Anyone tried re-upholstering their own couch?

Question

I bought a beautiful, Danish designed couch but the cost of reupholstering is nearly $1200.  I would like to try upholstering it myself but I wonder if anyone else has done one, or if you could refer me to some of the posts, etc.  Thank you.

Allinthefamilysingers · Answer

HI I WOULD SAY LOOK RIGHT HERE ON HOME TALK THERE ARE MANY HOW TO RENEW OLD SOFAS. ONE LADY PAINTED HERS AND IT LOOKS REALLY GOOD ANOTHER RESTUFFED HERS THERE ARE A FEW HERE LOOK THEM UP. GOOD LUCK... DHALL

Kelly MacGregor · Answer

I have reupholstered many things and online tutorials are only so helpful since every couch is different. (Here's one if you want to see one anyway: http://do-it-yourselfdesign.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-re-upholster-sofa.html). My advice is to get a good ELECTRIC staple gun (when I first started reupholstering I used my little manual one and killed my hands...) and pliers or the little tool (can buy at joann's) to lift out the old staples. Your couch is absolutely gorgeous. You may want to look into having someone do the body of the couch and you tackle the cushions. I'd be scared to work around that beautiful wood.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Would consider painting the couch which would be less expensive.

CK · Answer

I used the same method this lady did. It's not too hard....I'd never really upholstered before but this works. I'd suggest a solid fabric (I used one too) since trying to match up difficult patterns might be more intense for the first time. http://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/2016/02/how-to-reupholster-easy-way-my-french.html

Kathy Harris · Answer

I haven't read all the other comments. Having an upholstery business for several years, as well as my own design projects over the years, here's what I would recommend: First, do look at various DIY tutorials (YOU Tube, online) to get tips. But, the best tip would be to remove the fabric. You'll see how each layer was applied. Take a picture of each layer removal (keep them in sequence order). This will be your script for reupholstering. You will do everything in reverse order, referring to your pictures. You may or may not have to purchase new metal stripping you'll see (depending if you damage it upon removal or 'teeth' are missing--you'll get it when you see it). Joann Fabrics has upholstery supplies or order online.

Donna L. Woods-Clements · Answer

I have reupholstered 2 sofas--1 twice. If you follow Kathy Harris' directions above, you should be A-OK. Two more 'tips:' number every piece you remove (& take those pictures,) and number the corresponding newly cut fabric to match your pattern piece. The only thing that would daunt me is that beautiful piece of teak. I'd be afraid of breaking it. I'm assuming it needs to be removed 1st, and reattached last.

Pat whitmus · Answer

It's not hard...but you do have to be patient...go slowly and follow the above instructions. Gather all the tools you will need so that everything is at your finger tips. You'll do fine! Take those pictures and enjoy the process!

LD · Answer

Look to see if there are any classes in your area for reupholstering furniture.

Linda · Answer

Invest in a good stapler! The day I finally broke down and bought an air stapler changed my view of upholstering furniture 180 degrees! I'm still far from being a pro at it, but I enjoy it now and keep learning new skills from all the amazing resources available now. I have more trouble sewing up the cushion covers than attaching the fabric now, but the advice above is great. Take it apart piece by piece, marking each, taking pictures of every step and choosing a solid fabric or all over design so you're not trying to match up intricate patterns in addition to getting the fabric just right. Good luck!

Edelong10 · Answer

The only thing I would add to the great advice here is you want to use fabric you do not have to match...stripes/plaid...too hard for a 1st time try...stick with simple fabric. Take your time, I tackled 3 wing chair (at age 67) and they turned out great.

Amanda Pauls · Answer

This is an awesome couch that has great lines for a DIY. I recently did a chair and am thinking about taking on a similar shape. Make sure to study how the fabric is on right now and I'd use a plain fabric like she said above if it is your first one. This way you only have to worry about fit and not where stripes and patterns match up on top of everything else. Good Luck!

Mother Daughter Projects · Answer

Get a good staple remover. I have this one and it is great! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/568860996658702017/

Zak7916218 · Answer

Hi Sierra
I have the same sofa and don`t know how to reupholster around that piece of teak. If you did it  could you please to share how to make it . thank you

Sierra · Answer

Hi Zakhunovo, I ended up paying for the unholstery.  With the material left over I went online to see how I could do the matching chair.  You basically take off the old material along the lines which are sewn, write on the pieces what part it is and number them as to whether you took it off first and if its the right hand side or backside etc.  Lay out pieces on the new fabric and sew the pieces together according to your old pattern.  Good luck.  If you have time it could be fun but I'm not very crafty plus my sewing machine was wierd to operate.

William Thompson · Answer

I am an upholsterer and also teach it in my shop as an adult ed class. When doing it for the local Junior college, they required 12 in the class. It drives both teacher and students nuts because each project requires personal attention. I do it in my shop with a max of 4 and if they want to bring a helper, they come free. If you would send me some pictures of your couch, I might be able to tell if the fabric goes under the wood or has trim to cover the edge. Perhaps the wood is screwed or bolted down before the outside bottoms are secured under the couch

Anyone tried re-upholstering their own couch?

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Anyone tried re-upholstering their own couch?

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