This simple pattern will transform an everyday director’s chair into something special. Simply remove the fabric from the chair and follow our instructions to create your own macraweave masterpiece. If the dimensions of your director’s chair differs from the one we have used, the pattern can be easily altered and adapted to suit your chair’s measurements.
1. Starting on the left-hand rail of the chair seat and 3.5cm (13⁄8in) from the edge of the rail, mount the thirty-two 5m (161⁄2ft) lengths of 5mm (3⁄16in) cotton rope onto the rail using reverse lark’s head knots, working around the vertical poles of the chair legs.
2. Directly beneath, tie a row of eight half knots using four cords as the filler cords and two cords on each side as the working cords, making sure that the half knots are tight up against the chair seat rail.
3. Alternate cords (see Essential Terminology) and tie a row of seven half knots.
4. Continue making the alternating half knot pattern for eleven rows.
5. Drop down 8cm (31⁄8in) and tie a row of eight half knots using four cords as the filler cords and two cords on each side as the working cords. This creates negative space 1 that will be used as the warp for your weave in step 10.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4.
7. Place all cords underneath the right-hand chair seat rail and firmly tie a half hitch knot with each cord around the seat rail, working around the vertical poles of the chair legs. Now turn the chair upside down
8. Starting at one end, take two cords and tie a tight double overhand knot, making sure the knot finishes directly above a half hitch knot. Continue for the remaining cords.
9. Trim cord ends to approx. 1.5cm (5⁄8in) and push the knots up against the macramé panel so that they are as hidden as possible.
10. Using the four 2.5m (81⁄4ft) lengths of 3mm (1⁄8in) jute as your weft thread, tabby weave negative space 1 in a four over four under pattern for four rows.
11. Starting on the left-hand rail of the chair back 2.5cm (1in) above the armrest, mount the fourteen 2m (61⁄2ft) lengths of 5mm (3⁄16in) cotton rope onto the rail using reverse lark’s head knots.
12. Number the cords 1 to 28. Bring cord 1 across to loop it around the right-hand rail and tie a firm double overhand knot onto itself, ensuring there is no slack in the cord and that it is straight and level. Repeat with cords 2–28. This creates negative space 2 that will be used as the warp for your weave in steps 14–20. Trim all cord ends to 4cm (11⁄2in), pull them to the back and glue in place.
13. Turn the chair on its side so the warp cords are vertical and the reverse lark’s head knots are at the bottom.
14. Starting from the bottom and using two 5.5m (18ft) lengths of 3mm (1⁄8in) sisal as your weft thread, soumak weave through negative space 2 in a two over two under pattern for 8cm (31⁄8in).
15. Using a 2m (61⁄2ft) length of 5mm (3⁄16in) cotton rope as your weft thread, tabby weave in a one over one under pattern for 3cm (11⁄8in).
16. Using four of the 3.6m (113⁄4ft) lengths of 3mm (1⁄8in) jute as your weft thread, tabby weave in a four over four under pattern for 6.6cm (25⁄8in).
17. Using the two 7m (23ft) lengths of 5mm (3⁄16in) cotton rope as your weft thread, tabby weave in a two over two under pattern for 15cm (6in).
18. Repeat step 16.
19. Repeat step 15.
20. Using two 5.5m (18ft) lengths of 3mm (1⁄8in) sisal twine as your weft thread, soumak weave through negative space 2 in a two over two under pattern for 8cm (31⁄8in).
21. Use a weaving finishing technique to weave in cord ends at the back of the chair seat/chair back designs.
