How to Make Sofa Covers

Ever wish you could reupholster your old sofa but are afraid to attempt it? You can change the look of your sofa without having to actually upholster it by sewing a sofa slip cover instead. Slip covers are a great way to cover an old worn sofa, protect an antique sofa or change the look.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery-grade fabric Thread Tape measure Sewing pins Spiral upholstery pins Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Choose a fabric based on your family's needs. If you have pets or children, you may choose a more durable fabric that's easy to spot-clean, such as a microsuede or denim. Another great choice is an outdoor fabric. There are some really beautiful outdoor choices in solids, stripes and prints. The new fabrics are soft and supple but durable. They are fade resistant, water resistant and stain resistant--great choices for those with families. If you don't have kids or pets, you could choose a more plush, elegant fabric to make your sofa cover.

2. To measure, drape the fabric over the sofa and let it hang down on all sides. Use the sewing pins to hold it in place as you measure and mark how much fabric you'll need. If you don't want to have to do a lot of tucking after the cover is finished, only measure enough fabric so that it will cover the front without a lot of excess fabric.

3. Remove the fabric from the sofa, leaving the pins where you placed them. This will help guide you when you cut and sew the pieces together. Now lay the fabric on a flat surface and cut off any excess fabric from your measurements. Leave enough fabric for a 7/8-inch seam allowance on all of your pieces. Now, with the pieces right-side together, sew a seam across the inside back and arms where the back of the sofa meets the cushions. This is where you can create a more tailored look and won't have to do a lot of tucking. Sew seams down each back and front sides in the same way.

4. Hem the sofa cover with a 5/8-inch seam all around the bottom. Now put the sofa cover on the couch and adjust and tuck it into the cushions until you're satisfied with the look. Now take the spiral pins and pin the fabric to the sofa on the back outside and inside, as well as all around the bottom underneath the sofa. The pins will hold the soda cover in place and will keep it from coming off when you sit on it. Add pillows.

Tips & Warnings

• Sew matching pillows and curtain panels to add a whole new look to your room.