Expert: Mark H. Miller - 3/20/2009

Question
I have noted your answer to Caroline about elastic Webbing.
I bought 3 5/8 synthetic webbing and a stretching tool.
I will staple.  

Please tell me about the spacing between webs, and the weaving of the webbing.  The chair I am going to work on has had all the webbing removed (Leather) and I have no pattern to go on.

Answer
Hi Bob,

It is best to place them as close as possible,  leave no less than 1 inch and no more than 3 inches between the strips of webbing.

Begin by stretching the webbing strips that run from front to back, start in the center and work your way toward the two sides.

Then for the strips running from left to right start with the front strip, weave that over and under the strips running from front to back.  Continue to do that going toward the back of the chair,  but alternate - in other words if the last strip started by going over the top of the first strip start the next one by going under that same strip of webbing.

Continue with the sideway strips until you run out of room, if there is a large gap at the end don't worry about that the body weight is always toward the front.

When you are done you should have a pattern that looks like a basket weave.

I hope this helps,  good luck,  don't hesitate to contact me if you need further pointers.

Mark Miller.