Want To Give Your Sofa A New Look? Learn An Easy Way To Reupholster It
If you're tired of the look of your sofa, or if you just want to spruce it up a bit, you can change the fabric easily. It only takes a few tools and a couple hours of your time. This guide demonstrates the steps required to reupholster your sofa in a simple manner.
Step 1: Get the Measurements
Take the measurement of the sofa with a tape measure. Write down the width, length and height. Write down the dimensions of the cushions and zippers as well.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Go to the fabric store and pick up the supplies needed to complete the job. In addition to your desired fabric, purchase the following:
- scissors
- staple gun
- staple remover
- staples
- zippers (for the cushions)
- sewing machine (or borrow one from a friend)
- pencil
Step 3: Remove Existing Fabric
Take off the old fabric by removing the staples with the staple remover. If the staples are stubborn, use scissors to cut the fabric off.
Step 3: Attach the New Fabric
Staple the fabric on the bottom of the back of the sofa with the staple gun. Then pull the fabric around to the front bottom of the sofa (behind where the cushions sit) and staple there, holding the fabric tight as you pull it over. Do the same for the arms and the bottom front. Note: Make sure that you are stapling to the wood portions of the sofa.
Step 4: Create New Cushion Slip Covers
Remove the old fabric from the cushions. Cut it along the seams to open it all the way. Lay the new fabric on a flat surface and place the old cover on it. Use a pencil to trace around the old fabric. Then cut along your trace marks.
Sew on the zipper on the ends using the sewing machine. Note: If no sewing machine is available, it is possible to hand sew the zipper on, but it will take awhile because you'll need to use very small stitches to ensure a secure fit.
Sew the sides of the cover together, and then place the cushion in the cover and zip it up.
Take your time with this project to make sure the fabric is secure. Add decorative studs and other adornments as you wish along the top back of the sofa and around the front of the arms. Consult with an upholstery expert, such as The Strip Joint, if you run into any problems with this project.