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How to measure how much fabric is needed to reupholster a sofa
February 20, 2023
Reupholstering a sofa can give it a new lease of life and is a great way to update your furniture without having to buy a new one. However, it can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to measuring the amount of upholstery fabric needed.
But don't worry, in this article, we'll provide you with some helpful tips and tricks, and some factors to consider when choosing fabric for upholstery to make the process as easy as possible.
If you're looking for just a rough guide, take a look at our buying guide to get an idea of how much fabric is needed for different types of furniture. Click here to view our upholstery buying guide.
Measuring Your Sofa
Measuring your sofa correctly is the most important step in determining how much fabric you will need. Here's a more detailed guide on how to gather the measurements:
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Seat Cushions: Start by measuring the length and width of each seat cushion, making sure to measure from seam to seam. Take note of the depth of the cushion as well, as this will help you determine how much fabric you need to cover the cushion.
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Back Cushions: Measure the length and width of each back cushion, again from seam to seam. Take note of the thickness of the cushion as well, as this will also factor into the amount of fabric you need.
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Arms: Measure the length and height of each arm, starting from the outside edge of the armrest to the back of the sofa. If the arm has a curve, make sure to measure along the curve to get an accurate measurement.
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Back: Measure the height of the back of the sofa, from the top of the backrest to the bottom of the frame. If your sofa has loose back cushions, make sure to measure their height as well.
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Front: Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the armrest, making sure to measure on both sides of the sofa.
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Add Extra Fabric: As mentioned earlier, you'll want to add an additional 10-20% to your total fabric measurement to account for pattern matching and to ensure that you have enough fabric to work with.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Fabric
When choosing the best fabric, it's important to consider the durability and the cleaning requirements. If your sofa is in a high-traffic area, consider a more hardwearing fabric, such as leather or a tightly woven cotton. If you have pets or children, choose a fabric that is easy to clean, such as a microfiber or a stain-resistant fabric.
If you have chosen a patterned fabric, you will need to take the pattern repeat into account when calculating how much fabric you need. The pattern repeat is the distance between one point in the pattern and the same point in the next repetition. This will determine how much extra fabric you need to buy to ensure the pattern matches up. You can usually find the pattern repeat information on the fabric label or by asking your supplier.
If your sofa is in a high-traffic area, consider a more hardwearing fabric, such as leather or a tightly woven cotton, that is also easy to clean. It's essential to choose a fabric that can be easily maintained and washed to ensure the longevity of your reupholstered sofa.
If you're unsure about any aspect of the reupholstering process, it's always best to seek professional advice. Your fabric supplier or local upholsterer can provide you with guidance on the best type of fabric for your sofa and can help you calculate the amount of fabric you need.
In summary, reupholstering your sofa can be a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to take accurate measurements and choose the right fabric to ensure a successful outcome - you might also wanna find out how much upholstering a sofa costs!
By following these tips and seeking professional advice when needed, you'll be well on your way to a beautifully reupholstered sofa.