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Weave a Danish cord seat

Danish modern chairs are woven with paper cord hooked over small L-nails under the seat rails. The cord is woven dry and pulled tight, so no soaking is needed.

Time
A day for a chair seat
Level
Beginner

What you needHow to weave a Danish cord seat with L-nails

What you need

Everything in one box

Danish Cord Seat Kit, 2 lb Laced Paper Cord with 100 L-NailsThis kit has the main materials and tools for this project.
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Materials
Laced Danish Cord, 3-Ply Paper Cord, Natural or Black, 1 or 2 lbLaced 3-ply Danish paper cord in natural tan or black, 1 lb (about 180 ft) or 2 lb (about 360 ft), for weaving Danish modern chair seats and backs.
Danish Cord L-Nails, Steel, 13/16 in, Packs of 24 or 100L-shaped 13/16 in steel nails that hold Danish cord warps on the inside of the seat rails. A typical seat uses 30 to 50; packs of 24 or 100.
Tools
Rubber Mallet for Caning and Upholstery, Mini, 8 oz or 16 ozSmall rubber-headed mallet for tapping reed spline into the groove and driving caning wedges without marking the wood. Mini, 8 oz or 16 oz.
Spring Clamps for Caning and Weaving, 3.5 in Plastic or 6 in MetalSpring clamps with padded tips hold cane, reed, cord and webbing while you weave, and small glue-ups while they set. 3.5 in plastic or 6 in metal.
Optional
Unlaced Danish Cord, 3-Ply Paper Cord, Natural, 1 or 2 lbUnlaced 3-ply Danish paper cord in natural tan, plies lying side by side for a flatter, softer weave. 1 lb (about 180 ft) or 2 lb (about 360 ft).

How it is done

  1. Note how the old seat was woven and photograph the underside before you cut it out.
  2. Pull out the old L-nails and fit new ones in the same holes.
  3. Wrap the warp front to back, hooking the cord over the nails.
  4. Weave the weft side to side, packing each row tight.
  5. Tie off under the seat and press the nails down.

Tip: Laced cord (three paper strands twisted together) is the classic round look for Danish chairs; unlaced cord lies flatter and softer.

Full guides

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