How to make a sofa slipcover

This alternative to reupholstering or slipcovering is fast and simple to make, easy to launder, and, if you choose to make a wardrobe of wraps, can be changed frequently for the occasion or season.

 

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HERE'S HOW:
A sofa wrap is made of three elements: an underlayer, a cross-shaped top piece, and a decorative treatment at the sofa corners. The top piece of the wrap shown here is made of fish-patterned tapestry fabric, which contrasts the iridescent silk dupioni underlayer. Just follow the instructions below for an effortless way to change the style or mood of your living room.

Measuring
Begin by taking four basic measurements: body length, body width, arm length, and arm width. Now it's easy to calculate the dimensions of the two-part, cross-shaped top piece and the underlayer. Note that body and arm dimensions can vary according to your preference: the illustration below shows body and arm pieces that are narrower than those in the photo above.

For top piece:
1. To determine body length, measure sofa from front to back starting at floor in front of sofa and ending at floor in back, and add 30 to 40cm tuck-in allowance and twice hem allowance.

2. To determine body width, measure across sofa seat from arm to arm and add twice hem allowance.

3. To determine arm/side length, measure from where seat meets arm, over arm to floor, and add 30 to 40cm. tuck-in allowance, plus hem allowance.

4. To determine arm width, measure sofa arm from front to where arm meets back, and add twice hem allowance.

 

CONTINUES BELOW

 

 

For underlayer (as shown below):
Length = step 1 above.
Width = step 2 plus twice step 3, minus twice hem allowances.

Cutting the fabric
For body: Cut fabric or piece fabrics to equal measurements determined in steps 1 and 2 above.
For arms: Cut two pieces of fabric to measurements determined in steps 3 and 4 above.

Fabric grain: Directional prints all "stand" vertically in sofa wrap, so grain on arm section runs perpendicular to that on body, and top edge of each arm section is sewn to seat of body section.

For underlayer: Piece fabric to fit dimensions listed above. Drape unfinished cloth on sofa and trim one corner to be level with floor, then fold underlayer in quarters, and cut remaining corners to shape. Hem.

Sewing the sofa wrap
1. Pin short edge of each arm section to body section and seam (determine seam placement by fitting on sofa).
2. Press hem in place on all sides and stitch or bond in place.
3. Decide how to dress corners.

To keep sofa wrap in place when you sit down, cut an 8mm wooden dowel the length of each tucked edge, and bury it deep inside tuck when dressing sofa. If sofa sides are curved, use PVC pipe cut to length and bend to shape.

Closures

Usually the fabric or fabric combination you choose has a certain character or ambience, which can be accentuated by the corner treatment. This treatment can make the difference between average upholstery and spectacular results in the same way that carefully selected accessories can bring a garment to life.

Use your imagination and experiment with various approaches to corner "closures" and embellishment; see Ideas for corner treatments to get started.