DIY: Couch Slipcover

A good sofa can only go so far before it starts looking tattered and grubby. At times like those a simple slipcover can go a long way to rejuvenating a room. Check out this classic tutorial from the folks at Ideas. 

You’ll need:

• upholstery fabric

• matching upholstery thread

• pins

• scissors

• tape measure

• water-soluble marking pen

• paper

• ruler

• pencil

Instructions:

• Measure all the panels of the couch. Draw a layout plan to calculate the amount of fabric that you will need, adding 1,5cm allowances for seams and 5cm allowances for hems.
• It is a good idea to make a mock- up cover in a cheap fabric, such as calico, to first try out the pattern. Unpick the mock-up to use as a pattern if the slipcover fits properly. Alternatively, cut the upholstery fabric directly, adding extra width to the seam allowances to alter the fit, if necessary. Cut out the pieces of fabric and mark on the back which chair panel it is intended to cover, to keep track of the different panels.
• Sew the seams that will intersect with the corners, starting and stopping 1,5cm from the cut edge to allow pinning the seam around the corner. These seams should be overlocked individually and pressed open.
• The order in which the panels will be sewn will differ from sofa to sofa, but the following can be used as a general guide: first sew the inner, top and outer armrests, followed by the front and back armrest panels. Next, sew the front skirt, seat, backrest and back panels. Finally, sew these panels to the armrests.
• Hem the slipcover with a 2,5cm double-folded hem.

If you’re looking to more than just cover-up, you’ll be happy to know that we have a wide selection of upholstery available and at phenomenal prices too. Take our leather-look upholstery, for instance, 150cm wide and @ R39.99/m – what a bargain! Just give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and we’ll let you know what’s in stock and on special this summer. You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.