How to Replace Outdoor Sling Chair Fabric with Phifertex

Here's how to replace the fabric on your worn out outdoor sling chairs so you can get the most out of your money.
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[@wvtraveler69]

Simple, easy to follow video. 1" seam at top and bottom was OK however 1"seam on either side for sling channel was tight. I took the old chair fabric apart, used it as a pattern to make new measurements and discovered that the manufacturer had allowed 1 3/4" on each side (3 1/2" total width added to measured width of fabric between the sling rails) . That done, they first made a 1/4" seam on each side and then a 2 5/8" channel. Using those measurements, sliding the spline into the sleeve was easy and inserting it inside the metal channel was also easy.

[@tenad9407]

How do I know what size spline to use? Take the chair apart and look? Thx

[@spankymcduff9683]

@@tenad9407 Amazon sells the sling chair spline..its 1/4 inch as per their description.

[@adriennecarlson5857]

That's amazing. So good to restore furniture instead of sending it to landfill. Great to preserve the earth's resources.

[@tatyknight888]

My very thought!

[@CS-bn4un]

My husband had rescued some chairs like this from someone's trash! One finally split, and we decided to search for options for replacing the fabric or another way to do the seating, before trashing it. THANK YOU for a simple, clear, straight forward video!

[@TomTom9606]

First I bought the fabric precut, presown. Next borrowed your idea on vaseline for a lubricant. I would suggest mounting the chair rail onto the edge of a 6" wide board. And using a bench vise to secure the rail and help get the fabric and spline thru the channel on the rail. Use lots of vaseline.

[@WillN2Go1]

I'm interested in this fabric for replacing mesh seats on my office chair. I've used heavy duty 'pet grade' window screen. Works pretty good. About sliding and Vaseline. Good to know, but maybe not for this project, is Windex or ammonia. These are Basic (the opposite of acidic), hand soap is also basic. Bases are slippery when wet, ammonia and Windex are very slippery wet, but when they dry they are no longer slippery. They work great for sliding something against something else, that once together you no longer want it to slide.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Great tip!

[@christiedecker2724]

I found a chair free for the taking on the side of the road, but the fabric is rotted out in the center, Now I know how to repair it! Thank you so very much. I am so grateful!!!

[@onlinefabricstore]

That's great! Good luck!

[@terrikhan383]

I looked up the cost of the fabric and the least expensive I found was $14.95 a yard. Home Depot sells the chairs for 17.99 so for me I don't find it cost effective and worth the work to replace it. It is a great idea and a good video well explained.

[@terriochs3545]

sounds good. I wonder if my Home Depot has these chairs.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

Plus keeps those Chinese 12 yo busy🙁

[@jeffintampa3634]

If your chairs are the stack-able type like those at Home Depot I would agree. Where this becomes interesting is if the chairs are part of a set and are a bit fancier. Our set has two swivel chairs and 4 armchairs, one of which has already torn. We found several models that would replace them (in terms of color if not exactly the same style), and the six chairs would cost between $450-$570. I plan to repair the one torn chair to see if the process is as easy as it appears.

[@katycodella817]

I have this same setup on my glider. It is easily $125-$200 to replace the chair, so this was far more cost effective.

[@kimphillips654]

She makes a tough job look easy but I can tell I would have an impossible job doing it. Plus it looks like a lot of work with added sewing which I can’t do with no machine. We will just get the pros to do it. 👍

[@lucindawilliamsprayerwarri6968]

I have a patio set with those chairs. I was going to spray paint the whole thing. Thank you for showing me how to recover my chairs. Fantastic!!!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad I could help! Good luck!

[@tatyknight888]

I want to redo my patio chairs,it lasted us 21 years not its all ripped. So glad for thia video! Thank you🙏🏼

[@aliinarousu]

I was about to throw our old ones away. They accidentally got burned and holes from the fire pit. BUT I AM EXCITED 😆 this is so much more simple than I thought it would be. I can’t wait to try it. Thank you!

