How to Determine the Fabric Yardage for a Couch

Remove the cushions from the couch and set aside.

Measure the outside back of the couch from top to floor and from side to side with the cloth measuring tape. Add 2 inches to each measurement for seam allowances. Record the measurements on the paper with a pencil.

Measure the inside back of the couch from top to deck -- the section where the cushions rest -- adding 3 inches for tucking and 1 inch for seam allowance, and from side to side, adding 2 inches for seam allowance. Record the measurements.

Measure the deck from back to front and side to side at widest part, adding 3 inches for tucking and from the deck to the floor, adding 2 inches for seam allowances. Record the measurements.

Measure the length of the arms from back to front, from the deck to the top of the arm, adding 3 inches for tucking, and from the top of the arm to the floor. Add 2 inches to each measurement for seam allowances. Record the measurements.

Measure the length, width and thickness of each cushion. Add 2 inches to each measurement for seam allowances. Record the measurements.

Create a cutting layout on grid paper based on your measurements. Upholstery fabrics usually come in 54- and 60-inch widths. Sketch an outline of the fabric on the grid paper, using an appropriate scale such as one square equals 4 inches. Sketch each piece on the layout as you plan to cut them out of the fabric, remembering that you will be cutting out two arms and the correct amount of cushions. For estimating purposes, all pieces will be squares or rectangles measured at the widest part.

Estimate the yardage needed to cover your couch by multiplying the length of the cutting layout by the scale. As an example, a cutting layout that is 25 squares long with a scale of one square equals 4 inches needs 100 inches of fabric. Divide the inches by 36 to determine the number of yards needed. One hundred inches divided by 36 equals approximately 2 3/4 yards. Make a note that most couches will take substantially more than a couple of yards. Double check your measurements to verify you have measured correctly. If the number changes after the second measurement, measure again until the measurements agree.