Several years ago, we bought an outdoor chaise lounger when we found one cheap at the end of the summer. After sitting outside for several years, it got a tear in the fabric. We were able to live with it like that for nearly an entire summer just by being careful, but the rip kept getting bigger and bigger. When we moved to Oregon, we decided it was time to do a repair. Being the seamstress that I am, I decided to sew it. But the fabric was brittle and we still had to be very careful with it (ie, SOMEHOW keep the toddler from using it as a trampoline!). The repair lasted the summer, though, so I was happy. But over the winter, the repair failed.

As the weather warmed up this spring, and we desired to sit out on our back deck more, we needed to do something with that chaise lounge. Replacing it was out of the question. The prices they charge at even the discount stores are astronomical. Besides that, we try not to waste things that can be recycled, reused, or repaired. And this qualified as something that could be repaired. Or at least fixed to a point that it is usable again without fear that the bottom is going to fall out on you at any moment.

So, I had the great idea to use twine to do the repair. Since the ripped area is at the foot of the lounger, not a lot of weight with be put on it, generally. And I wanted to do the repair as quickly and cheaply as possible. This package of 100 feet of line was less than $4. I tied it off and started wrapping around the whole bottom half of the lounger.

I was surprised at how far 100 feet of rope didn’t go. I had to space out the wraps more than I thought I was going to have to. But, it worked out.

Once I had it all wrapped, I took up any slack in the line. By doing this three times, I was able to tighten it up quite tight and gained enough length at the end to go around a couple more times.

I eventually got everything all tight and spaced out and I tied the end off. All that was left was to put on the cushions (yes, two!) and give it a test.

I’ve used it quite a few times in the last week, and I have to say that it works quite well. 

What do you think of my cheap fix?

Maridy

“I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121