[@jeffintampa3634]

Great video! I would only add one thing: since you have the chair apart anyway, replace all the screws! In our 15 year old set with six chairs, four of the screws have failed, causing one or both sides of the bottom mesh panel to drop down about an inch onto the chair frame. I'll extract the broken parts with an "easy-out" (screw extractor) and replace them with stainless socket-head cap screws.

[@onlinefabricstore]

That's a great tip!

[@ronaldpettifurd5957]

@@onlinefabricstore You're a kind person. Just thought you should be reminded. Have a wonderful day.

[@janetormerod3020]

just put gif tape on screws to remove easily

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Thank you. I've been looking at my patio swing for a year. I didn't know what the fabric was called till tonight. I'm the honey and it's on the honey do list now lol.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Good luck!

[@justinpierce6841]

This is great..... I had no idea I could replace this fabric!!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yes you can! It's super easy too, so you can do it!

[@mchristopher]

I read on Phfifertex website to not use petroleum products to clean, so I’d use dish soap instead of petroleum jelly to lube the fabric. Thanks for the video

[@pinkfrankenstein]

KY Jelly or other water based lubricants are good to use instead of vaseline for putting the spline back in

[@jaymichelson5888]

What kind of needle did you use for this? The material is a blow-throw so it's permeable but tough, so did you need a special set up on your sewing machine? Thanks!

[@tati001]

Thanks for a wonderful tutorial. It was easy to follow along and easily explained. Direct and straight to the point. Thanks so much!

[@bocfat]

because you had this video I am going to order material! Thank you

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're very welcome :)

[@srigogineni5548]

Very nice tutorial. I am about to execute this project but can't figure where I can find the spline. After years of usage, I am sure it is better to replace the spline as well. Anyone found a source for this spline?

[@monicawhite5352]

Nice job! Very well done. I really appreciate the brief & oncise presentation. It's easy to see and follow all of the steps. Thank you so very much!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad it was helpful! You got this! It's easier than you would assume.

[@allabout4019]

Great tutorial. My husband and I did this; used polypropylene outdoor fabric. So hard, I could not have done this without his help. They turned out great, until I sprayed them with silicone-thinking it’d preserve the fabric. It ruined the fabric, made it sag. Guess I’ll go to Home Depot now and get them on sale before they’re sold out.

[@spankymcduff9683]

If your not going to save the material as a template, cut an inch or two from the frame full length, then slice material to the frame very two inches or so at the bend areas and the material will pull out much easier from the slot in the frame. We have three chairs to do. The newer, cheaply made chairs that are available cost about the same as the material to do our chairs but it is a shame to throw out our old ones. TKS for video.

[@cindyq52700]

We replaced the seats and backs, I sewed 4 of them I use different complimentary fabrics solid on the seat and striped on the back! Grey and Tan tones

[@dmassarone1955]

SUPER! I knew we don't throw anything away. Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@Preston-bi1vc]

Thank you, I have a set of lawn chairs manufacturer this way. They're torn can't even sit in them, when I look and see this small group I'm taking this is something only the manufacturer can do with a press. You have really appreciate KZbin, I very much I'm happy I found this channel and this young lady. The chairs have a high back, with a lumbar curve, 10 spine surgeries it's very hard to find a chair comfortable. Now, thank you very much oh, I had a selling machine to belong to my mother, gave it away to a nice, which I should not have you can't even buy a sewing machine made of All Steel. Perhaps my neighbor lady of 30 years will do the selling for me. Again thank you very much. Where do you live maybe you could do mine.

[@juliehutchens6289]

Can you use a regular sewing machine or does it need to be industrial? Thank you for the clear and informative video!

[@isaachenson9051]

What type of thread did you use? Is there a outdoor type thread?

[@katdenning6535]

I saw outdoor UV resistant thread at JoAnns.

[@davidlis6709]

I struggled like you pulling the fabric threw the channel for the first chair. I took a bar of hand soap and rubbed it on the part of the fabric that goes threw the channel. The soap lubricated the material. All the rest of the 5 chairs went very easy and did not need anything except my hands.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Great tip!

[@robinhoogewerf6712]

I have a 6 chair set with 2 foot stools so this is definitely cheaper than spending another $1,000 on a set! Thank you!

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're so welcome!

