How to Replace Couch Cushions

There are many reasons why you may find that you need to replace couch cushions. Sometimes they have faced destruction at the hand of the family dog or from countless spills from children or maybe they have simply succumbed to every day wear and tear. Whatever the reason, before you rush out and buy a whole new sofa you may want to consider replacing the couch cushions.

Step One: What Can Stay and What Has to Go?

Give your couch a good inspection to see what exactly is damaged and how much of it needs to be replaced. You may find there is more damage than originally thought and need to replace the couch after all. Inspect all of the cushions to see if they all need to be replaced or it is just one. If all the cushions need to be replaced you may consider reupholstering the whole couch in matching fabric.

Step Two: Go Shopping

Once you know how much of the sofa you will be replacing you can go shopping for materials. If you are only replacing one cushion then bring a sample of fabric or a pillow to have something to match while shopping. If you find it hard to find a match the fabric you have a couple of options. First, try checking with the manufacturer of the couch, they may be able to help you. The second option is to recover all of the couch cushions with a new fabric that will match the frame of the couch. You could even do a completely different color than the frame as long as it coordinates. Be sure to purchase enough material based on how many cushions you will be replacing.

Step Three: Removing the Old Cushions

Remove the old cushions from the couch and then cut open all the seams so that the fabric is one big piece of material. Inspect the cushions to see if they will need additional stuffing add to them. Pillow or cushion stuffing can be purchased at fabric stores and can plum up your old deflated cushions. Lay your new fabric down and place the old fabric on top of it. Trace around the old cushion with a pencil or piece of chalk so that you now have a pattern to follow.

Step Four: Cutting and Sewing

Cut out the pattern you have traced and repeat those steps for each new cushion your are making. Once you have them all cut out, use a sewing machine to sew up three sides of each cushion. Insert the actual cushion into the new fabric and add any additional stuffing you have purchased. Sew up the fourth side by hand to close up the cushion. Repeat this with each cushion to finish up the sewing. If you have chosen to use a coordinating color that is not the actual color of the frame of the couch then you can use any extra fabric and extra stuffing to make throw pillows to match the new cushions. This will help complete the look of the new couch.