Chair Weaving with Danish Cord: How to Make a Comfortable Woven Chair Seat

Looking to create a stylish, functional seat for your chair? Chair weaving with Danish cord is a rewarding way to add comfort, strength and timeless appeal. This method of crafting a woven chair seat is featured in Woodcraft Magazine, Issue 72, with complete plans and detailed guidance to making the entire chair in Ken Burton’s article My First Chair.

Why Choose Danish Cord Weaving?

Danish cord is a durable, flexible material that creates a strong yet lightweight seat. The laced variety, preferred by many chair makers, adds a clean, refined look. On average, each seat requires about two pounds of cord and a handful of L-shaped Danish nails.

Before you begin weaving, it’s critical to glue and finish your chair frame. Applying finish ahead of time prevents any uneven absorption once the cord is installed. Once prepped, nails are spaced roughly 1-1/8" apart along the inside of the frame to anchor the cord.

Step-by-Step Danish Cord Weaving Instructions

The weaving begins with front-to-back strands, looped tightly to maintain consistent tension. To keep the surface uniform, the cord is wrapped in groups of four, moving back and forth across the seat. As the cord runs out, splices are made using a secure knot known as a sheet bend—hidden behind the apron for a clean finish.

Once the main weave is complete, the cross weave begins using the same over-under technique in the opposite direction. Careful attention to pattern and spacing ensures a tight, professional-looking seat.

When the final strand is tied off, your woven chair seat is complete—and ready for years of everyday use. Sit back and enjoy the result of your craftsmanship with the beauty and comfort only Danish cord weaving can provide.