How to Sew a New Couch Cover

There is no need to throw out a sturdy couch with worn fabric when you can sew a new couch cover. The project takes less than 2 hours to complete if you have basic sewing skills and requires only a few simple supplies found at most hobby or fabric stores. Sewing a couch cover lets you select a fabric that works with the room decor and does not put a dent in your budget.

Upholstery material
Measuring tape
Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine
Thread
Iron

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the couch body width from the center front at the floor, over the seat cushions and over the back to the center back at the floor. Measure the couch body length from one arm to the other arm. Increase both measurements by 12 inches for seam allowances and tucking around the seat cushions.
- 2
  Measure the couch side from the floor under the arm, over the top of the arm and stopping at the seat cushion. Measure the couch side width from the front edge under the arm to the rear edge. Increase both measurements by 2 inches for seam allowances.
- 3
  Multiply the couch body length measurement by four and the add it to the couch body width measurement. Divide the sum by 36 to calculate the yardage of decorator fabric to purchase.
- 4
  Cut a rectangle of fabric using the couch body width and length measurements. Cut two rectangles for the arms using the couch side and width measurements. You will have three pieces for sewing the cover.
- 5
  Drape the body piece over the couch to find the correct location for the arm pieces. Lay the arm pieces so they drape over the tops of the arms. Pin each arm to the body piece with the right sides together. This creates a "T"-shaped cover.
- 6
  Sew each arm to the body with a 1/2-inch seam and zig-zag the inside raw edge to prevent fraying.
- 7
  Drape the cover over the couch so the arm pieces lay in the correct position. Pin the arm front and rear edge to the body with the right sides together to create a shaped couch cover. Sew the edges together with a 1/2-inch seam and zig-zag the inside raw edge to prevent fraying.
- 8
  Turn the bottom cover edge under 1/4 inch and press with an iron to hold in place. Turn under the edge another 1/4 inch and press to hold in place. Sew close to the inside fold to hem and finish the cover.
- 9
  Drape the cover over the couch and tuck extra fabric into the edges of the seat cushions.

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