How to Upholster a Couch

Upholstering a couch is a solid investment decision for the longevity, appearance and future condition of your furniture. A couch is one of the most important things to upholster, and it is easier and less expensive to do it yourself than to hire a professional.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chosen fabric Dark writing utensil Scissors Sewing machine Staple or nail gun Padding, if necessary

1. Choose what fabric you want to work with. This can be the fun part, as there are countless types, styles and colors of fabric to chose from. It best to go with darker colors, since lighter ones stain and show dirt easily. It is also good to steer clear of fabrics that need a lot of maintenance, such as satin or silk. Keep this in mind especially if you have pets or children.

2. Measure your couch from each and every angle you can to ensure the best fit and appearance for your future upholstered couch. If there is fabric already on the couch that you are replacing, remove it. Make sure that the couch's padding, corners and structure are in good shape. Also note any difficult angles you will need to pay extra attention to when upholstering. If you need to, secure new padding on the couch.

3. Spread out the new fabric on a flat space such as the floor. Use your writing utensil to trace out the measurements and shape of each couch cushion, leaving an extra inch and a half on the outskirts. Cut the cloth out. Make sure all edges are straight and thread-free.

4. Trace the measurements and shape of the structure of the couch onto the new fabric. Leave an extra inch and a half on the outskirts. Cut the cloth out. Make sure all edges are straight and thread-free.

5. Drape the fabric over the couch's structure. Use the nail or staple gun to attach the cloth to the couch's frame. Try to find the marks where the last upholster was attached on the couch, and follow the pattern. Start on the back of the couch, then stretch the fabric over to the front and bottom. Secure the fabric in place into the padding.

6. Stretch the cloth to the right side of the couch and secure it in place, folding extra cloth underneath if necessary. Next, stretch the cloth to the left side of the couch and secure in the same manner into the padding. Do this, folding extra fabric underneath, until the entire couch is covered.

7. Wrap each cushion tightly in its fabric and sew the edges together. If desired, use a sewing machine. Trim any excess threads from the cushion edges.