A Complete Guide about Making a Sofa Cover
Have you ever thought about making a slipcover to restore a favorite piece of furniture in your home? Your sofa is an essential piece of furniture in your home. We can show you how to build a sofa cover for it instead of neglecting it and paying hundreds of dollars for a new one.
As a result, this isn’t a typical step-by-step lesson because each sofa is unique. So, as you work on your slipcover, we’ll go over what you should pay attention to, how to measure each component, and how to deal with various problems.
All you need for this project are basic sewing abilities, the willingness to start and go through it with confidence, and the willingness to try again if you get stuck!
1. Taking measurements for the chair
Examine the contour of the chair. Break down the shapes of the back, front or back, seat area, front of the seat, arms, and contoured arm fronts into a simple picture. Then, in your drawing, including the measurements. Most of the designs will be rectangular, with more complex sculpting added later.
If your sofa is enormous, consider dividing it into panels to make it easier to deal with. Place a newspaper over the front and trace the shape by feeling the edges before cutting it out for shaped arm fronts. Make sure to include the sofa pads in your measurements.
2. Creating a design
Cut templates from newspapers based on these measurements. Place these on the affordable fabric’s backside and trace around them using tailor’s chalk. Try to place them on the fabric so that there is as little waste as possible. Add a 2cm seam allowance (making them 2cm bigger on every edge).
If your arm panels are curved, add 5cm to the length (the part that will curve over the arm) to allow for stretch. Using fabric scissors, cut out the pieces from your cloth.
3. Putting the pieces together
After that, pin the pieces together and sew them together with a strong upholstery thread or doubled-up thread. This should be done in pieces. Lay two pieces on top of each other, right sides facing, and pin all the way along the chalk line you drew previously to unite them. Backstitch the chalk line all the way around (this leaves your 2cm seam allowance). If you’ve divided the back shapes into smaller shapes, start by putting them together. The back portion should then be joined to the seat sections.
Join one arm panel to the main component at a time. Attach the front corner of the seat panel to the arm panel with pins. Begin stitching from the bottom and work your way up to the corner. Then, using the chair/sofa dimension as a guide, pin the main panel to the width of the arm panel. Now backstitch the two pieces together. After that, attach the front of the back panel to the rear of the arm panel and stitch as before. Because you want to quickly slip your cover on and off your chair/sofa, do not join the back corner of the arm piece and the back panel.
It’s a good idea to stitch your joins with a running thread before assembling your three parts (two arms and the central part) to make your sofa cover. Sew a running stitch 1cm away from the junction with solid thread, making your stitches around 1cm long.
Join one arm panel to the main component at a time. Attach the front corner of the seat panel to the arm panel with pins. Begin stitching from the bottom and work your way up to the corner. Then, using the chair/sofa dimension as a guide, pin the main panel to the width of the arm panel. Now back stitch the two pieces together. After that, attach the front of the back panel to the rear of the arm panel and stitch as before. Because you want to be able to quickly slip your cover on and off your chair/sofa, do not join the back corner of the arm piece and the back panel.
4. Getting a feel for things
Cover your sofa with the cover. Pin any excess affordable fabric inwards and sew down using a backstitch if the back seat corners are baggy. Make sure there isn’t a big gap between the opening and the closing area. Sit down carefully on the cover to make sure your modifications weren’t too tight – if you hurl yourself down, a tight cover could rip. If your chair has feet, use upholstery tacks or safety pins to secure the excess affordable fabric to the bottom of the seat. Make a clean hem on the bottom edge of the cover if you want it to skim the floor.
Attach ribbon ties to the underside of the cover’s back edges – the opening/closure region – on each side. You’ll need ties at the top and bottom, as well as every 15cm or so after that. Sew a line of press studs down these edges instead.
CAN A SHEET BE USED AS A COUCH COVER?
That’s a distinct possibility. I don’t particularly appreciate how it gets all crumpled and out of position every time someone sits on it as a cover. Get some narrow cardboard tubes and wrap rubber bands over them. Push the tubes into the gaps of the couch, and the bands will keep the sheets in place.
ARE SLIPCOVERS DIFFICULT TO MAKE?
So, here’s the “it depends” part. It depends on the shape and complexity of your sofa, as well as your sewing talents, though you don’t have to be a skilled sewer to do it. It also relies on your patience level. We wouldn’t say it’s difficult because we aren’t sewers. Time, patience, a little abstract thinking, and a lot of measurements are all required.
WHAT TYPES OF AFFORDABLE FABRIC CAN BE USED FOR A DO-IT-YOURSELF SOFA SLIPCOVER?
Canvas is our first option, and the thicker, the better. Many bloggers who dump garments are also acceptable. Before choosing your affordable fabric, bear in mind that it must be robust because when someone sits on the sofa, it puts a tremendous amount of tension on the fibers, and the first area where it may tear is on the seam. As a result, I don’t recommend utilizing flat sheets or any other similar affordable fabric for this type of couch cover. Always go for an affordable fabric that can be used to reupholster furniture. Please read our blog to know more about affordable fabrics!
BY JAY D
