How Much Fabric Does It Take To Recover A Sofa

How Much Fabric Does It Take To Recover A Sofa?

Recovering a sofa is a great way to give it a new look and feel without the expense of buying a new one. But before you start, you need to know how much fabric you need. Here's a guide to help you estimate the amount of fabric you'll need for your project.

Measurements

To start, you need to measure your sofa. This includes the length, width, and height of the sofa, as well as the length and width of the cushions. Be sure to measure the longest and widest points of each piece, and round up to the nearest inch. You'll also need to measure the circumference of the arms and the back of the sofa.

Calculating Fabric Yardage

Once you have your measurements, you can start calculating the amount of fabric you need. Here's a step-by-step guide:

For the main body of the sofa, multiply the length by the width. This will give you the square footage of the sofa.
Add 1 inch to the length and width of the sofa for seam allowances. This will give you the total square footage of fabric you need for the main body.
For the cushions, multiply the length by the width of each cushion. This will give you the square footage of each cushion.
Add 1 inch to the length and width of each cushion for seam allowances. This will give you the total square footage of fabric you need for the cushions.
For the arms and back of the sofa, multiply the circumference by the height. This will give you the square footage of each piece. Do not add seam allowances.
Add the square footage of the main body, the cushions, and the arms and back together. This will give you the total square footage of fabric you need to recover your sofa.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the fabric yardage, you'll also need to consider the following:

Pattern matching: If you're using a patterned fabric, you'll need to allow for extra fabric so you can match the pattern. In this case, it may be easier to purchase extra fabric and cut it to size as needed.
Type of fabric: The type of fabric you choose will also affect the amount of fabric you need. For example, a heavier fabric will require more yardage than a lighter fabric.
Budget: The cost of the fabric will also need to be factored into your budget. Be sure to choose a fabric that fits your budget and your project.

Conclusion

Recovering a sofa can be a challenging but rewarding project. By following these steps, you can estimate the amount of fabric you need to make sure you have enough to complete your project.