Don't discard your shabby old loveseat just because it's beginning to show its age. Often, the upholstery is the first thing to wear out. If the loveseat is in good condition with the exception of the surface material, go ahead and reupholster it. With a little patience and determination, you can make the old loveseat look new. Reupholstery can also be a preferable alternative to hiding a loveseat beneath a blanket or throw just because it doesn't match the rest of your living room design. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Replace the Upholstery on Your Loveseat
1. Begin by measuring the fabric currently on the loveseat. Use a bendable fabric measuring tape. Be sure to include the fabric on any cushions and throw pillows you intend to cover. Add an inch to each measurement to allow for a seam allowance. Once you have the overall measurements, you will have a good estimate of the amount of fabric you will require.
2. Now, using a seam ripper, gently remove each piece of the old fabric from the loveseat. On a piece of paper, note the location on the loveseat from where you remove each piece of fabric. This will assist you in correct placement of the new pieces. Keep these old fabric pieces in order and in good condition to use for making patterns.
3. Next, you should determine more precisely the amount of fabric you will need to purchase. Begin by clearing a large open space on your floor. Using two pieces of masking tape, make two temporary, parallel lines on the floor to simulate the width of the new upholstery fabric. Upholstery fabrics are sold by the yard, and most come in 54- to 60-inch widths. Lay your disassembled pieces of old fabric between the width you have outlined, being careful to keep the fabric's weave direction (known as "nap") going the same way for each piece. Keep in mind that some fabrics do not have an obvious nap. Now, take your measuring tape and measure the distance your pieces extend. This will be the amount of fabric needed, unless you intend to purchase a fabric with a conspicuous pattern. If so, you should allow an additional yard or two for matching the design at the seams.
4. Spread out your newly purchased fabric on the floor or large table, and pin all pieces of the old fabric to it before beginning cutting. Once you are satisfied with the layout, cut out your pieces, making note of how wide your seam allowances will be (the seam allowances on the old pieces may have been trimmed down to make the seams lay more smoothly). Do not cut any smaller pieces for pillows until you are satisfied with the larger ones. This strategy prevents waste in case you make a mistake cutting a larger piece by allowing you to use it for a pillow covering.
5. Begin joining your pieces by machine sewing all applicable pieces together first (right sides together). Remember to leave openings in cushion covers so you can reinsert the inner cushions or foam. After your machine stitching is complete and any loose cushions are inserted, hand stitch any remaining seams that cannot be stitched by machine. Lastly, fold under any remaining raw edges and tack them to the frame with upholstery tacks or a power stapler. Be sure to pull the fabric snugly while attaching to the frame.
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