[@jdathompson]

Excellent tips… using the Vaseline and burning the tips…

[@rebeccamilo9441]

how do you get wrinkles out of the phifertex? Looks easly thanks

[@avoirdupois1]

This is an excellent tutorial, complete with supplies list.

[@onlinefabricstore]

So happy we could help!

[@How2Wrench]

Great job!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks!

[@angienichols1643]

This is GREAT! What kind of thread did you use when sewing the fabric?

[@lexwaldez]

Look for "Outdoor Living" thread. That's what I'm using.

[@lindabeck2036]

Our chairs were about 15 yrs old. Hubby gave up trying to get spleen spine thing out. Threw chair away...now I gotta get new. Didn't want to spend the money ... ugh

[@PanarchyInTheUK]

OK wow I was thinking about cutting away the old fabric and weaving a new seat and back, either with paracord or webbing tape, but now I've seen this I'm wondering if I should do it properly! Your chair looks like a child size? I have 4 adult chairs and it's a daunting thought that I'd have to do this for all of them. Plus, I don't have a sewing machine, oh dear!

[@lisahansen7134]

Thank you! Simple... to the point... easy!

[@timswain3188]

How did you make this look so easy?! I've been working for a week on 1 chair! Finally.got it put back together and the sling is so loose, Im sitting on the F-in frame! 😢

[@jfmc2581]

Did you use UV resistant thread? I had an awning made by a pro and they forgot to use UV resistant thread and it fell a part in 2 years... Thanks for the video!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yes I did, we used nylon bonded thread!

[@GrahamSalisbury1]

Does it matter which needle or thread to use on this mesh material?

[@onlinefabricstore]

You are going to want to use a larger needle and a nylon thread. That way it will sew easily and won't rot out over a few years.

[@barbaraturner8129]

Girl, you did a great job, and right on time too. I have (4) chairs to cover. Wish me LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. Thank you.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Good luck! You got this!!

[@rickdiego5]

Petroleum Jelly might damage the plastic over time. Suggest using silicone grease instead.

[@moconnell663]

For spreading your rails apart, a caulk gun and some scraps of wood seems to work too.

[@kerieray]

It appears that on the link for supplies, you do not sell the spline? Any ideas on where to find this?

[@markorkarenhanes1354]

Amazon

[@CarrieBeckstrand]

Can I use solar screen material for this project? I have a porch swing that needs repair.

[@suzannemchenry8477]

Super video. I'm ready to tackle our patio chairs. I do not see the spline on your website. Where can the spline be purchased? Thank you!

[@markorkarenhanes1354]

Amazon

[@bback4078]

Great video! I'm hoping to tackle this on my two outdoor swivel chairs today.

[@JohnSmith-dh4gw]

I don't need to replace the sling, I just need to pull it back to it's original position. After a couple of years they seem to migrate downward. I thought I could just unbolt one side and pull it back up but it's not moving very easily. Any suggestions?

[@kellywest1032]

That chair seems so small. Is it a child's chair? Sorry if you mentioned it on the video. We are replacing the phifertex on two chairs and this tutorial really helped! Thanks!

[@onlinefabricstore]

LOL yes it is! We found it at a flea market and we thought it would be perfect for demonstrational purposes!

[@sandywjo5]

Just got new slings for 2 lounge chairs. Bottom seat parts both tight, top part on both is tight enough to use, but very subtle waving and looseness in it. Measured correct and sling top came correct size. Any way to adjust chair frames even more to tighten it more? I already added a couple thicker washers in one spot where back bars connect to back of seat and that helped maybe 30% but still not great. Is this normal to happen sometimes when doing replacements? And does moisture and sun ever tighten them more over time? Great video!

[@donnamalinski5780]

Thanks for the video! Can you please tell me if the Phifertex comes in different thickness.

[@AleXavSta]

What type of thread did you use for the sowing machine? Nylon?

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yes! We used nylon thread. You can find some here - www.onlinefabricstore.com/product-group-notions.aspx?product=thread&product_sub_group=bonded-nylon-thread

[@jacobvddoes4121]

Mine has slots where it slides in. Can you order the mesh already made?

