How to Reupholster a Couch | Taking a Boring Brown Sectional From Basic to Beautiful

*I used about 25 yards of 60" wide fabric for this large sectional.*
0:00 Intro
02:54 Project
Supplies Mentioned in this Video:
- Upholstery Fabric (the fabric I used is no longer available but this looks very similar): amzn.to/40MRiIf
- Dewalt Staple Gun: amzn.to/3Ak8AR9
- Gutermann Upholstery Thread: bit.ly/3qrfJur
- Schmetz Universal Needles (heavy duty): amzn.to/3GHINod
- Upholstery Adhesive: bit.ly/32jgeOJ
- Upholstery Batting: bit.ly/329UyEL
- Grey Cutting Mat: amzn.to/3o3ewbZ
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES + FUN STUFF:
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MY EQUIPMENT:
Pfaff IDT Select Sewing Machine: bit.ly/35fqoh3​
Babylock Imagine Serger: bit.ly/2ILM1Ol​
Camera: Sony ZV-1 amzn.to/3GHKBO1
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All music from: MUSICBED
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[@AppyTX]

So far this is the most informative sofa re-upholstery video. You turned someone's trash to treasure.

[@karenharris4176]

You did that girl!!!! Now my daughter is giving me her old sectional and I’m gonna try this. Thank you for explaining it soooo well. Congratulations!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much, glad it was helpful! You can do it! :)

[@karenharris4176]

1 question. My sofa is probably the same size as yours. You ordered 30 yards, plus 5 more for good measure, lol, did you have any left over?

[@jojolala6182]

Amazing! Was this your first time doing this? You're pretty awesome!@@PatternScout

[@mindfireart7843]

I’m sooooooo glad I’m not the only one who gets frustrated and tired during sewing projects that taking longer than expected. I thought it was just me…

[@FoolyLiving]

I'm dyslexic so I was trusting you in the beginning, but it kept looking backwards to me. Glad you had the energy to fix it haha. Most people would have given up. Great job.

[@PatternScout]

Oh, I was feeling a little defeated at that point--but I had to keep going! haha. Thanks for watching me figure it out! :)

[@MK-hz2bn]

Keeping our landfills free from more waste. You did a beautiful job!

[@Abc-1973]

Great tutorial. I’ve done this before, you are so correct, it’s soooo physical and yet so rewarding. You did a great job. Just goes to prove, recycling pays!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! It is hard work, but so happy I did it. Saved me so much money, too!

[@kaygee4691]

Thank you so much for taping this! It's exactly what I needed to see! I'm just doing an accent chair but was feeling a bit apprehensive about doing the reupholstery. I absolutely love the way you just charge ahead! No fear! You're SUCH an inspiration! Again, many thanks!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! :)

[@elainemiller5018]

Beautiful, very professional, thank you for including the mistakes as that makes me feel that it won’t kill me to make mistakes.

[@gwendolynrhoss3438]

Loved this. The sectional looks amazing! I am about to start a similar project and this was just what I needed. Thank you so much for this content!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!! So glad it is helpful--good luck with your project! 😊

[@Golfgirlv]

Amazing. We had our couch with a chaise recovered last year. It was $6,500.00 Canadian. So you saved an amazing amount of money!

[@va1445]

That was a week well spent. The couch looks crisp, modern and fantastic!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!! :)

[@lauriehuber3040]

Necessity is definitely the mother of invention. In this case re-invention. It turned out fantastic. I’ve completely reupholstered chairs (in my younger days 👵🏻) but never a whole sofa (just remade cushions) and I sympathize with all the aches and frustration that goes into the process. But so happy when it all comes together as you envisioned. You go girl!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! Yes, the process definitely tested me several times! 😅But man I love this couch so much. So glad I did this project, for sure one of my faves!

