It’s easy to learn how to make a slipcover for a sleeper sofa because we divided it into two steps. You will start with the bottom half and then the top half. The amount and type of fabric you’ll need depends on the size of your sleeper sofa, so adjust the measurements accordingly.

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Are you new to making a slipcover at home? We recommend checking this tutorial on measuring the sofa for slipcovers. Use the dimensions you’ll get to know how many yards of material is needed.

How To Make A Slipcover For A Sleeper Sofa The Easiest Way

Step 1. Sew the bottom half of the sleeper sofa slipcover

Cut your fabric in half and wash if needed
Work the bottom half of the slipcover first
Place one of the fabric pieces lengthwise over the bottom seat of the sleeper sofa
Have it right side down and extend one side onto the back of the couch
Secure the fabric by pinching it onto the front two corners and mark the area where you need to sew
Flip the fabric around and check the fitting to know what adjustments are needed
Fit the material right side up on the seat and mark the area where it meets the floor, and sew a hem
Repeat on the sides and sew the top edge or the part that extends up the back of the sleeper sofa
Fit the bottom half of the slipcover onto the sides of the couch and secure the back with tabs using excess fabric
Use screws that can lock the cover in place at the bottom of the sofa frame

Step 2. Sew the remaining half of the sleeper sofa slipcover

Work the top half of the slipcover, starting with the front edge
Drape the remaining fabric piece over the back of the sleeper sofa and hem using the selvage edge
Place it again over the couch, so the right side faces down and the back of the hemmed edge facing outward
Fit the top corners and sew accordingly
Work on the side seams and pin the back of the fabric to the front
Check if the back selvage edge is aligned with the front hemmed edge before sewing the seam with about half an inch
Trim the excess material if needed and secure the back using the loose fabric from the top section
Snap the fabric as you did with the bottom half earlier

Can You Put A Slipcover On A Sleeper Sofa?

You can use a slipcover on a sleeper sofa the same way it’s possible to put on a sofa cover. Some brands offer sleeper sofa slipcovers, but you can also make one as taught in the two-step tutorial above. But why would you need to slipcover a sleeper sofa?

Covering the sleeper sofa will give it a quick makeover, especially after years of usage. It will help the couch catch up with the current trends. Furthermore, the cover can make the sleeper sofa last longer as it protects it from wear, dust build-up, and even spills.

Remember that compared to your traditional couch, a sleeper sofa is also used for sleep. It’s prone to get damaged quicker than a couch that is only used for sitting.

How Do You Reupholster A Sleeper Sofa?

Before you proceed in reupholstering the sleeper couch, consider if it will be worthwhile. Worn-down furniture is better replaced because the repairs might cost higher than getting a new one.

Step 1. Remove the current upholstery

Remove the current upholstery of the sleeper sofa accordingly
Take pictures as you go so you can install the upholstery smoothly later on
You might need to take the couch apart to remove the upholstery much effectively
Keep the upholstery as intact as possible because this will serve as a pattern for the replacement
Please start with the bottom material and the sofa upside down before working on it upright

Step 2. Measure and cut the new upholstery

Measure and cut the new upholstery material according to the pieces you removed
Note the placements of each fabric for installation
Allocate one to two inches of allowance for pinning during construction
Sew the upholstery pieces together with half an inch of the seam allowance

Step 3. Cover the sleeper sofa with the new material

Cover the sleeper sofa with the new upholstery
Use the pictures you took earlier to know where to attach the material
Use staples or tacks to secure the upholstery
Pull and stretch the fabric as you install it so the fitting is snug

How Do You Turn A Sleeper Sofa Into A Regular Couch?

The advantage of a sleeper sofa versus a sofa bed is that it has a frame that hides the mattress itself. Therefore, turning it into a regular couch is much easier since it’s structure is similar, to begin with. You can set the sleeper couch the same way you’ll make a sofa bed comfortable for lounging with pillows, throws, or even covers.

Conclusion

You can bring your sleeper couch back to life using a new cover. To recap this guide on how to make a slipcover for a sleeper sofa, you only need to create two separate pieces so the project becomes more manageable. Start with the bottom half, then the top half, and secure everything with tabs.

How To Make A Slipcover For A Sleeper Sofa Easily