If you want to learn how to make sofa arm covers, we have discovered the quickest and easiest two-step method. You only need to take the appropriate measurements and construct the fabric pieces together. What’s great about this project is it will work for different sofa types, so you’ll get the most effective sofa arm covers.
But why bother making custom arm covers? Besides the cushions themselves, the couch arms are also prone to wear and tear. A simple fabric cover can help ensure that they will last longer and keep the sofa looking good as new.
How Do You Make Sofa Arm Covers?
Step 1. Prepare the material
The best thing about making sofa arm covers at home is you can ensure that you’ll get the best fit. Therefore, the first step of measuring the arms of the couch is crucial for this project. For the first piece, place the measuring tape from the back cushion of the sofa up to the end of one arm.
Then, measure from the seat to the end of the outer side of the arm. Once you have the numbers, add an inch to each of them for the seam allowance. For the second piece, get the sofa arm width and height, which is the measurement from the seat to the highest point of the arm.
Cut two pieces of fabric according to the dimensions discussed. If you’re also making the cover for the rest of the couch, you can gauge how much fabric is needed to cover a sofa before buying the material to ensure that you’ll have enough.
Step 2. Sew the sofa arm cover together
Hem the back edge of the first fabric piece, and then use the front edge for receiving the second fabric piece. The latter’s top edge should attach to the front edge of the first piece with their right sides together. Always use half an inch for the hem and seam.
Hem the bottom part of the arm cover to finish. Repeat the process for the other cover, and you’re ready to install them. All you need to do is install each protector on your sofa arms, but you can also read about the tips for putting a sofa cover if you made one separately.
How To Make No Sew Armrest Covers
It’s possible to skip sewing when making armrest covers. The concept is quite similar to making a sofa wrap, where you’re essentially draping fabric onto the furniture piece. You only need to prepare a fabric piece for each armrest and that they are big enough to allow tucking in the crevices.
- Remove the sofa cushions
- Drape the fabric piece onto the sofa arm, and secure it in place by pressing the material onto the space between the armrest and sofa back
- Pin the fabric inside the crevice for added security
- Do the same on the other side of the cover and pin strategically
- Return the sofa cushions to hide the pins in the inner side of the armrest
- Use ribbon trims or other details that can hide the pins on the outer side of the armrest
How Do I Cover My Sofa Arm Rest?
Fabric sofa arm covers are not the only ones you can use to protect and make the couch arms more functional. You can also use two pieces of wood and lumber to create support for items like cups on the arm. Think of it as a mini table that fits on the end of the armrest.
- Place a piece of wood on each side of the couch arm where you intend to have the armrest sleeve
- Measure the distance between these two pieces and use it to mark the lumber
- Miter the joints on the materials so the two vertical pieces will receive the longer horizontal lumber piece by connecting onto the latter’s cuts
- Tape and glue the miters
- Sand the surface of the sofa armrest cover and finish with oil
What Are Sofa Arm Covers Called?
There is no actual name for the sofa arm covers because some just call them slipcovers. You may also hear of antimacassar, which refers to a material that you can place over the couch arms for protection. However, antimacassar is something you can use over the sofa cushions or back as well.
Here is an example of how to make sofa cushion covers to give you an idea.
How Do I Keep My Arm Covers In Place?
Your arm covers should not slip out of place if you made them according to your furniture dimension. But if needed, use elastic material on the hidden portion of the arm cover to keep it stretched and secured. Pins and grip strips should also work without looking too noticeable.
Conclusion
The best way to protect your couch arms from getting dirty is by using fabric covers. We have discussed how to make sofa arm covers at home by sewing two fabric pieces together. However, there are also other variations for this project, and some might find it easier to use more fabric pieces.
Overall, making couch arm covers at home is quick and straightforward. But what if your furniture piece has rounded arms? The secret is adding around two inches to the length’s measurement to make up for the curve and planning how to construct the cover.