[@helenbarry9870]

Thank you for sharing, it looks fab, and you did a super job. It’s nice you didn’t cut out your mistake with the sewing of sides, frustrations and amount of time it took. So many tutorials make it look like a quick, easy job and the reality is different as I am finding out as I attempt a reupholster of a footstool.

[@withit062714]

Riveting to watch - on a couple of levels. You didn't just reupholster a couch m'dear, you also inspired thousands of women in a countless number of ways. Self-esteem doesn't fall from the sky and land in the laps of women lucky enough to have perfect lives. We can only receive genuine, long lasting self-esteem when we set a goal, and then reach that goal - come hell or high water! In other words, we Earn self-esteem...(Lol...and, as we all know, reaching a goal starts in the mind, so ya, the process is gonna be a bitch on our feelings! But hey, whatta pay-off!). Your video is as much a legitimate diary of a woman earning real, and bullet-proof self-worth, as it is an amazing tutorial on how to reupholster a sectional couch. Many thanks!

[@ashleysloggett]

This was incredible to watch! I wish I could figure out how to film my projects but just always get so caught up in the doing vs the filming. Thank you for this!

[@avaterrell3012]

I can definitely relate when it comes to the battle with the staple gun. I refinished and upholstered my dining set with a staple gun that wasn't the best so thanks for sharing. You did an excellent job!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! Yes, a bad tool can derail the experience! 😅

[@chrisBou007]

Casey….you did a phenomenal job!!!! I helped a friend recover her couch….yes it WAS ALOT OF WORK… and there was two of us!! I’m soo proud of you hanging in there thru the redo’s n that stapler! Done that too! The fabric you chose was modern, chic, and fabulous!!! I would love to try doing it again myself! ….BTW I read that it’s best to have padding between fabric and foam due to a reaction between the two….and therefore your fabric won’t last as long if you don’t do it. You have inspired me!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! And good to know about the padding...for next time :) thanks for sharing!

[@Escape10mom]

I took apart a shade over my daughter's window to redo in new fabric. When I saw how many staples that removed I went & got an electric staple gun. Never regretted it. I've used it several more times on cornices etc. When I first saw you pinning & sewing the first cover parts, I thought oh no, they're backwards. Your sofa turned out fabulous!!!

[@PatternScout]

Good to know! I will probably invest in one eventually, because I'll probably do more upholstery at some point! Yes, when I realized I did the first cover backwards I though "DOH!!" :D Won't do that again!

[@whatmarielmade]

JUST WATCHED THIS AND WOW YOU ARE SO INSPIRING. What a great transformation and such beautiful handiwork. It’s really easy to follow your process as well! Thank you for sharing this project! 💛

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! :)

[@starmc91]

I cant believe how BEAU-TI-FUL it turned out! WOW! Fantastic job!!!!!!!!

[@milanfrusone9700]

You’re absolutely crafty! I truly enjoyed your entire process, I can’t say I’ll try it, but I appreciate your determination!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much! :)

[@debbiegargan847]

Brilliant that looks so professional, well done, wish I could do that ! Xx

[@laheebk]

It’s amazing to see your process and how you put things together. I always thought upholstery is so complicated but this is the first time someone explains it this way ❤❤❤thank you

[@suzy1750]

This looks gorgeous and you've inspired me to try to recover my own sofa. I felt bad at the thought of throwing out something that was basically in good shape because it's wasteful (both in terms of money and resources) just because you don't like the color but, when the cover I bought didn't cut it, I had almost decided to do it. But now I'm going to try to cover it. I mean, you can spend ages plus a lot of money chasing the 'perfect' sofa, it's so much more resourceful to redo what you already have, assuming you can deal with the work involved!

[@katjorbar]

Wow! You give me confidence to reupholster my sectional, which my cats destroyed. PS, that fabric is now 2X the cost! Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@globalcommunityaffairs6585]

Beautiful. Now I have a clear path to completing my 3pc sectional. It's been a journey watching the tube trying to get the best results and skill set I need from start to finish this type of project. You nailed it. Awesome job. Thanks for sharing. Please leave your clothing website info.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! Best of luck with yours! :)

[@teresasanchez8853]

It turned out great, I'm planing on doing the same thing with my old couch. Thank you for the tips. I get it. I was using an old stepler for a large project. I did a run to the store and hot an electric one. It was a game changer, so good for my arthritic hands.

