How Much Material Is Needed To Cover a Hide-a-Bed Couch?

Identification

• A fitted cover, or slipcover, placed over a hide-a-bed couch covers any worn or torn fabric and maintains the shape of the couch when the hide-a-bed mattress is tucked away. A hide-a-bed couch has a full-size mattress tucked under the seat cushions, and the shape of the couch does not change when it is in the closed position. Since you must remove the seat cushion to pull out the hide-a-bed, you must also pull the slipcover off the couch.

Measurements

• Accurately measure the width and length of the hide-a-bed couch body, with the mattress tucked inside and the cushions in place. Increase these measurements by 12 inches for the seams and for tucking into the cushions to create shape in the cover. Measure the width and length of the side and arm of the couch and increase those measurements by 2 inches for the seams. It is important to increase the measurements so the cover fits properly. The hide-a-bed featuredoes not increase the amount of material required for the couch. Write down all measurements so you have the numbers on hand for cutting the material.

Calculations

• Use the measurements to calculate the amount of material you need for the cover. Divide the adjusted width and length measurements for the body of the couch by 36 to calculate the number of yards of material. Divide the length and width measurements of the arm and side of the couch by 36 to calculate the number of yards of material, and multiply that by 2, since there are two arms. Add the two calculations together to get the total yards of material.

Considerations

• Consider using a 60-inch-wide upholstery or decorator material for the cover, instead of the standard material width of 44 inches. Most couches measure less than 60 inches across, so this way you will not have to sew two pieces of material together for the body of the couch. Upholstery or decorator fabric has a thicker weave and a durable option for sewing a hide-a-bed cover.