Reupholstering a Couch Cushion With a New Filling

Out with the Old

• The first step to replacing the couch cushion stuffing is to actually get to the stuffing itself. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a seam ripper to remove the stitching in one of the seams on the cushion fabric, near the back if at all possible. If you want to use the same fabric over again, be careful to only cut the thread and not the fabric itself. If you're replacing the fabric, too, then go ahead and cut it right off. You can avoid this step altogether if your cushions have a zipper on them; just unzip it and remove the old stuffing in that case.

Inspection

• Give the old stuffing a good once-over to see what is wrong with it. It may be that you don't have to replace all of the stuffing; maybe you can just add a new layer on top to fluff it up a bit. If your stuffing seems to be solid but has just begun to sag, you'll be able to save time and money by cutting a thinner piece of foam core to go with it. If your stuffing is full of holes, mold or other major damage, however, you will need to replace it all.

Refill

• If you are only going to add to the stuffing in your cushion, measure the existing stuffing and then head to your local craft or fabric store to cut a square of foam core padding (approximately 3 inches thick) that matches the length and width of the current piece of stuffing material. Put this new layer on top of the old one and your refill job is done. If you need to replace the whole cushion, you have a few options. Either cut several pieces of that same foam core and stack them on top of one another or find a thicker padding. You can also head to a special upholstery shop to have them cut sofa padding for you in the dimensions you need.

Recover

• Put your new stuffing back inside the cushion cover. If you have a handy zipper style, simply zip it back up and replace it on the couch. If you had to cut your stitching, use a needle and thread to close the gap again after replacing the stuffing material. If you are sewing an entirely new cushion cover, leave one side open and stuff through that side, then sew it closed with a needle and thread. Use a sturdy upholstery needle and strong thread so your stitching will withstand the pressure from people sitting on the couch cushion.