How Much Fabric To Reupholster A Sofa

How Much Fabric Do I Need to Reupholster My Sofa?

Reupholstering a sofa is an excellent way to give it a fresh look or restore its former glory. But before you start shopping for fabric, you need to know how much you'll need. Here are some factors to consider when calculating the amount of fabric required:

Size and Style of the Sofa: The size and style of your sofa will significantly impact the amount of fabric needed. A large sofa with intricate details will require more fabric than a smaller sofa with a simpler design.

Type of Fabric: Different types of fabric have different widths, so it's important to know the width of the fabric you're choosing. For example, a 54-inch wide fabric will require less yardage than a 42-inch wide fabric.

Matching the Pattern: If you're using a patterned fabric, you may need to purchase extra fabric to match the pattern across the sofa. This is especially true for fabrics with large or intricate patterns.

Allow for Overlap and Waste: When upholstering a sofa, it's essential to allow for some overlap between the pieces of fabric. You should also factor in some extra fabric for waste, as some fabric may be lost during the cutting and sewing process.

General Formula: To calculate the approximate amount of fabric you need, use the following formula:

Length of Sofa + Depth of Sofa + Height of Sofa x 2 = Yardage Needed

For example, if your sofa measures 84 inches long, 36 inches deep, and 30 inches high, you would need approximately 288 inches (7.9 yards) of fabric.

Additional Tips:

Always buy a little extra fabric than you think you'll need. It's better to have too much than not enough.
If you're unsure how much fabric you need, it's best to consult with an upholsterer.
When ordering fabric online, be sure to order a sample swatch to ensure the color and texture are what you expected.

With these factors in mind, you can confidently calculate the amount of fabric you need for your sofa reupholstery project. Happy upholstering!