DIY Couch Reupholstery

Reupholstering can make an old couch look brand new and update your living space.

Reupholstering your couch can give your couch the look of a brand new piece of furniture without the cost of buying new furniture. Reupholster your couch anytime you change your living room décor or anytime you feel like having something new without paying a hefty price tag.

Things You'll Need

• Staple gun
• Heavy staples
• Hammer claw
• Thick upholstery fabric
• Couch stuffing
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine
• Pins

Instructions

Preparation

1. Examine you couch to determine where the old fabric is stapled in. This will give you an idea of how the fabric was originally upholstered so you can follow the technique with the new upholstery.

2. Measure the fabric already on your couch and use it as a guide to determine how much new fabric you will need. Include separate pieces of fabric for your seat cushions in your measurements. You will buy a little more fabric than your measurements call for in case you need more.

3. Pick a new upholstery fabric--from your local craft store--that is sturdy and thick so it won't tear easily. Many fabrics are made specifically for reupholstering furniture, and those are the best to use.

4. Remove the cushions from your couch.

Reupholstering the Couch

1. Remove all staples from your couch with a hammer claw, and peel back the old fabric to remove it from your couch.

2. Add new padding into any area that requires it to fluff up the couch and give it more of a "new-furniture" look.

3. Cut your fabric into pieces to securely cover all the surfaces. Use separate pieces of fabric to cover each arm, to go down the middle of the couch, and to cover your sofa cushions.

4. Lay your new fabric over your couch the way you wish, and pull it taut. Secure it with straight pins to keep it from sliding around.

5. Staple your new fabric to your couch. Use the previously placed staples as a guide to where to staple down your new fabric. Ensure that your fabric is pulled tight and snip off any extra fabric that hangs down past the staples in the furniture.

Replace the Cushion Fabric

1. Cut the fabric off of your couch cushions along the seams, using sharp fabric scissors.

2. Lay the fabric out flat and use its shape as a guide for the new fabric. Cut your new fabric to the exact size and shape of the old and fill it with the old cushion filling or new cotton filling, if preferred.

3. Sew the fabric together at the end with a sewing machine to completely envelop the filling. Place your new cushions on your newly redesigned couch.

References

• Penny Pinching Grandma: Re-Upholster It Made Easy
• Eco Salon: How to Reupholster Your Sofa (and Prevent Disaster)