How to Measure a Couch for Upholstery Material

Measure the couch before you make any changes to it. Once you take the fabric off, the dimensions will change significantly, so make sure you measure it first.

Record length and width measurements for every surface of the couch. Include the inner back, outer back, arms, side panels, cushions, front arm panels and any skirting, boxing or wings on the couch.

Measure each piece at the widest and longest parts. If your couch has removable cushions, include measurements for the top, bottom and sides of each cushion.

Add a 2-inch seam allowance to both the length and width of every piece you measured. This will give you plenty of room for sewing or attaching the fabric pieces.

Measure any piping or other decorative additions on your couch. Add 2 inches for every seam where these materials are used.

Add 2 or 3 yards to make up for the extra material you will need in order to match fabric patterns. If the fabric has a large pattern motif, you may need to purchase additional fabric.

Buy a generous amount of fabric if your couch has a pleated skirt. Depending on the skirt, it could require fabric that is two or three times the distance around the bottom of your couch.

Purchase double the fabric you think you need. While it might seem like a needless expense, keep in mind that reupholstering a couch is a difficult task that may involve a few mistakes. Even if you don't need the extra fabric right away, you never know when you might want to reupholster your favorite yard sale chair.