How to Upholster a Sofa in Doro Suede

Covering a couch with Doro Suede requires only basic tools.

Doro Suede is a soft and supple fabric that comes in a variety of colors and styles. You can order this fabric preinstalled on any number of items from furniture to shoes, or order it separately in bulk. Ordering fabric in bulk gives the installer an opportunity to create nearly the same piece as the commercially available version. Upholstering the sofa gives the upholsterer the option of a tightly stretched fabric or a loosely hung one to vary the appearance of the couch.

Things You'll Need

• Staple puller
• Seam ripper
• Scissors
• Doro Suede
• Tape measure
• Carpentry stapler
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Turn the sofa upside down. Remove all visible staples with a staple puller. Unscrew the old sofa legs completely and save them for after you finish the reupholstery job. Begin to remove the fabric, ripping any seams if necessary with seam rippers. Cut the old fabric when necessary using scissors. Continue to work over the couch, removing the old fabric as you go and keeping it as intact as possible. Rip all the seams.

2. Position the old fabric over the new fabric and use it to cut out a new outline of Doro Suede, adding at least an extra half yard to provide complete coverage of the furniture. Turn the couch right side up, settle the Doro Suede over the couch and tuck it into place all around the main seat of the couch, pushing it deep into each crevice. Push the carpentry stapler into the crevices and staple the Doro Suede to any wooden framework that you can feel within.

3. Stretch the suede up and over the arm rests, backrest and the front of the couch. Staple the suede wherever discreetly possible, keeping it tight and pulling it underneath the couch.

4. Flip the couch upside down and staple the suede to the bottom of the sofa, placing the staples about four inches from the edge of the sofa. Space the staples every four inches next to each other. Cut off all extra fabric with a scissors once you have securely fastened the fabric. Reinstall the sofa legs in their same positions, cutting through the fabric if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the old fabric in place if desired for a more firm installation of the new fabric, as the old fabric will support the new. Do not leave bright colored fabric on the couch if installing light suede, as it will show through.