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| Loose cover |
| Don't buy a new sofa, replace the cover instead. |
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If your sofa is in good order structurally then save money by replacing the fabric with a tailored loose cover.
1
Remove the seat cushions and carefully measure each section of the sofa, starting off at the longest and widest points. See diagram one. The inside arm should be measured from the seat over the arm to the outside of the arm, finishing underneath the scroll. Continue down the sofa skirt, including the outside arm.
Tip 1 : Use the original upholstery lines as a guide.
2
Add a three centimetre seam allowance on all sides to the measurement of each piece and a 15cm tuck-in allowance. This is where the fabric tucks into the seat or under the cushions.
For example, this occurs at the lower edge of the inside arm, the lower edge of inside the back piece and at the edges between the inside arm and inside back. Also allow 10cm for "kick" pleats at each corner of the sofa.
3
Draw up a plan, as in diagram two, which allows you to maximise the use of fabric before you cut it. You might have large pieces which are wider than the width of the fabric, and these need to be pieced together.
In some areas, such as the inside back, if it is not possible to match the pattern, the joining seam can be piped. In this example a zip takes the place of a seam at the centre of the back on the outside of the sofa. If you are working with a patterned fabric, extra must be allowed for pattern matching.
A pattern made from calico or strong tissue paper can be used in order to help calculate the fabric requirements and prevent costly errors when using expensive fabrics. Label each section clearly. Comprehensive instructions to make the piping are in the magazine as listed under further information.
4
After cutting out the different pieces of your sofa pattern, mark the centre of each section of the sofa and your fabric pieces with chalk. Pin together the centre back seam of the outside back pieces. Pin the outside back piece to the sofa, matching the centres of the sofa and the fabric.
Tip 2 : To make stitching easier, pin the pieces together inside out.
Using the chalk, mark the stitching line on the fabric. Next, pin the inside back to the sofa, and pin the pieces together at the adjoining seam lines. Smooth out the fabric and trim it to the shape of the sofa, leaving a seam and tuck-in allowance (as before). See diagram 3. Now continue with the inside and outside arm sections.
5
If you have a scroll-arm sofa, trim the tuck-in allowance between the inside arm sections. You will need to leave full allowance on the lower edge but then taper it to a 1.5cm seam allowance at the top edge. Once these pieces are in place, you will be able to pin the seat piece in position between the inside arms and the back. See diagram 4.
6
Now pin the front arm pieces on. Position the pleats evenly around the arm and pin in place. See diagram 5.
7
Remove the pins on the centre back seam of the outside back piece. Remove the cover and stitch along the seams of the main pieces. Where the seams are to be piped, stitch the piping along the seam line before stitching the fabric pieces together.
Now place the cover on the sofa to check the fit. Remove and trim the seam allowance and tidy the raw edges. Stitch the pleat inserts between each skirt length. Fold the insert into a pleat and tack. See diagram six.
8
Stitch the zip into the centre back seam of the outside back of the sofa. If the sofa is box shaped and has an extra strip between each main section, these should be pinned in place as you work.
Tip 3 : Shop around for fabric seconds. Some stores sell upholstery fabrics at very competitive prices.
The seat cushions were replaced with new squares of upholstery grade foam. They can be cut to size from a supplier such as Clark Rubber.
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Materials
Materials
Fabric
Piping cord
Zipper
Thread
Dress maker's chalk
Scissors
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Cost
Cover was a yellow fabric called "Taj", Sweet Corn colour - 18 metres was used at $25 per metre. Cost of the fabric was $450.
Contrasting fabric used for scatter cushions. "Edith Toile" material was used, Wedgewood colour - 3 metres used at $33 per metre. Cost for the cushions was $99.
Two new foam squares were purchased for the seats of the sofa. Cost $100.
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More Info
Thanks to No Chintz for supplying the fabric for the new covers.
Contact No Chintz at:
509 Willoughby Rd.,
Willoughby, Sydney NSW 2068.
Ph: (02) 9958 0257 Fax: (02) 9319 6009
Also at,
574 Crown St,
Surry Hills, Sydney.
Ph: (02) 9318 2080 Fax: (02) 9699 6095.
Comprehensive instructions and many other decorator projects can be found in
The Australian Women's Weekly craft library book, Soft Furnishings and Designer Trims. It is available from newsagents nationally.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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