[@PatternScout]

A good stapler makes all the difference! :) Thanks for watching!

[@judya3455]

Wow, it came out great! I've been wanted to reupholster mine and after watching this I think I might be able to do it myself. Thanks for posting!

[@LadyFville]

Thank you for showing some of the correct ways to upholster furniture instead of what some videos show as 'hacks' (or, what I call WRONG) - since I was employed by a designer furniture manufacturer I do have insight to the proper procedure... PS: if you ever decide to undertake another piece, invest in an air stapler for failsafe (aaand super easy)l stapling. There are other upholstery supplies that will ensure lifetime use of your hard work, but only if you become addicted to saving the freebies that other people have discarded! Your efforts are lovely

[@LadyFville]

PS: I highly recommend SAILRITE KZbin videos for professional upholstery instructions - their sewing machines are top notch too.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you for the tips! I will definitely invest in a better stapler if i do another project like this--it's too much physical work to not have great tools 😅. I have heard of sailrite and totally forgot about them (I used to have a wholesale business making products out of heavy canvas and was so close to buying one of their machines years ago). I will for sure check them out! Thanks again! :)

[@ketherwhale6126]

I love that material! It is so updated and sophisticated. The brown monstrosity had to go. Your sewing skills are so professional. You could easily start a slipcover or cushion cover business on the side. Excellent!

[@TexPR1]

Wow! You are amazing! I wish I had the guts and ability to do this to my ugly sofa.

[@jackiepousson8497]

Nice work. Feeling a little envious of your skill. 🙂

[@susanstewart1402]

Yikes .. cushions over and over again until you go gaga!

[@maxine4898]

You must be very proud when you look at the finished product, it looks fantastic and it will encourage people to revamp furniture instead of taking it to the dumpster (which far too many people do) thanks ❤

[@lisamartin2143]

Wow! I love that you have confidence and took on the challenge. The couch looks fabulous!

[@lindam4006]

Love this video! I love sectionals. You did a great job! It's so funny how a man will go for the ugliest thing for comfort and you made it beautiful! You & your husband did each other a favor. I now have confidence I can tackle my own reupholstery project. Just discovered your channel with the diy ironing mat & will make that first. I've been sewing forever too & though I can make just about any garment from scratch, these days, thrifting & restyling/resizing is what makes sense.

[@lifeisbeautiful9455]

This is great I spent a lot on my sectional from west elm and I’m not doing it again, sold it and now this time around I’m going to buy the fabric and do it myself.

[@thesehandsart]

Great video. I don't think people realize how simple it is to recover furniture and you showed this very well. Love the fabric choice, looks fantastic!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@nightingale3875]

Excellent work with beautiful results! Very impressive . I’m curious to know what was the total amount of fabric did you use to complete your project? I have a similar shaped couch that I am interested in covering. Thanks

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! I ordered 30 yards but I think I ended up using around 25 yards (which was what I estimated from measurements of the couch). I definitely recommend ordering a little extra just to be safe!

[@Vb-fy4sv]

WOW ! What a FABULOUS job ! And what a GREAT IDEA making one cushion out of 3 separate ones ,I would never have thought of that …

[@PatternScout]

Thanks! Combining them definitely helps them stay on the couch better!

[@x-mess]

THE best tutorial on reupholstering a sofa... I've watched tons of videos and this one was the one that helped me wrap my ahead around the project (even the mistakes were important to know!). 🎯🤩🤩

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful (mistakes and all!) :)

[@julianachandler2975]

I loved the combined seat cushions. Really well done

[@sonyaopwaystagon5387]

Thank you for doing this project, I love watching sewing videos and you are talented beyond belief. Amazing work, I am in awe of your creativity.

