This week (ORC Week 4), we share a sofa makeover with DIY upholstery that goes all super-simple and semi-homemade. Hope you will join us.
Short Cuts for DIY Upholstery
OK. Truth.
When it comes to furniture refinishing, I paint and stain without one iota of fear. I just dive in the deep end and see where it takes me.
But with DIY upholstery.
Ecccck. Not so much.
Then last year, I started small. An ottoman here….a slipcover there…and slowly, the elusive upholstery codes began to break.
And now, here we are.
Before all is said and done, this 1990’s sofa is destined to bust out and shout hello to 2019.
DIY Upholstery – Let’s Get Started
Wrap the Frame
In Part 2 of this series, we will share how easy it is to lift the skirt, expose the awesome legs and wrap the frame.
Yep. Because the current upholstery is in pristine condition, a little batting and fresh fabric wrapped right over the top of the old fabric will erase the plaid frame of shame.
Sorry for the split series, but hubby needs to be here to help handle the frame. It’s a sleeper sofa and heavy like a tank. So Part 2 will focus with greater detail on wrapping the frame without stripping the old fabric.
Slip Covered Seat Cushions and Pillows
But for now, let’s talk fabric and seat cushions and pillows. To make this project REALLY easy, I chose:
a mid-weight upholstery fabric with a slight backing (for strength)
one without a repeat, but it does have to be used in the same direction
one without a visable nap
and one that doesn’t ravel
Two earlier ORC posts share in more detail about things to consider when buying upholstery fabric.
DIY Slipcover Basics provides more basic detail about using fabric to wrap frames.
Slip Covered Seat Cushions Using a Boxed Envelope
The seat cushions (not the back or side pillows) will be slip covered using a boxed envelope. The seat cushion in the photo below is covered using this super-easy method. The cushions for the sofa need to look more casual so this slip cover without cording on the edges should be perfect.
An earlier post shares the step-by-step tutorial for making the seat cushions. In this post, there is a no-sew option, but for rugged sofa cushions, sewing the envelope is recommended. Click here to see.
Slip Covered Back Pillows with a French Seam
As for the back and side pillows, basic slip covers will cover the plaid fabric. Here is a before and after.
Please note that a French seam is simply the flat fabric around the sides of the cover. I used a one-inch seam around these covers, but you may choose any width you like.
In an earlier ORC post, a lengthy step-by-step tutorial for making these slip covers with and without a French seam is provided. Click here to see.
So we have three different kinds of slip covers going in this sofa makeover. But if you review the earlier posts, you’ll see how each method is really simple. The toughest part will be wrapping the frame, but I still don’t anticipate any problems. In the past year, I learned that fabric is more like paint than I had originally thought.
Hubby will be home this week-end….and the deep dive on the sofa frame will begin.
Hope you will stay tuned.
In the meantime, please keep or share these ideas by PINNING the image below.
It’s going to look fabulous with the colors and patterns you chose. And getting rid of that dated plaid on the cheap is the best repurpose for something otherwise in perfect shape.
Okay, I am totally going to try and recover that winged back chair. After I read all the tutorials. This is looking awesome!! I can’t wait for the wrapping.
I’ve always wanted to reupholster a couch but then I start adding all the yards I need and change my mind – daunting for sure! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Maybe if I read enough tutorials I’ll actually try and do one
Thanks Joannie. Covering a sofa does require a boatload of fabric and it took me weeks to gather the courage to have the fabric cut. I’ll do my best to take note of every trick to save on fabric and get them in the second post.
You are motivating me to attempt upholstering furniture one day! I actually have a chair that is sitting in my shed waiting to be upholstered. It’s just the seat so it’ll be an easy intro to upholstering. Ha! Love the fabric you chose. I can’t wait to see the sofa all done!
What a difference the new fabric will make to your sofa. I can’t wait to see it when you’re finished. I am way too scared to upholster a sofa so I’m going to follow your tutorial to the letter and hopefully get the courage to tackle the club chair I’ve been itching to reupholster.
Awww, my friend, you’re so sweet. Every ORC, I try to stretch myself to do something new and this is truly challenging. But hey, it’s not like I’m trying to build a huge wall unit of floor-to-ceiling cabinets in my family room…..or anything hard like that. LOL… XO
Susie, I believe you’re my new superhero! Lololol! I have been wanting to reupholster a sofa in my home for quite a while now. I’m definitely going to take a look at that detailed post. Thanks for the inspiration.
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It’s going to look fabulous with the colors and patterns you chose. And getting rid of that dated plaid on the cheap is the best repurpose for something otherwise in perfect shape.
Thanks so much, Toni! CAn’t wait for you to see it in person… maybe next Haven year…
Okay, I am totally going to try and recover that winged back chair. After I read all the tutorials. This is looking awesome!! I can’t wait for the wrapping.
Thanks Suz.. and yes! That wingback chair is calling you!!
I’ve always wanted to reupholster a couch but then I start adding all the yards I need and change my mind – daunting for sure! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Maybe if I read enough tutorials I’ll actually try and do one
Thanks Joannie. Covering a sofa does require a boatload of fabric and it took me weeks to gather the courage to have the fabric cut. I’ll do my best to take note of every trick to save on fabric and get them in the second post.
Upholstery is so intimidating! Your sofa is going to be gorgeous! I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Hi Emy and thanks. And yes, upholstery is totally scary, but I am hoping to break it down even better in the second post. Fingers crossed.
I am so impressed! I know how much work this is!!!
Great tips and your sofa is going to look so good when you finish!
You are motivating me to attempt upholstering furniture one day! I actually have a chair that is sitting in my shed waiting to be upholstered. It’s just the seat so it’ll be an easy intro to upholstering. Ha! Love the fabric you chose. I can’t wait to see the sofa all done!
What a difference the new fabric will make to your sofa. I can’t wait to see it when you’re finished. I am way too scared to upholster a sofa so I’m going to follow your tutorial to the letter and hopefully get the courage to tackle the club chair I’ve been itching to reupholster.
Awww Marie!! You’re an inspiration!! I remember seeing one of your pieces and asking you about it. As for the chair, you got this. But, thanks girl.
Susie, this is going to be so so good! Love the fabric choice.
Thanks Libbie. I’ll remember this when I have the next wave of total panic…
Whoa, that’s a huge project! I try to stay far away from upholstery projects and here you are making it look so easy! Kudos to you my friend!
Awww, my friend, you’re so sweet. Every ORC, I try to stretch myself to do something new and this is truly challenging. But hey, it’s not like I’m trying to build a huge wall unit of floor-to-ceiling cabinets in my family room…..or anything hard like that. LOL… XO
lol
Susie, I believe you’re my new superhero! Lololol! I have been wanting to reupholster a sofa in my home for quite a while now. I’m definitely going to take a look at that detailed post. Thanks for the inspiration.
LOL….Hilarious! Thanks girl,but let’s see how this turns out. LOL..