How To Reupholster A Couch with Attached Cushions? DIY Guide

You must have looked at your beloved couch and felt like it needed a fresh start. Perhaps the fabric is worn, stained, or outdated, but the thought of throwing it away and buying a new one seems wasteful and expensive. Fear not, because reupholstering your couch with attached cushions is easier than you think!

Well, you can do so with some basic tools, a bit of patience, and a little creativity. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of how to reupholster a couch with attached cushions and show you how to give your couch a new lease on life. Grab a coffee cup, and let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]

A staple puller, seam ripper, scissors, staple gun, and hammer are required for reupholstering a couch with attached cushions.
To remove the old upholstery, turn the couch upside down, locate the staples or seams holding the fabric in place, and use a staple puller or screwdriver to remove the staples or cut along the seams using a seam ripper.
The process involves removing the old upholstery, preparing the couch for reupholstering, measuring and cutting the new upholstery, restuffing the cushions, and reupholstering the couch carefully.[/su_note]

Tools & Materials Needed

The following are the tools and materials needed for reupholstering a couch with attached cushions at home.

Tools

Staple puller
Seam ripper
Scissors
Staple gun
Hammer

Materials

Fabric (measure the amount needed based on the size of the old fabric plus an additional yard for non-professional installation)
Batting or foam padding (if needed to add fluff to cushions)
New staples

Tips & Precautions for Reupholstering a Couch With Attached Cushions

Reupholstering a couch with attached cushions may be a straightforward process, but you have to take care of the following things to avoid any damage and complete the process aesthetically.

Take your time to avoid mistakes and ensure a quality result.
Evaluate the condition of your couch before starting to decide if reupholstering is worth the cost.
Remove the current upholstery gently, using a staple puller or cutting along seams if necessary.
Accurately measure the amount of fabric needed to avoid an unfinished look.
Properly tuck and stretch the new upholstery to avoid wrinkles or loose sections.
Staple the fabric to the wooden frame for a tight attachment and finish by stapling to the base every four inches.
Add cotton batting or foam padding to sagging cushions before final stapling.

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: All these tips and tricks are explained throughout the process below. Ensure to follow this step-by-step process properly to genuinely give your couch a new, attractive look. [/su_note]

How to Reupholster a Couch With Attached Cushions?

Once you have gathered all the materials and tools that I mentioned earlier and have gone through the tips and precautions section, it’s time to start with the actual reupholstering process. The following steps are involved in the process.

Remove the Old Upholstery.

First, you must remove the existing upholstery from the couch. Remember, you can keep it as well, but it should be in good condition in such a case. Still, I suggest you remove it since it may impact the proper placement of the new fabric or at least make it difficult for you to fit it over.

Well, here are the steps to easily get rid of the old upholstery from the surface of the couch.

Turn the couch upside down and locate the staples or seams holding the fabric in place.
Using a staple puller or screwdriver, remove all visible staples or cut along the seams using a seam ripper.
Use scissors to cut the fabric off the couch’s bottom if required.
Continue to remove the fabric via whatever method you choose until fabric until all of it has been taken off.

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: To identify the order in which you removed the cushions for the later, take pictures or make notes before removing any of the cushions. Also, be gentle to avoid when handling old upholstery materials damaging them in case you need to use them as templates. [/su_note]

Prepare the Couch for Reupholstering.

Once you have removed the existing fabric, now, the couch’s frame must be fully visible to you. Now, it’s the time to prepare it for reupholstering and ensure it’s ready to go into the transformation.

Take a brush or a vacuum cleaner and carefully remove any dust or debris from the frame of the couch.
Look at the frame’s condition and especially check the bolts and screws holding it. If necessary, tighten any loose bolts or screws in the frame.
Find out any damages and parts that must be repaired. If found, repair any cracks or damage to the frame using wood glue or filler.

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: Once you are done checking the frame’s structure, don’t forget to check the condition of the springs and webbing. Replace any worn-out or damaged springs or webbing and ensure that the frame is sturdy and can support the weight of the cushions and any added padding.[/su_note]

Measure the New Upholstery and Cut It.

For your information, we have reached the most critical part of our transformation project, measuring and cutting the new upholstery. Although it may be a bit attention-required and experienced-required phase, follow these tips to go through it smoothly.

Put the removed fabric on a flat surface and carefully measure its dimensions. Note down the length and width of the fabric to determine how much new upholstery material you will need.
Based on the measurements you just took, determine how many yards of new upholstery fabric you will need. It’s always good to acquire a little extra material than needed, according to your observation, to tackle emergency cases.
Add at least one yard to the amount of removed fabric to account for any discrepancies that may arise during the installation process. This extra fabric will also be useful if you require to make any corrections or adjustments.
Carefully cut the new upholstery material to the appropriate size and shape. Use a rotary cutter or sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts and get rid of fraying.
If you are reupholstering a couch with attached cushions, create a pattern to follow for each cushion. This will certify that each cushion positions perfectly and complements the rest of the couch.

Restuffing the Attached Cushions. (Optional)

Sometimes, the older cushions are now not enough to give you the necessary padding and comfort. In such a case, you must restuff the cushions of your sofa, following these simple steps.

