How do I reupholster a couch?

Cakes
by Cakes

The stuffing finally came out of the bottom of our 1965 French Provincial sofa. How can I repair this myself

  5 answers
  • Natalie Natalie on Mar 25, 2019

    I would pour over youtube videos here to learn how to do it. Every couch is different, so it's hard to say how to do it without seeing it. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=reupholster+antique+couch

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Mar 25, 2019

    Exactly, sounds like your base webbing has dryrotted and gave away. You can do it!

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Mar 26, 2019

    A picture would help with recommendations. The possibilities are endless.

  • V Smith V Smith on Mar 26, 2019

    I would venture to guess that most of the fabrics and other fibrous materials of 1965 vintage have given up the ghost by now. I suggest you get a book on reupholstering, either from a library or book store. You may need to learn how to retie the springs as well as acquire specialty tools. YouTube may be helpful but a sofa is a BIG undertaking and you are going to need to take your time. Life will be easier if you can build a platform for the sofa to sit on when you start to attach the fabric to the frame and a power stapler will also help you out of some aches and pains. Find the fabric, other materials, and tools you want and need to use and figure out your costs. Then get an estimate from a professional. The cost can be as much as a new sofa but it will be repaired and recovered to high standards. Good luck, I admire your willingness to go for it.

  • Jill Krol Jill Krol on Mar 26, 2019

    If it is just the bottom that has disintegrated, then it will be reasonably easy. You will need an electric staple gun, probably a 3-prong extension cord, scissors, a flat screw driver, wide masking tape and somebody to help you turn over the couch. You might need some stuffing. Measure the length and width of the bottom of the couch and add 2" to each measurement. Go to the fabric store and tell them you want a sturdy, inexpensive piece of fabric that size for upholstering the bottom of your couch. Canvas would work (or a canvas drop cloth), but it is best to get something in a color that goes well with your couch. Remove the old fabric and throw it away. Use the flat head screwdriver to remove any staples that remain in the bottom of the couch. If the couch stuffing is in need of extra, add it now. Turn under the raw edge of the material and hold it down with wide masking tape. Staple the material to one bottom short end of the couch. You will want the nice side out and the masking taped edge to not show. Now pull the material down the long end and have your helper hold it tight while you staple on both sides approximately every foot or so. When you get to the other short end, staple it down. Then go back and add staples along both long ends so there are no gaps. Flip the couch back up and you are done. Obviously, this is just for repairing the bottom and not for upholstering the entire piece. Good luck!