Directions for Reupholstering a Couch

Inspect the couch closely to see what the material is like, how it was originally attached to the couch's frame, and how many different pieces of fabric you will need to replace. Also, if there are details such as darting that you want to duplicate, make note of this, and be sure to buy extra material and practice sewing on a sewing machine so that you can execute these details.

Remove the original upholstery material from the couch (often, you can simply pull this material off piece by piece, as it is stapled or tacked on). The easiest pieces to remove first are usually the largest, such as the back or the bottom. Remove the material carefully, as these pieces will serve as your guide when you cut and sew new pieces.

Smooth out the stuffing of the cushions after removing the fabric from them. Often the cushioning will be bunched or lumpy from use.

Place the original pieces of material on your bolts of new material, arranging these original "patterns" to waste as little of your newly purchased fabric as possible. Err on the side of caution---draw the shape directly onto the new material, and cut slightly larger than the original piece to ensure that you will be covering the areas you need to cover. Use the cushions themselves to trace the material you will need to cover them---it is especially important to be liberal in cutting patterns for these cushions.

Staple the new pieces of fabric onto the frame of the couch with a powerful staple gun. The last piece you removed of the original material should be the first you replace with the new material.

Pull your upholstery pieces taut (but not so tight that the fabric is at risk for tearing) across the your couch, and staple in inconspicuous areas. Staple only where the original upholstery had been stapled.

Use a sewing machine to sew the new cushion coverings together, leaving one side open to pull over the cushion itself.