How to Slipcover a Three Cushion Sofa

Custom Fit Slipcovers

• 1

  Slipcover your sofa with a custom fit slipcover for a tailored look. Look up the manufacturer of the sofa to see if they make slipcovers. Be sure the slipcover matches the make and model of your sofa before ordering.

• 2

  If your manufacturer does not make slipcovers, contact a slipcover company or local tailor who makes slipcovers. These companies will instruct you how to measure your sofa and allow you to choose a fabric. A local tailor may even come to measure the sofa herself. Be sure the company making your slipcover knows your sofa has three cushions and receives very specific measurement information. Ask to see a fabric swatch to ensure the quality.

• 3

  If you can't find anyone you trust to make your slipcover, try sewing it yourself. Use the sofa as a pattern, adding a 3/4 inch seam allowance when you cut fabric. Use muslin to cover the sofa under the cushions and quality upholstery fabric for the cushions and sofa. Sewing your own slipcover allows you to use whatever fabric you want and may save you money, but can be very time consuming and difficult for a beginner.

• 4

  Once you have your slipcover, remove the cushions and any existing slipcover. Put your new slipcover over the sofa and straighten the back, front and sides. Remove the cushions from their previous covers if the old fabric shows through. Put the cushions into the new covers. If the fabric is twisted over the cushion, run your hand inside it to smooth the fabric. Zip the covers. Return the cushions to the sofa.

One piece slipcovers

• 5

  Use a one piece slipcover as an easier and less expensive alternative. Measure your sofa at the widest point and find the smallest slipcover that will still fit your sofa. A snug fitting slipcover won't sag or bunch. Look for a slipcover with ties at the corners of the sofa and elastic that goes between the cushions and the sofa to help keep it in place.

• 6

  With the cushions on, drape the slipcover over your sofa. Line up the bottom of the slipcover with the bottom of the sofa, pushing extra fabric to the back of the cushions and tuck the extra fabric around, but not in between, the cushions.

• 7

  Tie your ties so the slipcover fits snugly and replace accent pillows.