Learning how to upholster your furniture successfully can be an exciting project. But first, you need to know how much fabric to reupholster a loveseat. Of course, it is best if we know the right measurements before working on the project itself.
Many things can affect the amount of fabric that you are going to need. For instance, the shape, size, and number of cushions are just some of the factors you have to consider when deciding how much fabric you will need.
But, for regular loveseats sized 52 inches, you probably need around 11 yards, depending on how wide your loveseat is. Simply convert the inches into yards to get an estimate. Add the additional yard of fabric per cushion, and that is how much fabric you are going to need.
To be precise, let’s take a look at how you can measure fabric to successfully upholster your furniture. Upholstering can be a daunting task, but it is pretty easy to accomplish once you get the numbers out of the way.
Step 1: Measure the fabric
It seems easy enough to simply whip out your measuring tape and take note of the measurements. But, if you really want to plan for the project, you have to be organized with your measurements.
This means that you need to consider the outside couch fabric or the shell of the sofa and the interior of the area where you sit. After that, you also need to consider the cording and batting, which gives those added finishing touches.
Make sure to label your measurements so that you don’t mess them up. Don’t forget to measure even the areas that you do not see. For instance, you have to tuck fabric between the cushion, so you can’t simply measure it from top to bottom.
Step 2: Add allowances
Like we have mentioned, you need to add additional fabric in places hidden inside the sofa. Also, you have to compensate for those hidden seams or overlapping fabrics. Make sure to add an additional allowance to every fabric piece.
Don’t be stingy when it comes to adding allowances, especially inside the arms and the loveseat’s back. Remember that the cut size is the total amount you need for each piece. So, it has to include the allowances.
Step 3: Plan the cuts
The last thing you want to do is to make a wrong cut for the fabric. You will end up with inadequately measured and cut pieces that will not be able to cover your furniture. So, draw a small scale of how you plan to cut the panel pieces on the fabric itself.
Try to get an idea of how you can effectively utilize all the fabric that you have. Make sure that you know how wide the roll is so that we can get as minimal waste as possible. Draw the cuts exactly how you plan to do them in the fabric.
Why should you reupholster?
Well, for one, it is definitely more budget-friendly compared to buying a new sofa set. However, learning how much fabric to reupholster a loveseat or your favorite sofa can be an excellent way to give your home a personal touch.
It will also help you save more on furniture. For instance, you can buy a second-hand loveseat and simply learn how to reupholster it so that it looks brand new. It will save you a ton of money which you can use on other things.
Learning how to reupholster should definitely be something that we should know, especially if you are a fan of saving money. After all, why spend a huge amount on impractical loveseats when you can turn your old ones into something that looks just as nice?
Tips
For a regular-sized sofa that is around six feet long, you may need approximately 12 yards of fabric. You can use that as a base estimate when reupholstering your smaller loveseats. Of course, since they are smaller in size, 12 yards is probably too much.
If you want to make a pattern matching for large patterned fabric, give your total yardage an additional 2 yards. That will help you with nap-cutting layouts. Fabrics that have large florals, geometrics, and stripes, will require pattern matching.
On the other hand, textured materials such as white velvet, corduroy, and chenille also need to be cut with the napping. You need to make sure that the pieces appear seamless when stitched together.
Lastly, you may want to avoid shorting fabric. Since you are paying for them in yards, it’s better to buy a lengthier piece rather than a shorter one. Otherwise, you’re going to have to get a new part or go through a whole lot of stitching procedures to put the two together.
Summary
Overall, you have to be pretty meticulous with your measurements if you want to end up with an upholstery project that looks like someone professionally made it. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert at sewing or making loveseat covers.
If you know how much fabric to reupholster a loveseat, you can pretty much practice the same methods in other sofas. Just do the same guides and techniques for longer-lengthed sofas. Take your measurements seriously and be patient when it comes to doing the project.