Fiber Rush, 2 lb Coil, 4/32 to 7/32 in, Kraft Brown or White

Fiber rush is kraft paper twisted tight into a cord that looks like natural cattail rush. It is the usual material for rush seats on ladder-back chairs, country chairs and stools with four round rails, and unlike natural rush it is even from end to end.

The rush pattern wraps the cord around each rail at the corners in turn, so four triangles grow toward the middle of the seat. On a seat that is wider at the front than the back, the front corners are filled first until the opening left to weave is square.

Tips for a firm, even seat:

• Weave it dry, straight from the coil. Fiber rush does not need soaking.
• Start by tacking the end to the inside of a side rail.
• Pull every wrap tight and keep each new row snug against the last, checking with a square that the rows stay straight.
• Join new lengths with a square knot placed inside the seat, between the top and bottom layers, where it cannot be seen.
• As the seat fills, stuff the pockets between the layers with offcuts or stiff cardboard. The padding keeps the seat firm and stops it from sagging.

When the seat is done, seal it with shellac or a water-based finish. The finish helps the paper resist wear and spills.

Each coil weighs 2 lb. The 5/32 in size is about 350 ft and the 6/32 in about 280 ft; thinner rush gives more length per pound. All sizes come in kraft brown, and 6/32 in also comes in white for painted or cottage-style chairs.

To match an old seat, count the strands across 2 in of a rail and divide by two. About 8 per inch is 4/32 in, about 6 is 5/32 in, about 5 is 6/32 in and about 4 1/2 is 7/32 in. Finer rush gives a finer look and takes more rows; coarser rush covers faster and suits larger, rustic chairs.

For quantity, a 2 lb coil typically does one average seat, about 14 x 14 in. Wide or deep seats use more, so for a large chair order a second coil in the same size. For a set of chairs in 7/32 in, our 10 lb reel saves you from joining coil after coil.