Canvas Folding Stools anyone can make.   IMG_3959JPG  Build a folding canvas stool    Build a folding canvas stool

Now need help making the sling ? Jaime has a fantastic written tutorial. For a video tutorial, check out my friend and fellow ToolBox Divas, Jennifer of Cowlick Studio‘s step by step video guide.

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