How to Make DIY Sofa Covers

DIY sofa covers can help revive an old couch.

If you are tired of looking at the same sofa that you have had for years, but it's not in your budget to purchase a new one, you can easily improvise. This improvisation is done by creating your own DIY sofa cover. You can make your own sofa cover even if you don't know how to sew. The hardest part of making your covers will probably be choosing from the vast array of fabrics that are available.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Tape
• Fabric
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Hemming tape
• Iron

Instructions

1. Use a tape measure to determine the length of your sofa. To do this, go to either end of the sofa. Place the tape measure at the base of that end. Use a small piece of tape to hold the tape measure in place. Extend the tape measure up over the arms of the sofa and across to the other side. Extend the tape measure all the way to the base that is on the other end of the sofa. Write down the length in feet and inches. Add 5 additional inches to the length.

2. Obtain the width of your sofa so you will know how much fabric is needed. To do this, go to the backside of the sofa. Place the tape measure at the base of the sofa on the backside. Use tape to hold the tape measure in place. Bring the tape measure up and over the top of the sofa, all the way down to the base of the sofa on the front side. Write down the width in feet and inches. Add 5 additional inches to the width.

3. Lay the fabric on a flat working surface. Create a 1-inch fold on each end of the fabric. Use straight pins to tack the folds in place.

4. Stitch the folds with a sewing machine to create 1-inch hems on each end of the fabric. If you don't know how to sew, you can purchase hemming tape from your fabric store. Place the hemming tape inside of the fold and apply low heat with an iron to activate the adhesive.

5. Place the sofa cover over your sofa. You do not have to remove the cushions. Instead, you can simply drape the fabric over the cushions. Be sure to tuck the cover neatly into the rear and side crevices of the sofa. However, to maintain a sleek look do not tuck the sofa cover into the crevices between the cushions.

Tips & Warnings

• If your sofa gets a lot of daily usage, consider using a woven medium-weight fabric, for greater durability.

• Choose a fabric that is machine washable for easy maintenance.

• A cotton fabric is highly durable and also easy to clean.

• If you choose a linen fabric, don't choose 100% linen. Instead try a linen and cotton blend.

References

• In Out Décor: Recreate Furniture With Slipcovers
• Hints and Things: Tips On Making Your Own Slip Covers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Slip Cover Resource: Sofa Slipcovers