How to Make a Sofa Back

Measure the width of the back area of the sofa and add 2 inches to the length and height. If splitting the back into two parts, divide the original width and height by two, and then add 2 inches to each of the measurements.

Cut two pieces of heavy-duty fabric to the found dimensions including the added inches. Additionally, cut two strips of fabric to the found length at 6 inches wide and two strips the length of the width and 6 inches wide.

Lay one of the large pieces face up on a flat surface and align the two smaller-length strips with the upper and lower edges. Turn the strip facedown. Align one with the top of the large piece and one with the bottom edge so they are laying on the big piece and not off the edge. Pin the strips in place, and sew a 1-inch seam. Repeat this with the width-sized strips. The large piece now has a flap on each side.

Place the second large piece of fabric facedown on the project. Lay the flaps out away from the project. Align the top edge of the large piece with the top edge of the laid-out top flap. Pin in place, and sew a 1-inch seam. Repeat this with the bottom and left side flap. Sew the right remaining flap three-quarters the way up the side. Leave the rest of the last seam open. You now have an inside-out box with sewn external seams almost all the way around.

Turn the cushion back right-side out. Push the sewn box through the opening in the three-quarters seam.

Stuff the cushion. Use sponge foam filler for durability. Fill to the desired firmness.

Push in the remaining edges on the opening and glue in place. Fold over the open seams and align with the sewn seam. Apply a line of fabric glue between the edges and hold closed until dry.