How to Estimate Yardage to Reupholster a Couch

If your couch still has years of structural life left in it but the outer fabric has stains or tears, reupholstering the couch may enable you to keep it a few years longer and save some money now. When you reupholster a couch, you cover the existing fabric with new fabric. Select a fabric you like that complements your other decor and then estimate the yardage you'll need to complete the reupholstery. When you finish, your couch will have a whole new look.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure the length of your couch from the left edge to the right edge and write this measurement down.

   • 2

     Estimate 10 yards of fabric for a 6-foot couch, 11 yards of fabric for a 7-foot couch and 13 yards of fabric for an 8-foot couch.

   • 3

     Add 3 extra yards of fabric if the couch has a ruffled skirt or a taller back than typical couches. Add 2 extra yards if your couch has button tufting in the back of the couch. Add 1 extra yard of fabric for each 6 yards of fabric if your fabric has a pattern repeat.