How to Make a Muslin Mock-Up for Upholstery

Measure the piece of furniture to estimate how many yards of muslin you will need. Write down the length, height and width of the piece. Add the depth of any seating space for a chair or couch. Pull any cushions from the piece and measure them separately.

Hold a sheet of newspaper or grocery bag paper against the arms, sides, seat or back of a chair. Trace around the shape of each area with a pencil or marker to create a paper pattern for it. Add 2 extra inches of space around each piece for seam allowance. Cut out the pattern piece and label it with right arm, side side panel, headboard front or appropriate piece.

Lay muslin out on a flat work surface. Pin the paper pattern onto the cloth. Cut out the muslin pieces. Eliminate the paper pattern by draping muslin over the area and mark the outline of the shape with dressmaker's chalk or a pencil.

Pin the right sides of the muslin pieces together, 1/2 inch from the drawn outline.

Drape the muslin form over the furniture piece that you are covering, pinned sides out. Adjust any areas of the muslin that are not a true fit to the piece of furniture by removing a pin. Insert it back into place to tighten or loosen the seams.

Stitch the pinned pieces on a sewing machine using a straight stitch. Clip the curved seams and corners to allow for a good fit. Turn the piece inside out and place it on the piece of furniture.