How to reupholster a vintage couch?

Great project! I have a few posts that might help you. The project that I did was a bench with an upholstered back like this. I have 4 parts(posts) to the bench project that I re-upholstered with a ton of great helpful details on how to re-upholster. All projects are different and even though It wasn't a rocker, things will be similar in some ways.

https://karupp-did.net/fabric-removal/

• This post shows how to remove the fabric for an upholstery project
• how to label and use each piece as a pattern.

https://karupp-did.net/bench-part-2/

• This post shows how to refinish the wood after removing the fabric. I used a dark stain and finished with Waterlox.
• I had to do some sewing to the back of my upholstered bench so in this post I show how to really get a very strong seam without having to use a commercial sewing machine when you are sewing upholstery fabric for seating.
• You may not have any seams in the backrest like I did, but I do see a seam in your seat cushion with piping. Is there a zipper in the back?

https://karupp-did.net/bench-part-3/

• This post shows you how to staple the fabric back on and get that tight fit.
• I had panels in my upholstery project which you don't have, so you won't have to worry about that.
• Look at the hand technique for pulling and stretching

https://karupp-did.net/bench-beforeafter/

• this post is a summary of everything(above) I did to re-do the upholstered bench.
• I also talk about how much everything cost
• Here I give all the BEFORE and AFTER pics

GOOD LUCK! I love that you are tackling this project. Re-upholstery is my favorite ways to re-do furniture. You get such a fulfillment from an amazing transformation.

JoAnns Fabrics is having a major sales. Don’t know if it state wide. But had some nice fabrics for sofas and chairs.

I took an upholstery class and let me tell you, the people who do this for a living deserve every penny they make. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to take pictures of every step of the removal process. It will be a lifesaver when reconstructing the piece with the new fabric. Good luck!

With the exception of that one hole, the fabric looks to be in pretty good shape..

I reupholstered a loveseat using fabric and an industrial strength glue gun! I didn't remove the old fabric since it was in good shape and literally glued the fabric on in sections, then used gimping to hide any seams.. I'm not sure how to attach the link, but it is posted here on Hometalk.. its called Reupholstering with a glue gun!.. or something like that.. good luck !

Re-upholstery means replacing the inside stuffing with new, and then sewing new fabric covering on the outside.

Re-covering furniture means either taking off the old covers and sewing new, or covering over the old fabric with new; either way without touching the inside forms or foam stuffing.