How to Reupholster a Couch Cushion

It is not always necessary to replace a sofa when the cushion fabric becomes worn or faded. Some basic sewing skills are all that is necessary to revive tired looking furniture. The directions that follow apply to simple covers that have no welting or corded edges.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery Fabric
• Zipper, 4 inches longer than cushion width.
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Patience

Instructions

1. With correct measurements, your fabric store will be able to help you determine the yardage you need. Directions are for solid color fabrics only, unless you are making just one cushion. Print fabrics are like wallpaper. You must match the pattern on each top surface which means allowing extra fabric.
   Measure 2xlength of the cushion. Add 1xheight of the cushion. Add 1 inch to the total to allow for 1/2 inch seams. This will give you the length of the piece you need. Measure the width of the cushion. Add one inch to allow for the seams. You now have the length and width of the piece you need for each cushion. This will cover the top, bottom and the front height.

2. To cover the cushion height on the other three sides, Measure the length and subtract 2 inches. Measure the height and add 1 inch. Cut two strips this size for the left and right sides . For the back edge, measure the width and add 7 inches. Measure the height and add 2 inches. Cut one strip this size. This piece will hold the zipper.

3. To begin assembling the cover, start with the zipper piece. Cut this strip in half lengthwise. Place the two pieces right sides together. Using a 1/2 inch seam, baste edges together. Reinforce seam with a regular stitch from each end for 1 1/2 inches. Press seam allowances open. Using a zipper foot, sew in zipper, placing zipper ends 1 1/2inch from end of fabric.

4. Placing right sides together, sew one of the remaining strips to each end of the zipper piece. Press seam allowances open. You will now have one long piece that will cover the height on three sides. Remove basting stitches and open zipper.

5. Find the middle of the long edge of the zipper piece. Find the center of the short ends of the cushion cover. With right sides together, pin edges together beginning at the centers. Continue pinning pieces together matching corners. Sew all sides together in one continuous seam and your cushion is formed. Trim seam allowances and press open. Turn right side out and fit onto cushion. Close zipper and you're done.

Tips & Warnings

• Double stitch seams at corners to reinforce.

• Notch seam allowances at corners so fabric lays flat.

• If it is difficult to put cushion into cover, slip the cushion into a thin plastic bag. The cover will go on easily.

• If this is your first attempt at covering a cushion, baste all seams. Do not trim seam allowances or clip corners until you have fit the cover on the cushion inside out. Mark or pin seams where they need to be taken in or let out. Resew the seams and remove basting stitches.