DIY: How to Reupholster a Couch: From Start to Finish

Remember over a year ago when I started reupholstering my couch? Yeah, this has been a long time coming. I apologize that this hasn't been posted earlier. I wanted to re-sew two cushions, but let's face it there are more important things I need to get done. Regardless, I love the couch! One of these days I just might re-do the cushions and I may even finally snip off the last threads I never got too, but it's suited me just fine for the last several months. Actually, it still is making me squeal with delight every time I walk by. So, without further ado here is our couch in all it's glory:

And in case you're wondering just how much it all cost here's a break down.

Here's all the supplies that I bought:

• Four samples of fabric: at 1.75 per sample plus shipping I'll be liberal and estimate that it cost a total of $15.00
• 18 yards of fabric: (I ended up with several yards to spare) for $166.33
• 10 yards of gimp: I had a discount of $8.07 from buying the fabric which led to a total of $7.78
• 3 more yards of gimp: Unfortunately, I underestimated the amount I needed and had to buy more (most of this price was shipping) $9.62
• 4-5 spools of Upholstery thread I used Coats and Clark Extra Strong Upholstery Thread 150 yards: under $3 per spool (use your 50% coupon at Joann's and get it cheaper). We'll say I spent $15 to be liberal.
• 3 spools of thread (this is a generous estimation). You can also get this under $3 per spool and can use coupons or spools on hand. I used normal thread to sew a pillow and see if it had been done correctly before using the more expensive thread. You may also use it to finish edges etc. Again, to be liberal we'll estimate that I spent $10.
• Staples for your staple gun: $20

And the supplies I borrowed or had on hand:

• zippers from the old cushions
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Needles
• Old yogurt or other containers to put all the staples in as you pull them out
• Amazing friends who helped pull out staples! You know who you are...THANK YOU!
• Plenty of wire cutters or other tools to pull out staples. They are seriously stubborn.
• A camera 
• Ziplock bags
• Piping (I reused mine from last upholstery and cushions)
• Sharpie markers
• Duct tape
• A serious staple gun:

  

  Don't even think of trying this with on of those old school staple guns. Seriously!

   
• Air Compressor for your staple gun
  

  

  My friend let me borrow this air compressor and the staple gun

  
  

  
  

Making The Grand Total:  $228.73

Not too shabby right? Totally worth every penny in my opinion! So, if you're thinking about doing your own re-upholstery project here's the links to all the steps from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose your fabric and take LOTS of pictures and notes

Step 2: Get out those staples and strip your couch bare

Step 3: Making sewing patterns and tips 

Step 4: Sewing Cushion Covers

Step 5: Making Bias Tape

Step 6:  Staple everything back on the couch the opposite of how you took it apart. Remember that it will be a tight fit all around, and use an air compressor staple gun!

Step 7: Adding Gimp/Trim

Step 8: Send a picture of your results!

 Seriously! I hope you love your results as much as I do!