by Raymond Alexander Kukkee

Created on: February 05, 2009

New Life for an Old Couch the Easy Way

Materials used in upholstered furniture, although lasting many years with proper care, do have a limited life, and will eventually tear, become stained, or simply become threadbare and worn by normal use. Cloth fades, deteriorates and weakens, leather becomes worn and brittle, springs sag or break, and frames loosen and fall apart over time.

The rebuilding and rejuvenation of an old, comfortable piece of heirloom furniture, whether it be a couch or other beloved piece, may appear a formidable, difficult project to the uninitiated, but if completed successfully, can be immensely satisfying.
Using only do-it-yourself or craft skills and care, upholstery projects can be completed not only beautifully, but with professional finesse.

A logical first step must be to evaluate the couch carefully in it's existing condition. Is it worth re-upholstering? Was the couch good quality or a poorly-built piece of furniture? Is the frame solid? Is the fabric missing, or just worn and torn? If the fabric is in place and intact, it can be disassembled and used as an exact pattern, which simplifies the job a great deal.

Are the springs weak, sagging or broken? Are parts missing? Is the padding compressed, worn out, or even absent in places? How thick was it when new? Do you want the padding thicker and more luxurious, or restore it to original condition?
It is always a good idea to measure the couch in all directions, take notes, and even make a sketch. If cloth is missing completely, you may have to design the panel yourself, using measurements.

The ideal goal of re-upholstering furniture is to replace any and all worn components that need replacing and restore it to new condition. Follow these simple instructions to restore your couch.

You will need the following supplies, some of which are optional, depending upon the
construction and type of couch you are working on.

Stitch cutter
Scissors
Pliers: Both side-cutting and regular. Used for removing old staples and changing springs.
Upholstery Hammer (optional, a light, specialized hammer for installing furniture nails and decorative brass tacks).
Felt Marker (Colour optional, as long as it is highly visible on the existing cloth)
Sewing Machine
Hand Stapler (alternatively an air-powered or electric stapler)
Upholstery needles (curved) and heavy thread
Fabric (A similar weight of durable furniture fabric is best, choose colour, type, and printed pattern if desired.
Piping Cord ( if applicable, and

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