How to Stitch Slip Covers for a Sofa & Love Seat

Measure the length of the couch or love seat with the tape measure. Start at the floor on one end. Measure up and over the arm, down to the cushion, across the cushions and over the other arm until you reach the floor on the other end. This is the length you need for your fabric, sheet or blanket.

Measure from the center front of the couch or love seat, up and across the cushions and over the back rest to the floor on the back side of the couch or love seat. This is the width your fabric needs to be.

Fold the fabric in half length wise and drape it over the couch or love seat with the fold running up the center of the furniture. Center the overhanging fabric with the front and back edges touching the floor.

Unfold the fabric without picking up the side that is against the upholstery and spread it out so it is draped all the way across the furniture.

Push down gently on the center of the fabric and smooth the fabric across the seat cushions. Tuck the fabric three inches down into the edges around the seat cushions. When the edges are all tucked in, the fabric along the edges will not be touching the floor any more. However, if any of the old upholstery shows, tug gently on the bottom edge to cover the original fabric.

Fold the fabric that hangs in pleats at the couch ends flat, by smoothing your hand across the under edge and bringing the excess fabric over.

Secure the folds with upholstery pins and step back to examine the cover. If any other places are sticking up or look wrinkled, flatten and pin them. There will be a pleat at the front and back of the arm rests, down the front outer corners and down the back corners.

Thread the needle and knot the ends of the thread. Slide the needle under the folded, pinned edge and sew the folds in place using a slip stitch. Make small stitches by picking up only four, or less, fibers and then continue to place stitches straight across from one another. Remove the pins when you have finished sewing each fold in place.