How to Cover a Couch

MaxiLuc

Editor

posted on 14 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Couch covers are a very economical ways to revitalize a room's décor. Available in most sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, you can purchase a cover for your current couch at a fraction of the cost it would take to buy new furniture and still end up with a room that looks brand new. In a few steps, you can learn how to cover a couch so it looks properly fit and beautifully done.

Steps

Measure your couch to determine how large of a cover you'll need. For width, run a tape measure along the back of the sofa, from the widest part of 1 end to the other side. For depth, measure from the front of the seat to the backrest, and for length measure from the outside of 1 armrest to the other.

Choose a color or pattern that will work for your room. In most cases, patterned covers can work well with a neutral room, or single-colored covers will blend well with patterned or textured walls or rugs.

Check the manufacturer's sizing recommendations to make sure it will fit your couch dimensions. These can usually be found on the front or back of the packaging.

Select a material that is light and extremely durable. Features to look for include stain resistant, shrink resistant, and 100% machine washable. These options will make it easier for you to care for the cover.

Ask your local retailer or online store if it can provide you with a sample. This allows you to take home a cover, match it against your couch, and determine if you like the cover before purchasing it. Many sellers will offer this upon request.

Purchase the couch cover of your choice, and place it atop your sofa. Pull it tight over the existing couch, and smooth out any wrinkles.

Making a Couch Cover

Visit fabric stores to locate the material. Use your measurements to purchase enough fabric to create the cover.

Create a template to cut your fabric. Use a pencil to outline your sofa on large sheets of paper. Use a separate piece of paper for each section, including arms, seat area, and backrest.

Cut out each paper section you outlined, and place them on the fabric. These will serve as your patterns for the cover.

Draw the templates onto your fabric using a pencil. Leave a .8-inch (2-cm) border around the seat pattern, and a 2-inch (5-cm) seam around the patterns of the arms and backrest, which are curved and will need a little extra room.

Use fabric shears to cut out the patterns. Once you have all the sections, lay them out on your couch to ensure they will fit properly together.

Remove the sections from the sofa. Sew or pin the sections together along the inside of the pattern or the sides of the material that will face the couch.