How to Rush a Chair

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Rushing a chair is one of the traditional methods of creating a seat for a chair with rails around the perimeter. Materials for rushing include twisted cattail leaves or even twisted strands of paper. The strands of rush are stretched across the seat and looped around the rails, moving in a counterclockwise direction, to fill in the seat. Pieces of corrugated cardboard are used for additional padding. Below, you will find information on how to rush a chair in this manner.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-1.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Do not to mar the frame of the chair. [1]
    • Remove any tacks with pliers.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-2.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The rush comes in a coil of 100 feet (30.48 meters) or more.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-3.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-4.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tack it to the inside left rail near the front leg (or slightly behind the last tack if you followed the tip for filling in a gap on a trapezoid-shaped seat). [2]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-5.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [3]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-6.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [4]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-7.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-8.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Loop it around the back rail and then around the right rail so it is tight against the back right leg.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-9.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-10.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Bring it to the front rail and continue the sequence, moving counterclockwise around the seat, until you reach the end of the piece of rush. [5]
    • Knock the rushes tight against each other with a wooden block and hammer.
    • Install temporary tacks through the last rush on all sides to help prevent them from slipping.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-11.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The knot should be positioned under the seat so it is not visible.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-12.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Place a temporary tack holding the end of the last piece of rush.
    • Cut pieces of cardboard into 4 triangles that are nearly as long as the side rails.
    • Cut off the top corner of each triangle.
    • Slip the side corners of each triangle into the woven rush near each leg.
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-13.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Remove the temporary tack, tie on another piece of rush and continue in the same counterclockwise fashion over the cardboard until you completely cover the side rails with rush.
  14. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-14.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Place a temporary tack on the side rail and then thread the end of the rush up through the center opening of the seat. The temporary tack holds the woven part in place while you finish the seat.
    • Pass the rush over the front rail, up through the center opening, over the back rail and up through the opening again. Repeat this figure-8 pattern until the front and back rails are filled in.
  15. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Rush-a-Chair-Step-15.jpg\/aid704279-v4-728px-Rush-a-Chair-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    16. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can I do with rush that is broken?
    Community Answer
    Throw it away.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 7
  • Question
    My chair has armrests. I took out the screws, but the arms are loose. Should I thread the rush through the small opening, then put the screw back in the armrest?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure you screw the arm back on properly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Where can I buy a rush chair?
    Community Answer
    You can buy a one time chair at Costco!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If the seat of the chair does not have right angles at the front 2 corners, you will have to fill in the gap with short, individual strands. Do this by tacking it on the inside of the left rail, wrapping each one around the front and the left rails, crossing along the front rail and then wrapping it around the right and front rail. Tack it on the inside of the right rail.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Utility knife
      • Pliers
      • Measuring tape
      • Rush
      • Pail of warm water
      • Hammer
      • Furniture tacks (Number 2 or 3)
      • Block of wood
      • Cardboard

      You Might Also Like

      How to Reupholster a Dining Room Chair
      How to
      Make a Papasan Chair Cushion
      How to
      Make a Slipcover for Your Papasan Chair Cushion
      How to
      Sew Armrest Covers for Sofas
      How to
      Make a Chair
      How to
      Build a Rocking Chair
      How to
      Upholster a Bench
      How to
      Make a Hammock Chair
      How to
      Web a Chair Seat
      How to
      Build Wooden Benches
      How to
      Reupholster a Chair
      How to
      Create Glow in the Dark Log Campfire Stools
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=YmYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PP103&lpg=PP103&dq=removing+old+rush+seat+with+a+knife&source=bl&ots=710CvvuISj&sig=ACfU3U0qDC4PTmz-9UuYEnVnB3F1BHxktg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwijz8rfm5bnAhVReXAKHUaYCVUQ6AEwFnoECAcQAQ#v=onepage&q=removing%20old%20rush%20seat%20with%20a%20knife&f=false
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQkE05DD9_Y&t=86s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHu7lc5680w
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViClfS2tBAk
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuE1ujMQZpI

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 80,316 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Ann Alexander

        Jun 22, 2018

        "I am encouraged to try to re-rush my chairs on my own now that I have this excellent guideline to follow."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement