Upholster vintage sofa
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I need help to upholster this sofa, please bear in mind the seat is a big size. Thank you.
16 answers
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Hi Sara- unless you have upholstering or slipcovering experience, I am not sure if this is something you can tackle yourself. You might try www.surefit.com and see if they have anything that would work for you. There is no way to keep the tufted pillows with a slipcover, but you could definitely cover the seat cushion.
Country Design Home
on Apr 18, 2015
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I would get an professional to do this.. are the springs the coil kind or the flat kind? You would have to Retie them + all the layers over the springs would need replaced, foam etc.? the seat could be divided into 3 sections to match the back...and the button tufting is not easy Plus the curved sections on the upper part of the back with the piping.... Yes all the padding etc would have to be replaced... and the frame refinished too.. a Big JOB for your self... again suggest a Professional... maybe you could ask to watch them do it..?
Jean Thompson
on Apr 18, 2015
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I tackled a reupholstering project with zero experience years ago. I started by carefully taking the existing upholstery apart and using it as a pattern to cut the new upholstery. Then put it back together the way I took it apart. Depending on the weight of fabric you use, you might need a heavy-duty sewing machine. And it helps if you have sewing experience and know how to do the corded seams. But you could do it without corded seams just as well. Give yourself plenty of time, and be kind to yourself when mistakes happen!
Becki
on Apr 18, 2015
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If you have never reupholstered before, purchase a good book on reupholstering or watch you tube. Look online for bargains on foam for the cushions or in fabric stores. Tips: Measure the existing old fabric covering the cushions and have the foam cut 1/4 inch greater than each measurement- width and length. The old fabic has stretched some and this way you can get a tighter fit. You can use a plastic garbage bag to slide the foam into the fabric and then pull out the bag.
Cindy
on Apr 18, 2015
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if you only want to change the fabric and the springs and bones are sturdy and not in need of repair, you can tackle this yourself. If you can use a sewing machine, you should be able to remove the fabric and use as a pattern. I would take my digital camera and take pictures step by step, so that you know how it should look. You can also take an upholstery class from a local instructor. You would learn how to reupholster and refinish the wood. Of course, you will also be picking up curbside furniture to refinish because then all restoration projects won't appear to be so difficult. Take your time and good luck.
Dawn
on Apr 19, 2015
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Thank you all for the advice, there is a hole on the material made by a dog, so it would need to be completed recovered. I am afraid I won't be able to manage the springs.
Sara Adams Vieira
on Apr 19, 2015
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Its actually easier then you'd think, take the old cover off and use it for a pattern, if you can sew you can make anything, I did it with an old ugly over sized chair my husband had, you may surprise yourself what you can do.
Ione H
on Apr 19, 2015
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I'm not an upholsterer however this really wouldn't be a difficult project. One of the first questions is are the seat backs 3 separate pieces? If so, you can recover them just as if you were making pillow cases of sorts. If you choose to do the button tufting, there are tutorials on line to help you. The bottom cushion is merely a bigger 'pillow case' too when it comes to design. The biggest things that usually stumps us non-upholsterers are the button tufting (can we replicate it?) and the cording. Truth be told you don't necessarily need the tufting (the backs can be recovered without it) and the cording is optional too. Certainly both those elements make a piece look more professional but there are professional sofas too that don't have these elements. Check a few online tutorials (many out there), buy some inexpensive muslin to try your hand with one of the cushions, and see how you do. Then you can purchase more expensive fabric once you get the hang of it. I reupholstered a chair doing just that and because I liked the end product I never did recover it in any other fabric ;-) Here's one that may be of some help. The specifics vary from your sofa, but it may get you going in the right direction. http://www.simplylinen.blogspot.com/2014/01/linen-slipcovered-couch-tutorial.html I also used the "pillow case" design to recover all the seats and backs of second-hand patio furniture. Good luck! You can do this :-)
CK
on Apr 22, 2015
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Thank you very much for your advise, fortunately there is no smell but besides the hole it is extremely uncomfortable. For the time being I think I'll sew the hole and place a nice fabric as you suggest.
Sara Adams Vieira
on Apr 22, 2015
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Without professional upholstering equipment, and a good deal of know how, I don't think I'd give this one a go....
Dodie
on Apr 24, 2015
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Sara, you'll never know if you can do something until you try! I had never sewed before and sat down and taught myself about my sewing machine and how it operated. Then I measured my old sofa and bought material. Next I proceeded to make a cover with cording around the edges of each cushion and zippers in the back. Next I made a cover to go over the sofa and put the cushions back on the cover. It turned out great and I got quite a few compliments on it. When I finally bought a new sofa, I gave the old sofa bed away and it's still in use to this day. I used a faux suede material that was on sale for half price and it always looked good. I could even take it off and wash it if needed and put it back on and it looked good as new.
Marilynn Gillespie
on Apr 27, 2015
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There is a reason for the button tufting, it holds the padding in place. If you decide to reupholster it, get the buttons made at an upholstery shop that has a button press. Don't want them to pop apart after you get your job done. Also get some button twine while you are there and perhaps a long button tufting needle. The seat appears to be staple onto a frame. Easier then making a loose cushion, but you will need tacks and hammer or a staple gun. Perhaps it has springs in the seat. Looks as though the middle springs have come loose or broken. That would make it uncomfortable. Be sure to repair what ever is making the sag and not just by stuffing it with some padding or it will never be comfortable. I am a retired upholsterer.
Gerrie
on Nov 25, 2015
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Dear Gerrie. I just wish you lived nearby ;)
Sara Adams Vieira
on Nov 25, 2015
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yup, Portugal is a long way :-)
Gerrie
on Nov 26, 2015
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If you don't mind I am going to postpone this uphostering task until next year because of christmas but in 2016 I'll ask for your advice, if that is ok with you
Sara Adams Vieira
on Nov 26, 2015
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I clicked on follow.. so you can do the same and we can communicate through private messages.
Gerrie
on Nov 27, 2015
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