How to Restore a Butterfly Chair

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butterfly chair chair crystal thomas design furniture leather restore
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ReadyMade

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“I’ve been in love with the classic butterfly chair since I came across a sturdy original in the Suzy Hoodless Design Consultancy office in London. It was such a large version with a thick, dark leather hide that it worked as a sculptural piece. I’ve been on the hunt for an old frame since, with the intention of making my own beauty. And I found one at a flea market.” —Crystal Thomas

Read about Crystal's other major conversion project.

Skill Level

Moderate

Active Time

Half a day

Cost

$$

    Materials

  • Butterfly chair frame (try flea markets, eBay, and secondhand stores)
  • Spray paint
  • Fabric or 2 mm-thick leather

    Tools

  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Rags
  • Old butterfly chair slipcover
  • Brown paper
  • Pins (optional)
  • Cans of food (optional)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Industrial sewing machine and needle fit for your fabric choice
 
1

Sand the frame until smooth. Wipe the chair down to remove rust and other residue.

2

Apply two or three coats of rust-preventive paint to cover frame.

3

Determine the fabric for your refurbished chair. The most common kind for a butterfly is canvas. For a formal look, Thomas went to her local leather wholesaler and purchased a 2 mm-thick half-hide.

4

Using the old cover, trace a custom pattern for the chair on brown paper. Include a 1-inch seam allowance. Cut out pattern.

5

Lay the pattern on top of your desired fabric or material. Secure with pins or, if you’re using a heavier material as Thomas did, weigh paper down with small objects such as cans of food. Cut out the pattern with fabric scissors.

6

Sew according to your pattern. Keep in mind that a commercial sewing machine cannot handle thick material like leather, so visit your local upholsterer for help with this step if needed.

7

Put the cover onto the chair and have a seat!