Instructions on Making a Sofa Slipcover

Measure the body length of the couch starting at the floor in front of the sofa, measuring over the seat cushions and back and stopping at the floor behind the sofa. Add 12 inches to this measurement for the hem and tuck-in. Measure the body width of the sofa from one arm to the opposite and add 2 inches for the hem.

Measure one side length of the sofa starting at the floor below one arm, over top of the arm to the point where the seat cushion starts. Add 12 inches to the measurement for the hem and tuck-in and multiply by two for each arm. Measure the side width from the front of the arm to the rear of the arm and add 2 inches for the hem.

Cut decorator fabric into pieces that match the measurements in steps 1 and 2. You will have three sections of fabric; one piece for the body of the couch and two pieces for the arms.

Pin the arm pieces to the body piece based on the measurements. Drape the pinned slipcover over the couch to verify the size is correct. Make adjustments as needed by adding more fabric sections or removing fabric.

Sew the slipcover together with 1/2-inch seams. Finish the seams with a serger or zig zag stitch to prevent fraying. The slipcover will be a large “t” shape.

Make hems on all raw edges by turning the edge under 1/2-inch followed by another 1/2-inch. Pin or iron the hem to hold while sewing. Sew close to the interior fold to secure in place.

Drape the slipcover over the sofa. Grasp the front edges from the front arm to the floor and pin the seam to create the best fit on the sofa. Grasp the rear edges from the back top to the floor and pin the seam to create the best fit on the sofa.

Remove the slipcover from the sofa and sew the pinned edges with a 1/2-inch seam. Finish the seams with a serger or zig zag stitch to prevent fraying.

Place the finished slipcover over the sofa and tuck the fabric around the seat cushions to hold the cover in place.