Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.

How to reupholster a couch: easy step‑by‑step guide

Reupholstering means pull off old fabric, fix foam, and staple on new cloth. A weekend of work can save you $1,000 and keep a sofa out of the dump. The Spruce


Tools and stuff you need

ToolWhy it matters
Heavy‑duty staple gun (¼–⅜ in staples)Holds fabric tight Kim\’s UpholsteryThe Spruce
Staple remover or flat screwdriverPops old staples fast Reddit
Sharp fabric scissorsClean cuts blog.createacademy.com
Tack strips & pliersFinish edges neat Food52
Tape measure & chalkMark fabric pieces Food52
12–15 yd upholstery fabricFits a 3‑seat sofa discounteddesignerfabrics.cominteriordecorating.com
Foam, batting, dust cover (optional)Fresh inside parts The Spruce

Plan before you pull

  1. Snap photos of every angle. They help when you put fabric back. YouTube
  2. Measure the sofa. Check width, depth, and arm height. Use the yardage chart to buy cloth. discounteddesignerfabrics.com
  3. Pick tough fabric. Cotton‑poly or performance weaves last long. Architectural Digest

Step‑by‑step

1. Strip the sofa

Remove the dust cover under the frame. Pull staples and peel each panel. Label parts with tape. The SpruceYouTube

2. Fix the inside

Tighten springs, glue loose joints, and swap flat foam. Small fixes now stop sag later. Architectural Digest

3. Cut new fabric

Lay old fabric on new cloth. Trace and add 1 in for safety. Cut with sharp shears. The Spruce

4. Staple panels back

Start at the center of each side, pull fabric tight, then work to corners. YouTube

5. Fold perfect corners

Tuck one side, fold the other on top, and shoot two staples to lock. Watch a quick corner video for help. YouTubeYouTube

6. Add trim and dust cover

Hide staples with welt cord or tack strip. Staple a new black dust cloth under the frame. blog.createacademy.com


Tips that save time and cash

  • Leave old fabric on if it’s flat and clean; it can act as extra padding. Add a thin batting layer to hide seams. Reddit
  • Borrow an air stapler if you can. It is faster and kinder on hands. Kim\’s Upholstery
  • Shop remnant bins for high‑end cloth at half price. Apartment Therapy

Common goofs to dodge

  • Loose fabric—always staple center‑out.
  • Pattern drift—cut panels in the same direction.
  • Short yardage—buy one extra yard just in case. discounteddesignerfabrics.com

What’s next?

Fresh fabric, fresh look—now sit back and enjoy your “new” couch!

Share your love
Asherfield
Asherfield
Articles: 100