How to Sew a Slipcover for your Couch

If you have basic sewing skills, you can sew a slipcover for your couch. You don't need a pattern for this simple fitted slipcover.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric
• straight pins
• measuring tape
• thread
• sewing machine
• good sewing scissors
• fabric marking pencil

1. Before you can sew a slipcover for your couch, figure yardage needed. Divide your couch into sections. Whether your couch is curvy or tailored, you will cut all pieces in a rectangular shape. Measure for the seat portion, back portion, two arm rests and two insets for front of the arms to get your six sizes of rectangle templates.

2. 
   Measure couch.

   Remember to measure each couch section like a rectangular shape, irregardless of the actual shape of your couch. Write these measurements down and add 3" to edges of each piece to allow a generous seam allowance.

3. 
   Arm inset, cut 1 each.

   Draw a diagram on paper of the exact rectangles you are going to be cutting out WITH the extra 3". You can use either a lightweight upholstery fabric (average 54" to 60" wide) OR a couple of king size sheets due to the width of the fabric.

4. 
   Wrong side out.

   Pretreat the fabric you've chosen to sew a slipcover for your couch with a cold water wash and gentle dry cycle. Lay fabric out flat.
   
   Using your measurements, cut your 6 rectangular pieces, beginning with the back piece first. When all pieces have been cut, lay them wrong side up on the couch at their corresponding sections. With straight pins, tack each rectangle to couch to help pieces stay in place.

5. 
   Adjust slipcover arm inset.

   Begin pinning sections with right sides together; hand baste while pieces lay on couch. Use a contrasting colored embroidery thread to baste. To sew a slipcover for your couch that fits well, you need to adjust curved or angled edges as you go.

6. 
   Clip slipcover curved seams.

   Remove the basted cover from the couch. Sew all seams on the sewing machine with a basting stitch in a 1" seam allowance. Turn slipcover right side out and fit on couch.
   
   Make any adjustments to fit well. Again, turn the fabric wrong side out. Return to machine and sew a straight stitch over basting. Make a notch with scissors in the seam allowances of curved or angled areas.

7. 
   Sewing hem.

   Remove basting thread. Turn slipcover right side out and fit into position on couch. Pin up hem, hand baste hem in place, remove and machine stitch on the sewing machine. Remove hand basting stitches and you're done.
   
   Now that you've learned to sew a slipcover for your couch, you should be ready to make one for the armchair next. Good job!

Tips & Warnings

• Checking the remnant fabric section can result in substantial savings. Just make sure you purchase enough fabric. My remnant upholstery fabric was a closeout at an unbelievable $1.36 per yard. Now I have a real cheap seat. :)
• When I purchase my slipcover fabric, I usually buy 2 additional yards in case of any "accidents". If I have leftover fabric, I can sew throw pillows.
• If you've never done this before, note that most people use muslin first to make a fitted pattern, then they will cut the upholstery fabric. I find it's an uncessary step. I use the Trading Spaces method. :)
• Always baste stitches first. If you need to make adjustments, it's an easy fix.
• If you feel your slipcover is a little loose, you can tidy it up easily and help it to stay in place. Cut a piece of wood dowel or narrow pvc pipe the length of the sides or the back. Shove this piece down between the seat portion and the back portion OVER the slipcover OR shove in the space between the arm rests and the seat portion. Makes a big difference.

[shabbie]

on 11/10/2009 Excellent detail here, I'm so impressed, but I still cannot sew, when buttons fall off, new clothes! Thanks for this great article.

[suzyhomeeconomy]

on 11/4/2009 Thanks, I need to do this. The store-bought ones won't fit my oddly-shaped couch arms. 5*

[askapeach]

on 10/12/2009 You did an excellent job of explaining how to make a slipcover for a couch. Great use of photos with clear directions!

[eac913]

on 10/3/2009 Good advice. My mother has been wanting to do this for years. This may be easy enough to try.

[Upon-Request]

on 9/22/2009 Great step-by-step instructions! Almost makes me want to dust off the ol' sewing machine :)