A sofa cover is a piece of fabric draped over or tucked into a sofa for protection.Many people choose to cover sofas that are old and show signs of wear and tear, others do it to protect their couches from pets or dirt.You can add a no-sew cover to your couch for an inexpensive and quick solution, buy a slipcover for your sofa, or make your own to personalize the color and pattern of the fabric.
Step 1: Pick the right material for your no-sew cover.
It's up to you if you want to buy something new or use something you already have.The materials that work well for this type of project are blankets, sheets, drop-cloths, and tablecloths.You will need about 13 m for a standard 7-foot sofa.You need an extra 1.5 yards for each cushion over 2.
Step 2: To cut the material, place it over the couch.
Leave the cushions in place if you want to remove pillows from the couch.The couch needs to be fully covered so that the fabric doesn't fall off.If the material you chose doesn't seem like it will cover everything, you should buy a large drop-cloth so that you can cut it down to size.
Step 3: Cut a piece of fabric for the back of the couch.
Don't be afraid to make generous cuts, because there needs to be a lot of fabric available to tuck into the crevices of the couch.The back piece of fabric should cover the back and sides of the couch, as well as the ground on the sides.The piece of the couch should be large enough to cover the seat covers and be tucked in securely all around the edges.The edges of the material will be hidden, so it doesn't matter if they're ragged or not.
Step 4: Put the fabric on the back of the couch.
The seat cushions should be removed so they don't get in your way.Tuck the material into the crevices of the couch by arranging it over the back and sides.If you want to secure the material even more, use a staple gun around the inside edges of the arms and the couch.Don't worry about the outer edges of the fabric for now.You will secure those with velcro strips once you have everything in place.
Step 5: Tuck the edges of the couch into the crevices.
Put the second piece of material over the seat cushions.Tuck the fabric tightly all around the sides and back.Tuck the material underneath the cushions about 6 inches (15 cm) but leave enough fabric hanging down to cover the front of the couch so the original fabric isn't visible at all.The fabric should be secured with a staple gun underneath the cushions and around the sides.If any of the original fabric is visible, take a step back.To make sure everything is covered, make adjustments to the slipcover.
Step 6: Place the fabric edges to the bottom of the couch.
Every 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150mm) along the inside edges of the fabric, place a velcro strip.Place a strip on the underside of the sofa to make sure there is no loose fabric hanging down.To glue down the excess fabric, you could use fabric glue.
Step 7: Measure your sofa to make sure it is the right size.
Measure the length and width of your sofa from back to front and side to side with a flexible tape measure.The minimum size that you will need to match to properly cover your sofa is marked down the highest and widest points.If you want the cover to be tailored to your needs, it's a good idea to have all the measurements before you start shopping.
Step 8: You can find a color, fabric, and style that you like.
There are many options to choose from when buying a new slipcover, from solid colors to patterns, canvas material to cotton, and upscale versus casual.Pick a cover that will fit in the room if you think about the other design elements.There are thousands of options to choose from online and many home goods stores carry slipcovers.Depending on where you buy it, it can be as little as $50 to as much as $500.
Step 9: If you want a more professional look, order a custom-made slipcover.
Some companies make custom slipcovers for their customers.This is a great option if you are concerned about the fit of a one-size-fits-all situation or if your couch is uniquely shaped.
Step 10: It's a good idea to wash your slipcover before you get it.
It is likely that your new slipcover came into contact with some chemicals during the manufacturing process.It is normal to wash a slipcover in cool water on the gentle cycle and then hang it up to dry if you check the care instructions.Sometimes the packaging that a slipcover comes in has an odd smell and washing it can help remove it.
Step 11: Purchase enough fabric to completely cover your furniture.
From back to front and side to side, measure the length and width of the sofa.Get accurate figures by using a flexible tape measure.Don't forget to measure the width and length of the sofa's arms.You can choose canvas, cotton duck, denim, or twill fabric.You can buy a wider width of fabric from the store.It's important that your project is at least 75 inches wide or more.You will need 12 yards of fabric for a 6 foot sofa, 14 yards for 7 feet, and an additional 1.5 yard for each cushion over 2.Modification of your pattern will allow the fabric to drape over the top of the cushions and connect to the armrests.You will not need the excess material for each cushion.
Step 12: Before you do anything else, wash the fabric.
On the gentle cycle, use cool water and a mild detergent.Hang the fabric up to dry or put it in the laundry machine.It is important to wash before cutting and sewing.If you don't do this, the cover will shrink and no longer fit your couch after the first time you wash it.If the fabric is wrinkled after drying, consider ironing it.
Step 13: Make a pattern out of an old sheet.
The cushions will be covered separately if you remove them from the couch first.Don't worry about putting pins into your couch, as the old sheet will be covered by the new cover.You can draw the edge lines with a piece of chalk.If you don't want to use an old sheet, use butcher paper or something similar so you can make the necessary marks and cut out the pattern without the risk of it ripping easily.
Step 14: Cut out the pieces from the pattern.
After washing the fabric and making the pattern, you are ready to cut out the actual pieces.For the seam allowance, add 1 to 1.5 inches of space around the edge of each piece.If you want to remember which piece goes where, use a fabric marker on the underside of the material to write a label.One way to tell which side of the fabric is closest to the ground is to put an arrow on the label.
Step 15: Take the pieces of fabric and put them on a couch.
Put a pin along the seam every 1 to 2 inches so that the right sides are pinned together.Leave that 1 to 1.5 inches hem so that you have room to sew the pieces together later.Once a section has been pinned together, place it on the sofa to make sure the fabric is lined up right.Until it looks how you want it to, make adjustments.Don't worry if you need to work in smaller sections to get things put together, take your time when putting the pins in.It will be done before you realize it.
Step 16: You can use a sewing machine to connect the pieces.
If you're worried about getting turned around, you can sew the slipcover in parts.It would alleviate some of the back-and-forth trekking to the couch to test the pieces, but it would make it harder to fix mistakes.For a secure hold, use a straight-stitch.It is okay to create multiple pieces instead of one large piece.The right arm, the left arm and the back of the couch need to be covered.The ends of the fabric should not be visible if there is enough material tucked down into the couch.
Step 17: Attach upholstery zippers and sew covers for pillows.
Measure the length, width, and depth of the cushions and then cut out your fabric to fit them.You need to double the length so that the fabric will wrap around the entire cushion and leave enough room for a 1 inch seam all around.Put the pieces together and put the upholstery on the pillows.If you want to wash it in the future, you can use the zippers.
Step 18: You can put the new cover on your couch.
Go ahead and put your couch cushions on your sofa once they're finished.The look of your room will change instantly.You can change the cover as often as you want.Different patterns for different seasons, new colors, and fun patterns are great options to use to update the look of a room.