[@PatternScout]

Aw thanks so much!!

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Thank you so much for this. You've fired me up to re-cover my favourite chair - different style, but several of your techniques apply to my project. Hope you're enjoying the results of your efforts. 🌷

[@PatternScout]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching! :)

[@kimcastle4081]

Thank you So much for showing your decision making with the cushion height, and the stapler problem. You saved so much money on this project that it was totally worth buying a great new staple gun! I hope to recover my recliner soon (yikes-no idea how hard it will be), snd you’re inspiring me to get started!

[@sharronbrown6350]

Absolutely fantastic. The couch looks brand new .amazing x

[@alexandraemrick2799]

WOW! You did a fantastic job. It looks like a brand new couch. Thank you for sharing it, including the mistakes, I learned a lot. I've redone dining chair cushions and this looks just like that but on a much bigger scale. You've given me the courage to consider doing it, but I know I would need some help.

[@williamclark9743]

Omg, that was terrific. I'm a woodworker that builds a lot of outside furniture but you've inspired me to try my first attempt at reupholstering.

[@GAGA00730]

Really nice sewing work!!! I never got into sewing but I always find it fascinating when other people sew and completely change looks of clothes or you with the couch. So nice, the result looks amazing.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! 😊

[@SolarTTauri]

Unbelievable result! Was going to toss my furniture but now am convinced I can do this. Thank you!

[@PatternScout]

Awesome! So glad it was helpful!

[@p.hoffmann3155]

You really did a great job! It's amazing. I just think over to reupholster my sofa since months, but I had not the courage to, but now, when I see how you managed this - I am really motivated - thank you very much!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@tihitenaadugna3700]

wow, you show us it is way, by I bought sofa cover before two years but it was difficult to change but now I got a big solution from you. Thank you very much

[@jeanrobinson878]

WOW, you did a wonderful job on that couch. It looks brand new and the fabric as well as the color is very nice. You have inspired me to start working on mine couch after watching you.

[@belindacoffin9413]

Way to go Casey!!! You've inspired me to do an upholstery project.

[@jaybatemen4497]

I could watch this all day to learn. Thanks for making that mistake, It's makes the video real. For us do it yourself people like me. When mistakes aren't made we go away from that video. I'm redoing my living room my way about to start putting down a floor from my living room. Wish us luck.

[@susanabushaban2719]

That was an amazing transformation way to go !!!

[@pjwloe2025]

Wow! I’m so impressed! That was amazing. You did a great job!!

[@kim4083]

This looks GREAT! I know it was frustrating as heck, but I am inspired to try this! I also love that you put all the cushions together into one, so it stays clean easier (no bits and bobs falling down between cushions!) and also people who sit down and stand up aggressively (HUSBAND, DEAR) don't move the cushions. ALSO, the stuff you put under the feet is awesome to keep it from scooching around (also from said husband flopping down on the couch). Fantastic job!!

[@nancywilliams7833]

I am impressed! You saved a ton of money and have furniture you can be proud of. Congratulations on a great job.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much!

[@janetfinucan]

This was so inspiring! I’ve been considering redoing my couch…now I’m motivated so thank you!

[@PatternScout]

I'm so glad!! Thanks for watching!

[@umbralusty]

I'm loving this! I was looking at couches but family loves the one we have. I'm so glad to have stumbled across your video because we have the exact same couch!! Thank you! I can't wait to start the project!

[@PatternScout]

Oh I'm so glad! Hope your project goes well! Thanks for watching! :)

[@shakira_in_stitches1541]

your covers are impeccable. very streamlined and professional looking. A huge project but every time you seat you can revel in the fact that you made that cover by yourself with your hands. I have a couch pattern and had dreams of covering my couch 2 years ago. Its so intimidating and Ive put it off for years.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! It is a big project, but definitely rewarding!

