Pin It

Save money - Step by Step Reupholstering your old Lounge

eileen | Nov 17, 2009 |

2 Comments | Rating: 1

How to reupholster your old sofa or lounge will give you step-by-step instructions. Think about it - how many times have you looked at your old lounge and wished you could give it a new lease on life. With a little help from this reupholster furniture article you could surprise yourself by accomplishing this and set yourself a new challenge.

To save money you need to practice on a simpler item to build up your confidence like this article on upholstering a stool. Once you have done that, then come back and do the Lounge. I would hate to see you ruin the new material you have bought without having a go at something simple first. Once you have done that or something smaller then you will also have more confidence and be experienced at upholstery.

Choosing fabric to replace old

The best choice of color is one that will not clash with other items or draperies in the room. You could decide to repaint the room, so do not buy red fabric if you the room pink. Your personal choice will depend of course on whether you have small children.

You would need a fabric that is more serviceable to wear and tear of little feet. Perhaps a darker more patterned material would not show as many catches in the fibers or stains. As this is your first attempt. Choose a less expensive fabric that will not matter which way it is cut and have to match the pattern. Ask the shop assistant for advice on this.

Tools and materials required to reupholster your sofa or lounge

Before attempting any reupholstery, make sure you have the following:

· Sharp scissors

· Pliers

· Chisel with cutout V which will help in pulling out staples and tacks

· Screwdrivers

· Fabric for recovering

· Staples or tacks

· Adhesive glue

· The padding or foam underneath may need replacing

· Staple gun

All of the above may not be required. Once you start to pull it apart you will see how it is fixed together. Replace with same items.

Exact pattern needed

The best pattern to use when upholstering anything is to use the one already on the lounge. Therefore removing the existing material carefully is of utmost importance. Start on one end and ease the fabric covering off. Make notes as you do this. If it is stitched then you need to separate the pieces, at the same time you have to know how it goes back together again. Be careful not to cut the pieces apart, as this will shorten one side then when using as a pattern it will be smaller.

This is where the notes come in handy. As you will not be using this in the near future, number the pieces on each side as you take them off. In the notes write down number one side is stitched to number three side. This way there cannot be any errors. Or number five is stapled under left side of lounge. Number 6 goes to the top of right arm end.

Using the pattern pieces

With the pieces all separated, I would carefully iron each piece flat. If not the creases or folds in the material will give you a false size, so when cut and stitched it will not fit. Pin each of the old pieces onto the new fabric. It may pay to allow an extra 1m on all sides just in case. Cut pieces out. On the wrong side renumber each piece. Beware: Do not use a marker that will show through onto the right side of the fabric.

Sewing and putting the new upholstery altogether

Now you need to stitch the pieces together following your notes. Keep them stretched flat where possible. Once fitted over the arms of lounge you may have to turn it upside down and staple or tack the rest underneath. This will depend on how it was originally put together.

That was not too hard, now was it? Satisfaction and achievement is a great thing, give yourself a pat on the back now that you have reupholstered your lounge.

Now you can show it off to your family and friends, and think of the money you saved by doing it yourself.

Other creative ideas

How to upholster your old headboard with a rich fabric

How to make a Whiskey Barrel Water Garden

DIY Add shelf to computer Desk or Cupboard

Tips on how to Renvate and Clean Antique Furniture