One Frugal Thing — Squirrelly Outdoor Chair Cushion
by Katy on June 11, 2025 · 31 comments
I thrifted this outdoor chair at Goodwill maybe ten years ago, as it had a matching loveseat and the two pieces slotted perfectly onto the front porch. The fabric isn’t all the exciting, but it was neutral enough to be inoffensive. I love having the outdoor furniture and my husband and I enjoy having this space to hang out.
Apparently the fabric and stuffing was exciting to a neighborhood squirrel. Mind you, I’m pretty sure this happened at least two years ago and I’ve been going about my happy little life without doing anything about it ever since.
Until last night when I decided to attempt patching the torn areas, using fabric from the back of the cushion. I figured I couldn’t make it worse and the cost of the project would be $0.00.
I wasn’t worried about matching the fabric, as the back of the cushion is designed to never be seen. This replacement patch is made from a canvas tarp, stained but clean. I’m no seamstress, so I don’t have a fabric stash.
It’s kind of the same color tone?
I quickly learned that the sun bleached fabric was quick to tear and I created a few new problems as I mended the previous ones. Also, you’ll note that the fabric patches from the back are brighter than the top fabric that’s enjoyed years of sun exposure. However, I was going for a “good enough” solution, not a “behold the perfection” vibe.
Here’s the repair in the light of day. Not perfect, but also nothing to draw the eye. I figured out a solution that worked for me and will allow me to get years more service from this functional item.
There, much better!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Well done!!
Thank you!
I would be disappointed if you didn’t repair it that way, You are resourceful,
and cheap!
Love it!
I am a skilled sewer, but upholstery repair is a whole different animal, so to speak.
Impressive!
Look closer.
Still impressed 😉
Very nicely done, Katy!
A box shaped cushion like that is super easy to re-cover when the time comes. You just wrap it it in the new fabric very neatly. Turn under the raw edge and hand sew it with a short running stitch. It takes a little while to do it — two hours for me to re-cover the cushions on our old Morris chair — but you can watch tv or listen to radio or an audio book while doing it.
Ooh . . . good to know, thanks!
I actually think I might try this on my couch! The edges on the bottom cushions are worn, but I do have extra matching material!
So … What if this squirrel comes back for another snack?
If Katy needs them, the 1943 edition of The Joy of Cooking that my mother received as a wedding present has recipes for squirrel. 😀
I think my Joy of Cooking has that recipe as well!
This damage is from a year or two ago, so I think it should be okay.
Nothing better than sitting on the porch and just hanging out!
We call ourselves “a couple of yokels” when we hang on the porch.
Far better repair than I could have done. I haven’t sewn since junior high.home ec (1975-1979). Prior to that, my mom taught me some basic stuff on her machine, which was a TREDDLE! Whike I did pass sewing in school, I struggled with the electric machine. Nowadays, I have friends that sew. I barter with l them. Usually I provide a meal in exchange for their skills.
I’m sure you could have done just as well!
Melissa, I like that you and your friends barter. So great for everyone involved.
My “ex” sister-in-law (my husband’s brother divorced her years ago; she is remarried to a great guy and both my husband and I still refer to her as our SIL – she is the mother of 2 of our nephews afterall) is a beautician (has own salon) and works for H&R Block during tax season. Free haircuts and still uses her “discount wallet” from Block to help us save $ on tax prep. I cook and bake (she is a great cook, but is on the go all the time.
Looks great!
I bought a set of vintage crocheted hangers from a garage sale last week. There were a few areas where the yarn had come apart. I stitched up a handful of small spots this morning so I could list them on ebay.
I honestly think a lot of people have no idea how to mend things.
Thanks!
I know HOW to mend, I just suck at it.
Did you double check that there aren’t any nuts stashed in there? Haha.
The result is charming. I love visible repairs.
I didn’t, maybe I should have.
If, at some point, you need to redo, a fold and pin solution is another option! Depending on the chair back, a Japanese furoshiki wrap and tie is great, but there is a lump that your chair back may or may not accommodate!
I’ll keep that in mind, thanks!
Visible mending is cool. Next time, patch with a Union Jack for that 60s mod flair. Or a tiny piece of 60s flower power. Why not? Or print a vintage close up Portland map on a small piece of outdoor fabric.
Are you sure this wasn’t a FEMA event? I am on the band wagon for my one frugal thing and that is to end FEMA *NOW*. Why wait until after hurricane season? Time to show some personal responsibility and either a) pony up the money to deal with climate change and/or b) move elsewhere. Doesn’t seem to me that it is a difficult choice. I’ve read “many people” pay cash for structures in hurricane alley. I suspect soon no bank will loan a penny for a mortgage as there will be no sane P&C insurer for hurricane alley.
Makes me glad I live on a hill out in the open in PA. We do get tornadoes, but very rarely. Had an earthquake today (also rare; only 2.8 I think) in a town about 90 minutes from us.