[@interestingvideossewingand8902]

Great project. It looks fantastic!!!!!!! It worth every minute of that week. And the first mistake was the best one. It made you more aware of the fabric and everything. Good job! Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@FlippinGrammie]

I love the color and texture of that fabric.

[@jennifervalentine7519]

Beautiful job! Wow, you must be Proud of yourself, I love to sew, but I haven’t any energy lately! I’m older now so maybe in spring I’ll start up! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much for the kind words! ❤

[@wendys390]

You do know, that dog steals every scene he's in....what an adorable thing! Thanks, great video

[@marathonfortruth4768]

Wow Casey. Amazing work there! Very inspiring and thank you for filming it. Hard enough to do the work itself, then add the filming aspect and it becomes very daunting. Your determination in itself is inspiring!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@marshannajohnson8584]

Wow lady you did an outstanding job on that sectional. I love the color and the fabric choice. The color is more modern and it brightens up your living room

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@MesaMynx]

You did an amazing job! I can't sew but this was inspiring none the less. The sectional looks beautiful.

[@amberfrazier575]

You could cut the prices and save a ton and just have someone sew it.

[@chrissymurphy5412]

Our couches are so similar, and ours was also a "Dumpster" couch (but we picked ours up just before dumpster time lol) You have given me hope that my couch can look so much better!! Thank you for this video, cant wait to do this too :)

[@PatternScout]

We love this couch so much and are still so glad we rescued it from the dumpster! haha. Thanks so much for watching!

[@JoseAlonsoCardenas]

Love these videos that are honest and show real challenges and solutions.

[@josikazmierczak279]

Wow! I can imagine how much work this took, but seeing the result was really worth it. turned out to be beautiful 👏👏👏👏

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@abd5441]

I want so badly to recover my sectional. You make it look so easy! It might take me a month; I haven’t used a sewing machine in over 20 years. But, I do have one lol. I might try, I can always have cushion covers made if I struggle with the sewing. You are very talented & skillful - and your sofa came out really nice. Thanks for sharing!

[@cflo8451]

Wow you did amazing!! I’m glad you’ve provided the dimensions. I have the same couch and I’m thinking of doing the same thing hopefully mine turns like yours

[@patriciaufferman1533]

Wonderful job! Thank you for the excellent video. Also, thank you for showing your mistakes. It is always encouraging to see skilled professionals make the same errors as everyone else.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks for watching! :) Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rrriot22]

You did such a beautiful job on this!!! Great project!!!

[@lawandstreeter7074]

I'm here for all your projects! This was awesome. You were very organized. I just don't know how to use a sewing machine and I want to use velvet fabric. Thank you. It was extremely helpful

[@PatternScout]

Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful, and best of luck on your couch. Velvet sounds beautiful!

[@sadiedesimone7460]

AWESOME JOB!!! Thank you for showing how to do this , and for making the mistakes so we don’t have to!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks! Happy to make mistakes and hopefully save others from the trouble 😅

[@mejon_ahb]

You inspired me to go forward with starting my reupholstering business, thank you alot, and you really showed me something with how you hide the zipper, you did a great job🙏💯

[@lem4100]

I knew you were doing it wrong. Wish I could have told you. It's good that you kept that in to show how to do it correctly. Couches are a pain to recover. But, you did an amazing job on yours. It looks great. Really like that fabric too.

[@leannanthony9591]

Looks great. I'm glad I saw this. It doesn't look too difficult a project to tackle. Will use your example for my couch. Thanks.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful :)

[@damonealisa1255]

You did a good job.. I wanna reupholster some stuff . Glad I got to watch you do it first. Bloopers and all .thanks!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@mcee7621]

Love this! I have almost the same couch, but the cushions are gray. I liked it when I bought it, its super comfortable, but looks outdated in my house. I have been thinking about just redo-ing it myself and so glad I ran across this video!

[@PatternScout]

Glad you found me! :) Hope it helps with your project! Thank you for watching!

