Are you surfing the internet for a slipcover to revitalize your sleeper sofa? Or a new sleeper sofa altogether? Both the options can be pretty hard on your bank and unnecessary as well since you can opt for a fun and affordable middle way. That is, making a slipcover for your sleeper sofa at home.
A new slipcover is a great way to renew your sofa. Whether your sofa has gotten worn and dirty or you are tired of the present color and want an update or a new color scheme for your furniture. That gets even better when you can make it at home, it might seem daunting at first, but once you get into the process, it is much easier than how it sounds.
With the basic sewing skills and time, and with proper and right instructions, you can easily do it. So you don’t need to go for the expensive options rather just a little effort and arrangement of throw pillows matching the slipcover. This article will provide you the guideline on how to make a slipcover for a sleeper sofa by yourself. Follow the step-by-step process elaborated below, and you will pat yourself on the back with the outcome.
Materials Needed
- The Fabric of which you want the slipcover made. You can choose any as per your choice, but make sure it is durable since it is going to be in frequent and potentially rough use, so it will not last otherwise.
- For beginners, it’s best to choose plain fabric without any lines or geometric patterns. They might find keeping those patterns aligned difficult.
- Zipper Foot
- Cotton Cord for the piping
- Fabric Pen
- Pins
- Seam Ripper to remove unnecessary stitches
How to Make a Slipcover for a Sleeper Sofa-Steps
Step 1-Measurements
First of all, you need to measure the sofa, all the sections like the backrest, armrest, and seat. The shapes can vary from each sofa but the process to go about is the same. For the backrest, stick the measuring tape into the crevices and go down to the floor; measure the width as well. Keep in mind that the width might vary at different levels of the sofa.
Like, the width at the front and back of the corner sofa varies, so take the widest measurement. Do the same for the armrests, from the crevices down to the floor, measuring the width as well. For the seat also, stick the measuring tape deep into the crevices and take it down to the floor, don’t forget the width here too.
Step 2-Cutting
After jotting down the measurements, it’s time to cut the panels of the fabric. Don’t forget to leave a few inches of the fabric all around as a sewing allowance. Cut the armrests, seat, and backrest. Another way to cut the panels is to first cut huge pieces of fabric according to the overall length and width of the sofa.
Place the fabric on the sofa and secure it in place with pins, so it does not slip down. For the armrest, cut and put a separate piece of fabric over it, but don’t pin that with the large piece on the rest of the sofa. You can do the armrests first, separately. To trace and cut the shape of the arm fronts, cut two large rectangular pieces of fabric.
Fix that piece of the arm front with pins and trace the shape of the section with a fabric pen. Cut the tracing out and leave at least an extra 1 inch of the fabric.
Step 3-Piping
After you have cut all the panels and sections from the fabric with the right measurements, you need to make the piping from the extra fabric that will be left. Piping will make the slipcover appear professionally done and neat. Cut the strips from the fabric of 1.5 or 2 inches, join all the strips and make one long strip.
Use the zipper foot of the sewing machine to sew the piping and sew on the wrong side of the piping. Place the cord on the piping, then fold and pin it. Put the zipper foot exactly at the edge of the cord and start sewing.
Step 4-Sewing
While sewing the piping on the arms of the sofa, make sure to sew it in the opposite directions. After you have done so, turn it so the right side faces the sofa and pins the fabric inside out to the arm piece. After you are done with the arms, it’s time to join them with the main front of the sofa.
To sew the seat, start with hemming the fabric, then tuck it inside the seat, make sure that the wrong side is facing up. Pin the corners and draw a sewing line on the fabric, then sew all four corners. Fit the cover on the seat to see if it fits right; if it’s loose, you need to make a second stitch. When you find the fit right, cut the extra fabric and over-lock it.
To do the stitching right, trace with the fabric pen first. This is especially helpful if the edges of the fabric are uneven. Then sew the sections together. For the backside of the sofa, pin the fabric on it accurately and then sew it away.
FAQs
Are slipcovers cheaper than reupholstery?
You will find slipcovers much cheaper on your budget than upholstering furniture. The latter requires the removal of the prior padding and fabric from the furniture, which will also require more time and effort.
Should you put a slipcover on a sleeper sofa?
Putting a slipcover on a sleeper sofa is a great option to protect the sofa, along with being a pleasant update in the home decor. A slipcover will not just give an instant makeover to your sleeper sofa but will also prolong its overall lifespan from the potential damage due to frequent use.
Are slipcovers worth it?
Slipcovers are definitely worth it if you are looking for ways to renew your furniture and the overall home decor look. They don’t cost much and are easy to maintain, as well as you can remove and wash them as well. There are numerous designs to choose from, from plain to geometric to floral. You can choose according to the theme or color scheme of the room you are to place it in.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned step-by-step process elaborates an easy way to make a slipcover for a sleeper sofa. With the basic sewing skills and required materials, you can make a nice, decent slipcover for your sofa at home. The effort can earn you a gorgeous home decor update at an incredibly low cost, which makes it definitely worth it.
