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.
Jump to section
Tools and stuff you need
| Tool | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Heavy‑duty staple gun (¼–⅜ in staples) | Holds fabric tight |
| Staple remover or flat screwdriver | Pops old staples fast Reddit |
| Sharp fabric scissors | Clean cuts |
| Tack strips & pliers | Finish edges neat |
| Tape measure & chalk | Mark fabric pieces |
| 12–15 yd upholstery fabric | Fits a 3‑seat sofa |
| Foam, batting, dust cover (optional) | Fresh inside parts |
Plan before you pull
- Snap photos of every angle. They help when you put fabric back. YouTube
- Measure the sofa. Check width, depth, and arm height. Use the yardage chart to buy cloth. discounteddesignerfabrics.com
- 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.
2. Fix the inside
Tighten springs, glue loose joints, and swap flat foam. Small fixes now stop sag later.
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.
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?
- Need costs? Check our couch upholstery cost guide.
- Leather job? Read reupholster leather couch.
- Want a pro? Browse our upholsterer directory for trusted shops near you.
Fresh fabric, fresh look—now sit back and enjoy your “new” couch!