How to Reupholster a Sofa

Reupholstering your sofa is a great investment that will improve the appearance and longevity of your sofa. You can reupholster a sofa as often as you desire, matching different themes, color schemes and styles. A sofa is usually the main focal point of a living room, so make sure you spend quality time reupholstering it for a professional and classic look.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Desired fabric
• Marker
• Staple or nail gun
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

1. Choose the fabric with which you want to reupholster your sofa. If you have pets or small children, take a look at tougher, darker fabric that will resist stains and dirt. If you have a pet that sheds a lot, you will want to lean more toward lighter fabrics. Make sure to purchase extra fabric in case you make a mistake.

2. Measure the dimensions of the sofa, angle by angle, piece by piece. Record these measurements on paper. Slowly start to remove the current fabric from the couch, if necessary. Take note of awkward angles and how certain corners were folded with the fabric. This will make it a little easier when reupholstering with your new fabric. You can even save all the pieces of the older fabric and measure out the new pieces identically.

3. Check the sofa's padding to make sure it does not need to be replaced (no tears or nubby areas). Then, check the corners and bottom edges of the sofa to make sure nothing needs repairs.

4. Lay the reupholstering fabric out on a flat space by the sofa. Use the reference of the older fabric measurements and cutouts to cut out the new fabric. Trace the sofa's measurements onto the fabric with the marker. Use a separate piece of fabric to trace out the sofa cushions if necessary. It is smart to leave about an extra inch of fabric around the measurements to use for folding and trimming. Cut these cloth measurements out, and ensure they are straight and correct.

5. Spread the new fabric out over the sofa. Drape it over the top and sides, making the edges of the fabric even with those of the sofa's ends like a blanket. Using the nail or staple gun, secure the cloth to the frame when you have the fabric where you want it secured. Begin along the top of the back of the sofa, which needs to be the most smoothed and straight. Stretch the fabric over to the front and bottom, then secure. Next, secure the fabric at the bottom edge of the back of the sofa. Make sure to work slowly and carefully to create the least amount of bunches and holes possible in the fabric.

6. Reupholster the fabric to the sides of the sofa. Stretch the cloth to the right side and attach it in place with the nail or staple gun. Pay extra attention when you stretch the cloth to the left side of the sofa since it is the last part of the reupholstering fabric you are securing. Make sure that the fabric is fit nicely and tightly over the sofa in all corners and crevices.

7. Cut the measured cushion fabric from the reupholstering fabric, if you have cushions. Work on each cushion separately, and wrap each cushion in the fabric tightly. Sew the edges together using a sewing machine to ensure a professional and straight appearance.

8. Tuck in all sides of fabric and secure. Next, trim off all excess threads that you see hanging down.

Tips & Warnings

• Hint: If you removed fabric before beginning, try to find the marks where the last upholstery was attached, and you can attach the new fabric in the same places.

[wordster]

on 12/30/2009 Thanks for the tips. Helps me decide whether or not to try with my old sofa!!