Give Any Mesh Office Chair A Fresh Look With A Quick DIY

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Whether you're a remote worker or avid gamer, you know that an office chair is often essential. Among the various chairs for your home office space are commonly mesh-back models, but while they offer comfort and ergonomics, they often don't win points on style. Sometimes, their utilitarian look can detract from an otherwise stylish space. An easy DIY way to give any mesh office chair a fresh new look: Embroider a playful design onto the chair's back.

Embroidering on a chair might seem awkward, but the open weave makes the process surprisingly easy, especially for needlework fans. The mesh is similar to cross-stitch fabric, with tiny holes that are perfect for sliding in a needle along your floss or thread. Stitching whimsical designs into the backing lets you make it your own. If you ever decide you're over the design or want to change it for the season, you can just snip the stitches and remove the thread.  

This lovely way to incorporate embroidery art in your home will also let you expand your creativity throughout the home on other pieces of mesh furniture, so keep an eye out for patterns you love. You may also want to freehand it. If so, you should create a mock-up to help you visualize the completed look, taking either a picture with your phone, sketching it out, or drawing on paper. If you're in need of inspiration, try browsing online for free embroidery patterns you can download and print, as there are hundreds of designs out there. 

For this project, you'll need some good embroidery floss or thread, as well as a needle. Try getting a pack with a variety of colors to add diversity and depth to your creation. Try something like the DMC 117F25-PC36 Embroidery Popular Colors Floss Pack. The needle you use is up to you, but some users prefer tapestry needles as they aren't sharp in case you poke yourself. The mesh already features wide holes, so you won't need to press hard to get your needle through either. A good choice may be the DMC 1767-24 Tapestry Hand Needles. 

Start by taking off the back of your office chair by unscrewing it from the chair seat, then set it on the floor or desk to start. Once you thread your needle, just start weaving it in the mesh, tying it around its hole. A stem stitch is one of the best approaches here, as the technique relies on starting in the middle of the previous stitch for your next stitch.  This makes it easier to build your image as you continue embroidering, especially if working on a complicated pattern. As original poster @emilyrayna shares, you'll want to create your design on the side that doesn't rub against you when you sit. She also recommends adding a dot of glue to the embroidery knots to hide them as well as keep them secure. When you're done, you'll have the ultimate piece of cottagecore decor.