From the page: Denim deserves a second life
Idea 11
Seat or stool covering
Denim upholstery was standard on workbenches and bar stools for decades, because the fabric withstands friction and doesn't fade easily. Modern industrial design today brings this back: visible denim with thick stitching is a café and loft aesthetic. And there's simple preservation chemistry: candle wax rubbed into the fabric makes it slightly water-repellent, an old technique of field workers.
What you need
- The widest region of the jeans (the hips)
- Upholstery stapler or tacks and hammer, or strong fabric glue
- New foam or the bench's old foam, if it's still in good shape
- Screwdriver to remove the old seat
- Candle and soft cloth (optional, for waterproofing)
How to make it
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1
Remove the seat from the stool with the screwdriver, working over a table — take a photo first to remember the assembly order.
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2
Cut the denim with 8 cm extra beyond the edge of the seat, all around.
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3
Stretch the fabric firm and staple in the center of each side first, then close the intervals — stretching from the center to the edges avoids ripples, like stretching a bedsheet.
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4
At the corners, make envelope-style folds before stapling, to avoid a buildup of bulk.
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5
If you want water repellency, rub candle wax on the already stretched fabric and apply heat with a hair dryer so the wax penetrates the weave — always test on a scrap first.
Finishing touches
Sew a second layer on the seat (double denim) for heavily used stools. Keep the jeans' label in a corner, becoming the signature of the piece.
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