Hand Woven Seats

Traditional seat weaving methods and materials are used to restore the charm and comfort of vintage chairs and rockers. From a prized antique to Grandma’s old rocker or a recently found yard sale bargain, Ted Chism's cratfsmanship will enhance the appeal and value of these special items.

Although legally blind, Ted has been weaving chair seats professionally for over twenty years.

“I began this craft later in life as my vision declined. I’ve been fascinated with chairs and seat weaving since, as a child, I watched my grandfather weave hickory bark seats in the hills of Kentucky. With my guide dog, Sparky, underfoot I thoroughly enjoy the feel and aroma of the natural materials, the challenge of replicating the work of earlier craftsmen, and the hands–on experience with so many wonderful pieces of history.”

"In case his name rings a bell, Sparky received a lot of media attention in 2003 after he was viciously attacked by a bull dog while guiding me in Clifton. I’m very happy to report he is fully recovered and continues his superb guide work."

“Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of replacing many hand caned seats in 1800s era Victorian chairs, natural cattail rush seats in 1700-1800s country Chippendale and Shaker chairs, Danish cord and fiber rush seats in post WWII chairs, as well as splint and wide cane seats in chairs and rockers from all eras.”

Ted’s natural cattail rush seat weaving has been featured at numerous craft fairs and heritage festivals in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, including repeated appearances at Cincinnati’s popular Appalachian Festival at Old Coney Island. Articles about his work have appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer and local community papers.

Chism Chair Caning is located in Clifton, within 20 to 30 minutes of most Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky neighborhoods.

For questions about chair seat weaving, price estimates, or scheduling work, please contact Ted at:

Copyright 2005-2007 by Ted Chism. All Rights Reserved.