Mixing genres and methods can yield wonderful results. Adding a knit sleeve to this simple wood bench adds a nice contrast of texture and materiality. I asked one of my friends to knit a simple sleeve that could be laced up around a 2x12. The result wasn’t just additive but transformative. I hope this project encourages people with core skills in knitting and sewing to explore the potential of integrating their soft creations with power tools and hard materials.

SUPPLIES:

2x12 8' Long
Available at Home Depot
An 8 foot long 2x12 makes a sturdy bench. If you want a shorter bench, you can have one of the nice Home Depot employees cut down a 2x12 to your desired size.

Iron Bench Legs
Available at the HomeMade Modern Store
This set includes four 16” high legs and screws to make your bench. The legs are handmade in the USA from raw steel. In the interest of full disclosure, we acknowledge that there may be other stores that sell slightly cheaper versions, but we like these because they're made in an ethical manner. Order a Set of Four Iron Bench Legs for $65 + Shipping & Handling

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Yarn
Available at Lion Brand Yarns
We used 4 skeins of a super bulky weight yarn with a weight category of 6. We used the “starlight” color. If anyone has any suggestions for a more eco-friendly alternative, please email me. The cover was knit as a flat piece, using a circular needle and a “seed stitch”. It was seamed together so that you could slip it on and adjust it accordingly.

Danish Oil
Available at Amazon.com
I finished the bench with a coat of Danish oil.

TOOLS:

RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill
Available at Home Depot











RYOBI Orbital Sander
Available at Home Depot











RYOBI 18 Volt Circular Saw
Available at Home Depot











Husky Box Cutter
Available at Home Depot

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Cut the 2x12
You can cut the 2x12 yourself with a RYOBI circular saw or have it cut to the desired length at Home Depot. I recommend a premium fir 2x12.



STEP 2: Carve the Edges
Husky box cutter to carve down the edges.



STEP 3: Sand the Wood
I used the RYOBI orbital sander to sand the 2x12 with 220 grit paper. If your 2x12 is nicked up you may want to start with a rougher grit first.



STEP 4: Oil the Wood
I added one coat of Danish oil to the wood.



STEP 5: Attach the Legs
I used my RYOBI cordless drill to screw the legs to the underside of the bench. 2x12s tend to be a bit warped so you may need to insert a few screws between the plate on the legs and the wood on one or two of the legs to level it.



STEP 6: Slide On Knitted Sleeve
I put the sleeve on last because I didn’t want to get it dirty while I was screwing on the legs. I loosened the lacing on the sleeve and slid it on over the legs. I then tightened and tied the lacings and tucked them under the knit part so they wouldn’t hang down and be visible.





























Good luck making your own wood and wool bench and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or ben@homemade-modern.com. For more detailed instructions, dimensioned drawings and different variations of the project, check out our soon-to-be-released book.

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