Remove the cushions from the sofa and unzip the cover to access the stuffing.
Remove any old stuffing that is lumpy, flat, or worn out. You can put your hands into action or a vacuum to do this.
Measure the cushion size and cut a foam piece to fit inside it. Make sure to use high-density foam that won’t flatten easily over time.
Place the foam inside the cushion cover and fluff it up to ensure even distribution.
If you prefer a softer feel, add polyester batting or down feathers on top of the foam.
Zip up the cushion cover and place it back on the sofa.

Reupholster the Couch Carefully.

Finally, it is time to actually reupholster the couch. Let me not take much of your time since I know you’re waiting for this amazing moment, and jump straight into the step required to dress up your couch in the new outfit.

Drape the upholstery over the sofa, ensuring it’s centered and straight.
Fit the fabric into the gaps between the seat backrest, armrests, and cushions. Stretch the material as you go for a tight fit and to prevent creases.
Once you’re satisfied with the placement, staple the upholstery into the sofa frame, ensuring the staples are hidden from view.
Check for any areas that need additional padding to create a plumper look and feel. If necessary, add padding underneath the fabric before securing it in place.
Keep covering all parts of the sofa, making sure to cut and trim any extra material.

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: You may have to alter the installation process in accordance with the sofa’s shape and style. For example, you’ll usually reupholster the cushions separately because you can remove them for the power reclining sectional. For sofas with cushions permanently attached, you’ll envelop the cushions directly.[/su_note]

FAQs

Can you Slipcover a Couch with Attached Cushions?

Yes, slipcovering a couch with attached cushions is possible, although the fact that it can be a bit more difficult than one with removable cushions. You can use the following methods for slipcovering a couch that has attached cushions.

One option is to use a one-piece slipcover that covers the entire couch, including the cushions. This type of slip cover can be a bit trickier to install since you need to fit it snugly around the cushions to prevent it from slipping or shifting.
Another option is to use a separate slipcover for the couch and the cushions. This can be easier to install since you can fit each piece separately. However, you may need to secure the cushion slipcovers to the couch to prevent them from shifting.

[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Note: Opt for a stretchy, snug-fitting slipcover to maintain its position and appearance. In addition, ensure the right fit by precisely measuring your couch and cushions before buying.[/su_note]

How to Reupholster a Leather Couch With Attached Cushions?

Reupholstering a leather couch with attached cushions can be a bit difficult, but fruitful DIY project. The following are some straightforward steps to teach you how to go through the process:

Begin by removing the old upholstery from the couch. Use a utility knife or seam ripper to carefully cut the stitches and remove the fabric. Be cautious not to harm the cushions or the leather.
If the cushions are damaged or worn, now is a good time to repair or replace them. If the foam is still in good condition, you can simply wrap it with batting to give it a fresh look. However, if the foam is worn out or damaged, you may require to change it.
Measure the couch and cushions carefully to estimate the needed fabric. Cut the fabric with extra inches around the edges to account for folding and sewing.
Place the cushions on top of the fabric and fold the excess fabric around the edges. Take help from a staple gun to secure the fabric to the cushions’ underside. Be sure to tug the fabric tight to prevent wrinkles.
Once the cushions are covered, it’s time to pay attention to the rest of the couch. Begin at the bottom and work your way up, attaching the fabric with a staple gun. Again, be sure to tug the fabric tight to prevent wrinkles as you go.
Once the fabric is attached, sew the seams together with a sewing machine. Be sure to use a high-quality, suitable needle designed for leather.
Finally, trim any extra fabric and give a finishing touch to the edges with a decorative trim or upholstery nails.

How to Reupholster a Couch With Attached Back Cushions?

The following are the steps you must follow to reupholster your leather couch with attached cushions and give it a whole new look.

Measure and cut the fabric for the back and arms of the couch, leaving a few inches of excess around the edges.
Before attaching the new fabric, you may want to add some foam padding to the couch’s arms, back, and sides for extra comfort. Cut the foam padding to size and attach it to the couch with spray adhesive.
Begin stapling the fabric to the couch’s back and arms using a staple gun, starting from the bottom and moving upward, stretching the fabric tightly and removing any creases.
(Optional) You can add piping to the edges if you want to give your reupholstered couch a more finished look. Cut fabric strips on the bias and sew them together to create the piping. Attach the piping to the edges of the couch with a staple gun or hot glue.
(Optional) Finally, you can add decorative details like tufting, buttons, or nailhead trim to give your couch a unique look. Be sure to use a heavy-duty needle designed for leather if you are sewing through multiple layers of fabric and leather.

How to Reupholster a Leather Sofa With Attached Cushions?

To reupholster a leather sofa with attached cushions:

Remove the old upholstery from the couch using a seam ripper or utility knife. Take care not to damage the cushions or leather.
Repair or replace the cushions if necessary. If the foam is still in good condition, wrap it with batting to freshen it up. If the foam is damaged, replace it.
Measure the couch and cushions and cut the fabric to size, leaving a few extra inches around the edges for folding and sewing.
Place the cushions on top of the fabric, fold the excess fabric around the edges, and staple it to the underside of the cushions, making sure the fabric is taut.
Begin covering the remaining parts of the couch, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Secure the fabric with a staple gun, ensuring it is pulled tightly and any creases are smoothed out during the process.
Sew the seams together using a heavy-duty needle designed for leather.
Trim any extra fabric and give final touches to the edges with a decorative trim or upholstery nails.

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