These Parson Chair plans do not require any special cutting and all sewing is straight lines. Very sturdy and lightweight, but the chair is overall a compact chair.
Thank you so much to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. My mom had a rare instance where her white blood cells attacked her platelets instead of a cold virus. The condition is fully treatable, and she is doing well. Thank you so much for thinking of our family these last few days.
Just before this incident happened, actually on my day off, I built a chair. And now I finally get to blog it.
Finally, not just a Parson Chair, but one that I believe anyone can build.
I choose Amy Butler August Fields for the fabric.
And stained the bases Dark Walnut. Of course you could extend the slipcover to the floor if you would like.
And my mother-in-law sewed the slipcover from my pattern. She's better at the sewing machine, and we wanted to test just how replicate-able my pattern was. What do you think? Her seams are perfect, but the pattern fits this chair like an expensive sheath.
And the best part about the pattern? Simply tuck under, staple, and attach the wood base. All bottoms seams are completely hidden.
I did promise you this chair is easy to build. Here is just how easy.

Preparation
2 – 2x2s, 8′ long
1 – 2×3, stud length of 8′ long
1 – 1×3
1 – 1×2
Scrap pieces of 1/4″ plywood or No Sag Springs (also called Zig-Zag or Sineous Springs) or Jute Webbing
1 – 15 1/2″ x 17 1/2″ x 2″ standard chair foam cushion (like this one)
1 yard 1/2″ thick foam batting
1 yard burlap
1 yard decorator weight fabric
5/8″ staples
1 1/4″ and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws OR 2″ and 3″ screws
2 – 2×2 @ 18 1/8″ (one end cut at 15 degrees, measurement to long point)
2 – 2×2 @ 15 3/8″ (one end cut at 15 degrees, measurement to long point)
1 – 1×2 @ 16 3/16″ (one end cut at 15 degrees, measurement to long point)
1 – 1×2 @ 14 1/2″ (Front Apron)
1 – 2×2 @ 14 1/2″ (Back Support)
1 – 2×2 @ 13″ (Back Base Support)
2 – 2×2 @ 16″ (Front Legs)
2 – 1×3 @ 14 1/2″ (Front and Back Aprons)
2 – 2×3 @ 13 1/2″ (one end cut at 15 degrees off square, measurement to short point)
2 – 2×2 @ 16 9/16″ (Both ends cut at 15 degrees, parallel to each other)
Instructions
Step 1
Chair Backs
I’m so proud of this chair design because it does not require you to cut chair back legs. But it is very very strong – passed the Ram test. Just make sure you use glue and 2″ screws to screw the 1×2 to the insides of the 2x2s as shown above. I also joined the 2x2s with pocket hole screws and a screw from the back. It is very important to create a strong joint here.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Base
Simply build the base as shown above. If you don’t have 2x3s, you can double up 1x3s. One trick if you are using pocket holes from the insides is to drill the holes as if you were using 3/4″ stock and use 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Then your front legs won’t split out. Another means of strengthening up you base is to add corner bracing by cutting 2x2s with both ends at 45 degrees (perpendicular to each other) and attaching in place. Don’t forget your glue.
Step 6
Burlap and Foam
I covered my entire base frame with burlap, stapled to the underside. Trim burlap. Then over the burlap, is spray glued the foam pieces to the seat, and then wrapped the foam over the back. Notice how the sides of the back do not have foam. Trim the foam for a nice clean chair to sew your slipcover off of.
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
Turn Corners
When you get the the mark, leave your needle in the fabric, but lift the foot. Turn piece A (the smaller front apron) 90 degrees so it matches the edge of the seat piece B. Stitch. If the ends do not meet up exactly, do not worry. All edges on the bottom can be easily hemmed.
Go back to the center seam and stitch the other side in the same manner.
Step 12
Step 13
Step 14
Step 15
Fit Back
Place the slipcover on the back and test fitting. Then pin the seat back (Piece F) to the sides and top. Start at the top and stitch downward, matching the center of the backrest with the center of the top. Turn corners to stitch sides to backrest. Fit again, letting out or taking in seams so back fits snug but not tight. See photo below.
Step 17
Step 19
Step 21
Bases
Stain or paint bases and attach to seat.
I promise, it really is that easy!
Comments
Tanjia (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:07
You know that feeling you get
You know that feeling you get when you're falling in love? That fluttery feeling in your stomach? I totally got that feeling when I was reading these plans. Seriously. I love it!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited that I could actually build these chairs. whoooooohooooooooooo!!
Anna (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:07
Oh Ana! First, I am so glad
Oh Ana! First, I am so glad that your mom is recovering. And secondly, oh man I love this chair!!! I've been scouring thrift stores with no luck for two chairs small enough for my living room. These will be perfect. I cannot wait to make a pair! Thanks again, and continued good healing vibes coming your mom's way. :)
Alexis (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:08
Your skills are crazy. And so
Your skills are crazy. And so happy your mom is doing better.
Donna (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:24
A chair!!!!! Thanks for the
A chair!!!!! Thanks for the plans...you're great!
Laura (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:39
Ana, I've been waiting to see
Ana, I've been waiting to see a chair that truly inspired and excited me on here!! (Not to say that any of the past ones didn't, but this one beats them all in my mind!) Can't wait to pick out a funky fabric and make them for my dining room!! I'm much more comfortable with a sewing machine than power tools (although I'm learning), so this looks like loads of fun!
Thanks!
Laura
Maggie (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:41
Lovely! I really like the
Lovely!
I really like the choice in fabric, but I bet it would look great in just about any color or pattern. Nicely done!
nillabeans6 (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:46
OMG! I love it! That fabric
OMG! I love it! That fabric is really pretty, too! And I am truly glad your mom is doing better.
Felicity (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:49
Beautiful chair and cover. I
Beautiful chair and cover. I may have to splurge on a new sewing machine soon - three oldies that try my patience is just getting old.
Glad to hear you mom is doing better.
Tracie (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 09:50
So glad your
So glad your back!!!!

http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2010/10/potterybarn-lantern-wanna-…Kate (not verified)
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 10:05
I'm so glad to hear your mom
I'm so glad to hear your mom is doing better, I've been thinking about her this weekend and hoping things were going well!
I can't wait to make this chair! Right now I don't have a place in my apartment that needs this chair, but it will be perfect once we (finally) find our house.