[@sandraruble454]

Did you leave a 1” seam allowance on each side or 1/2” on each side? By the way, thanks for the video!

[@woof3598]

wonder how much some thing like this cost if you have it done

[@michael931]

Is there UV resistant thread? Otherwide it will fail again pretty fast.

[@sanmcc55]

I just love this home videos....so informative and fun to watch...thank you:))

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad you like them!

[@jsmonges]

Thanks! Your clear and well put together tutorial will help us save a lot of $$$ !

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome!

[@user-lw8bn7dc7i]

Can the sewing be done with just any old sewing machine?

[@callycamp1576]

Instead of petroleum jelly to lubricate for easier assembly, try a silicone spray.

[@glendalearn880]

Beware that the spline can be different widths double check the width on your chair before ordering the spline

[@user-pv8kn2fp9c]

how can a flatten out the fabric that came in a box and is all scrunched and has folds. I have it laying out flat but don't want cut it without being flat

[@mewzishun]

What is the spline material? Is it the "caning spline" on your website? Which size?

[@kevinmccalmon9577]

Great video! However, I don’t have a sewing machine. But I can easily remove and replace the fabric in my sling chairs. What would it cost to send you the dimensions and have you just send me the finished fabric?

[@Freeweightj]

This is so awesome! I’m scared to start but at least have all the tools

[@onlinefabricstore]

Good luck! You can do it!

[@pattitinsley4899]

Now, that was a great tutorial. Thank you!

[@Preston-bi1vc]

I would never have believed these chairs could be fixed on your own. When I looked at the groove I figured they were pressed in by a manufacturing plant. I have high back with lumbar support I don't want to get rid of them, time to order Fabric and whatever else she says. You have to appreciate KZbin and the people that contribute

[@ronaldpettifurd5957]

@@Preston-bi1vc For sure appreciate the community. I can't tell you how much money I've saved doing thinks myself. I've always been a pretty handy guy, but like you, I thought "no way these can be replaced", i thought wrong. So much good educational material on KZbin.

[@carabela125]

This is a great video. I have a question. Are the plastic end plugs for sale anywhere? I got a free chaise lounge with missing parts.

[@IamDaytrader]

Would be nice to find ready fit fabric not everyone has a sewing machine.

[@leebear4447]

I wonder if you could use staples instead of sewing it.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Interesting thought.. I think the material would be fine, but I would worry about the staples catching on clothes, or rusting and becoming a hazard after they are left outside for a season or two..

[@tinameschko]

Very nice job and fabric choice.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelm9621]

This was wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

[@GrahamSalisbury1]

Can I take the fabric off and just trace it on wax paper and add an each or so for seam room?

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yes!

[@donphillips9345]

Great video!! What type of thread do you recommend for this project?

[@onlinefabricstore]

I used bonded nylon thread, specifically the one here - www.onlinefabricstore.com/smoke-gray-no69-bonded-nylon-thread-.htm

[@lexwaldez]

What kind of thread do you recommend? I see that asked below but I can't find an answer.

[@lexwaldez]

AH! Outdoor Living thread... found it somewhere else. =) tyvm

[@ylianac30]

Turned out fantastic!! Hopefully this will motivate me to get mine done

[@onlinefabricstore]

You can do it!

[@dianarosner3429]

First timer here. Can you please tell me why my fabric looks warped on the chair? I wish i could send you a photo of the chair, but I don't know how to attach it in the comments wjth this email.

[@debbiehaythe102]

Thank you this was very short but clear

[@debbiehaythe102]

I am Lovesong writer

[@genecurrivan2799]

You forgot to mention we need a sewing machine..... Not sure this is do-able without one. Regardless, good vid.... Very thorough...

[@davidranlet5019]

What do we use for spline? Would they sell that at a big box fabric store?

[@katdenning6535]

I saw some at ACE hardware near me. Not sure if they’d have it at a fabric store

[@nwall2009]

got mine at a local 'tent and awning' store

[@barrazjazz]

Where would I find the spine???

[@MariahChan96]

If my fabric ends up being too long after I pull it through the chair do I have to take it out and essential start over??

