Reupholstering A Futon

Futons are versatile and comfortable pieces of furniture that can extend a sitting or living room into a guest bedroom in an instant. However, like the upholstery on any heavily used piece of furniture, futon covers can quickly become ragged, stained or torn. If your futon is a standard size, it is often cheaper and easier to buy a ready-made futon cover than to purchase fabric and construct a cover at home. However, if you are choosey about fabric and handy with a sewing machine, you can create a quality cover to reupholster your futon in a few hours.

Measuring tape
Fabric
Scissors
Washing machine and dryer (optional)
Iron and ironing board
Pins
Sewing machine with thread
Hook-and-loop fastener tape

Instructions

- 1
  Pull the futon cushion off of the frame and place it on a flat surface, such as the floor, and measure the length, width and thickness of the cushion.
- 2
  Divide the thickness measurement in half and add each half to your length and width measurements. Then add another 4 inches for a seam allowance. For instance, if your cushion is 100 inches long, 50 inches wide and 6 inches thick, make the measurements 107 inches long and 57 inches thick. This ensures that the cover fits well without having to add a gusset and provides enough extra fabric for seaming.
- 3
  Cut two pieces of the fabric, using the measurements you calculated in Step 2.
- 4
  Wash and dry the fabric to prevent shrinkage and to set the color. Iron the fabric after drying.
- 5
  Place fabric pieces on top of one another, right sides facing one another. Pin three sides together, leaving one side open.
- 6
  Sew the three sides together using the sewing machine and a medium-size running stitch. Leave a 2-inch seam allowance. Clip the threads.
- 7
  Separate the hook-and-loop tape into a hook side and a fastener side. Fold in a 1-inch hem along one open side and pin the hook tape down along the hem. Fold and pin the opposite side and then pin the fastener side to create a closure for your futon cover.
- 8
  Sew the hook-and-fastener tape into place. Clip excess threads.
- 9
  Pull your new futon cover onto your futon cushion, like you would place a pillow inside of a pillow case. Fasten the hooks to close and then place the futon onto the frame.

How to Make a Sloped Ceiling Into a Canopy

Reinforcing Sofa Cushions

Decorating Materials & Supplies