A Tutorial for Sewing Sofa Slipcovers

Measure the sofa body length from the floor in front, over the seat, up the back and down the back to the floor. Increase the measurement by 12 inches.

Measure the sofa body width from the far end of the right arm to the far end of the left arm. Increase the measurement by 2 inches.

Measure the sofa side width from the floor under the arm and over the arm to the seat cushion. Increase the measurement by 12 inches.

Measure the sofa side length from the front point of the arm to the back point. Increase the measurement by 2 inches.

Sketch the measurements onto a piece of paper so you know how to cut the slipcover fabric. You will have three pieces of fabric to cut; one body piece using the measurements in Step 1 and 2 and two arm pieces using the measurements in Step 3 and 4. Cut out the fabric pieces.

Drape the body fabric over the sofa. Pin the arm pieces in the appropriate location. Sew the arms to the body using a 1/2-inch seam. Finish the seam edges with a zipzag or serger stitch to prevent fraying. You will have a "T"-shaped slipcover.

Place the slipcover over the sofa body and arms. Pin the front and rear edges of the arms to the body of the slipcover. Tuck excess fabric into the seat cushions to help you find the correct location of the seams for the best fit. Sew the front and rear arm edges with a 1/2-inch seam. Finish the seam with a zigzag or serger stitch.

Turn under all bottom raw edges 1/2-inch and pin or iron to hold in place. Turn under the fabric another 1/2-inch to create a clean hem. Sew close to the inside folded edge.

Drape the finished slipcover over the sofa and tuck in the extra fabric around the seat cushions.