DIY Ideas to Reupholster My Sofa

Fabric Choice

• When you are choosing fabric for your sofa upholstery, choose material that has been specifically designed for upholstery. When compared to standard fabric, upholstery fabric is heavier and can stand up to the constant use your sofa will get. If this is your first time on a reupholstering project, get at least an extra yard in case you make a mistake. You might also look for a print that is slightly random; a very orderly pattern like stripes can be difficult to match up for a cohesive look.

Follow a Pattern

• Instead of trying to fly blind on an upholstery project, follow a pattern to make it easier. Take off the fabric that is currently on the sofa carefully, ensuring that the individual pieces are still intact. Use the pieces as a pattern for the new upholstery. Cut them out of the new fabric, sew them where the pieces are sewn and staple where they are stapled.

Cushion Covers

• One of the easiest parts of upholstering a sofa is making the cushion covers. If you are an expert at sewing, use a zipper so the covers can be removed for washing. If not, you can use snaps, buttons or a hook-and-loop material, and put the opening underneath the cushion. To make your covers look finished, sew on trim around the edges.

Staple Gun

• DIY upholstery can be easy if you have a heavy-duty staple gun. Look for one that is designed to handle upholstery fabric so it will get all the way into the wood to hold the fabric on tightly. When you are recovering the sofa, fold the fabric around the angles of the sofa, staple the base and then fold it over again. Sew or glue on trim to hide the staples. For your first time, fold the material over the back of the couch so any mistakes will be easier to hide or correct.