How to Make Sofa Cushion Slip Cover

Make a slipcover to extend the life of a sofa.

Placing a slipcover over a sofa is a method of extending the lifespan of a sofa that is beginning to show wear or does not match the room colors. Making your own slipcover is low in cost compared to purchasing a new sofa or having it reupholstered. Choose a machine washable decorator fabric in a medium weight for the slipcover. Medium-weight fabrics wear well and drape properly over sofas to create a professional look.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Decorator fabric
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the sofa from the floor front and over the back to the floor rear. Add 12 inches to the measurement for a hem and cushion tuck-in. Measure the side width from arm front to arm rear. Add 2 inches to the measurement for a hem.

2. Measure the cushion length of the sofa from arm to arm. Add 2 inches to the measurement for a hem. Measure the side length starting at the floor and over the arm to start of the seat cushion. Add 12 inches to the measurement for a hem and cushion tuck-in.

3. Cut the slipcover fabric into pieces using the measurements taken in Steps 1 and 2. There will be three fabric pieces; one for the sofa body and one for each arm.

4. Pin the arms to the body using the measurements to line up the correct placement. Drape the fabric over the sofa prior to sewing to verify that the arm placement and slipcover sizes are correct. Adjust the slipcover pieces, if needed.

5. Sew the arm pieces to the body with a 1/2-inch seam. Finish the seams by sewing the raw edge with a serger or zigzag stitch to limit fraying. The arms sewn on the slipcover create a T-shape.

6. Hem the raw edges around the slipcover by turning under the fabric 1/4 inch and then another 1/2 inch. Pin the turned hem to hold in place while sewing. Sew the hem close to the inside fold to finish.

7. Drape the T-shaped slipcover over the sofa without tucking in. Pin the front length to the side width and rear length to the side width on each side of the sofa. This will close the slipcover around the sofa.

8. Sew the pinned front and rear seams with a 1/2-inch seam and finish with a serger or zigzag stitch.

9. Pull the finished slipcover over the sofa back and drape it over the seat cushions. Tuck the slipcover into the back and sides of the seat cushions to hold it in place.

References

• Threads Magazine: Make a Sofa Wrap
• Repair Home: How to Make a Slipcover