[@matalaoatuitele7105]

I've been contemplating on a new couch but now that I've seen your video and a few others I'm so eager to do this!!!

[@PatternScout]

You definitely should! Thanks for watching!

[@tammythomas3745]

FANTASTIC JOB, ABSOLUTELY WELL DONE!!!

[@monicavalles1990]

Amazing 🤩 I’m super impressed and motivated to try new sewing projects ❤️

[@PatternScout]

Yay! Thank you!

[@brittanybelmont9955]

Thank you for making this my couch is the exact same shape and it works in my space so well I just want to update the fabric!!

[@sus3ns]

Great job! Thank you for including your mistake, makes me feel hopeful for myself. Good job not messing with the frame. Such a good job on the zippers! Smart to take that down the side a bit. Tools matter!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! I feel like mistakes (and working through them) are good to show :)

[@melodieporter8563]

What a fantastic job! Lookin at my couch with a side eye.

[@yacinediop9266]

this was amazing and so fun to watch. Thank you for posting.

[@marinaborst6204]

How great it looks. Excellent job!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks!

[@julieb8946]

Wow!!! What a beautiful result!!! ❤

[@hananmubeen8411]

I love this video. The whole time you were doing the back rest, I was wondering how it would go right side on!! And you had to redo the whole thing !!! But i love it that you showed the mistake too. Great video! I’ll be doing this for my sectional

[@PatternScout]

I'm so glad! It was definitely a journey 😅 thanks for watching!

[@georgewithmore8972]

What a masterclass! It's surprising how the finish and upholstery of a sofa can totally change the way we use it and its aesthetic and functional value not only because of the materials but also because of the colors. As a leather lover, I've always liked models with that upholstery. I convinced my wife to get an LC3 Sofa from Manhattan Home Design because I really like the combination of the black leather with the tubular steel frame. I think that, if she had chosen a fabric model, eventually I would've convinced her to reupholster it and put leather on it. xD Thanks for sharing this!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@justagrlwithnoname]

Amazing! Loved how this turned out

[@jeanfeller4961]

Wow! You did an amazing job! I would never have tackled that couch. After watching you, I have new eyes.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@abbysheehan245]

Yes ma’am! I’m about to tackle an rv renovation and plan on reupholstering everything in the camper!! The only thing I would have done differently is fold the bottom edge under itself before stapling!

[@sonyapardo2023]

It was a work of love. You save yourself from making the bones of the sofa. Great job.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@yasminrawlins386]

This video was so helpful. I have never reupholstered anything before,but you have given me the courage to attempt it😃😎

[@PatternScout]

So glad to know that! Thank you!

[@candacewalsh8726]

That is amazing! It looks great😍 I can’t believe the way you approached the project. It makes absolute sense now that I’ve seen it. Phenomenal tutorial! I’m surprised you didn’t remove the dust cover and reattach, but it really doesn’t seem to matter:) your the 👸

[@libbyholland9367]

Can see why professionals charge so much- so much work! Looks great 😊

[@my_flippin_journey]

*Truly Enjoyed this Video* *Great Job*

[@lovematters7122]

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm about to cover a sofa bed couch myself. Smaller than your project and still challenging I'm sure but I'm excited to see and use the end result. Great job on your project and thanks again!😊

[@PatternScout]

Thanks for watching! You got this! We love this couch and have been so happy with it :)

[@varieta9466]

Most excellent work! Just the way I do things! And what a save money wise!!! Kudos for you. ❤️👵🏻

[@maryclark8661]

As I was watching, I wondered if I had forgotten hot to see or you had a new technique! I hate making minor/major mistakes lie that. You did a great recovery recovery job. What a beautiful new couch you have now! In fact, you made it look so easy.

[@PatternScout]

I know, I was so mad at myself! 😅 luckily it was an easy-ish fix on this project (and I doubt I'll do that again! Mistakes are the best way to learn)!