[@onlinefabricstore]

Hm.. Are you using phifertex? I would say that before you do that, you should try to pull it through a little more and see if it had just stretched out too much when it was pulled through the channel. I would be concerned if it was pulled too tight through the channels that it could compromise the material at those seams.

[@iananderson8498]

Nice video. However, the job is must harder if the chair frame is 100% welded, with no bolts or screws.

[@susanstrafface1275]

Can I use a watertubing

[@sweetie21186]

What kind of thread did you use? What kind of needle needs to be on the sewing machine?

[@avemariagetsinger2237]

This is exactly what I wanted to know also. I hope she answers.

[@joannefleet5546]

I used a size 16 jean needle and extra heave thread

[@onlinefabricstore]

I used #9 bonded nylon thread. you can find it here - www.onlinefabricstore.net/smoke-gray-no69-bonded-nylon-thread-.htm

[@dennisgalante6942]

Ok, so you give the fabric store as a source. So I tried to search the fabric with no luck Do you think you can supply the type of material? Thanks

[@onlinefabricstore]

Here is the fabric that I used! www.onlinefabricstore.net/phifertex-jacquard-plus-sumba-mocha-fabric-.htm

[@shantel4676]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you!!! I Knew you could replace the fabric, somehow 👍🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽👏🏽💖🫶🏽

[@deniselebeau9874]

I thought the same thing.....great job bot easier to buy a new one and actually more cost effective. You did a great job but that is not an easy fix. I might have just painted the legs white for refresh and actually painted white stripes on blue mesh for a new look. The chair was in good shape from the beginning. Nice job though.

[@CC-tv6vk]

Thank you this is very helpful. By the way I love your shirt

[@onlinefabricstore]

Happy we could help! Best of luck with your project!

[@philphucas3663]

Thanks for the video. Where did you buy the splines? What type of fabric did you use?

[@onlinefabricstore]

This is Phifertex fabric. You can find it here - www.onlinefabricstore.net/brand-phifertex.aspx As far as the spline goes, I found some online. Unfortunately, I don't remember the source, but it was very inexpensive.

[@VuNguyen-ty4vn]

Thanks for your tutorial. Where can I buy the spline? Onlinefabricstore does not sell the spline. Thanks.

[@onlinefabricstore]

You can find some here - www.amazon.com/Vinyl-Outdoor-Spline-Replacement-Awning/dp/B01LYFW3XC

[@VuNguyen-ty4vn]

@@onlinefabricstore Thank you very much. Have a nice day.

[@loracamden5074]

Where do you get the spline?

[@freyregreg]

Excellent! Any idea where can I get that type of fabric?

[@onlinefabricstore]

You can find phifertex fabric here - www.onlinefabricstore.com/brand-phifertex.aspx

[@midgethorn4083]

What kind of sewing machine did you use?

[@joannefleet5546]

just an inexpensive home machine

[@onlinefabricstore]

We have a brother machine!

[@kushalphoenix1]

This chair was fairly easy to put together, the instructions were clear and I was about to follow along with no issues at all. It took me about 20 minutes to assemble. kzbin.infoUgkx5hPALGI87E991DRmXev8PUFJGrrRcONS I did stuff the back of the chair with a pillow so it wouldn’t be so hollow after taking all the pieces out but that’s just a personal preference. I also added a pillow for lumbar support because although this is a great chair and is comfortable, it’s not necessarily the best if you’re sitting 10+ hrs a day wfh but in all honesty for the price, I didn’t mind at all. It looks great in my space and easily adjusts the height when needed.

[@bettyescookingchannel]

Thanks.

[@helenwood3199]

Good job.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks!

[@paulinecamillo7045]

Thank you 😊

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome 😊 I am happy we could help!

[@jandjw8875]

Great video, thank you!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Glad you liked it!

[@joannefleet5546]

where do I find the spine you do not have it listed

[@onlinefabricstore]

I found this through a google search, unfortunately we do not carry this item right now. I don't remember exactly who I got the spline from, but I remember it was very cheep (less than$5 for the project)

[@anitafaraone2147]

this is easy???? can u do it for me