How To Make A Slipcover For A Loveseat? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most simple methods to update the look of a loveseat is by learning how to create a slipcover for it. Alternately, if you find a form you like but it has an unappealing design, you may always add your own spin on it.

The ability to sew and the willpower to see the project through are prerequisites. You may have trouble getting the shape you want if it’s irregular, but if you know the fundamentals, you can get quite close.

After all, a loveseat cover can be made with very little effort if you gather the necessary materials, determine its proportions, cut the cloth to size, and sew it all together using cotton cords. There is a wide selection of fabric colors available.

What is a loveseat?

To put it simply, a loveseat is a sofa designed for two people to sit on together. Consider a standard sofa with only two seats instead of three. I know, it’s a mess. There should be a different phrase for this kind of furniture because the term “loveseat” doesn’t make any sense in English (it’s French). Let’s pretend that a loveseat used to be known as something like a “couch” (a term that still exists, by the way), but that someone eventually realized the French word would be more appropriate, and so they switched to using that instead.

A loveseat, like the middle seat on an airplane, might serve as a substitute for a traditional sofa if you’re on a tight budget. If you and your significant other need a quiet place to get some work done or relax, this can be the perfect solution! Designs that evoke jet wings are also common and can be quite amusing.

Top Benefits of Loveseats

The following are some of the advantages of having a loveseat:

Space-saving design.

When room is at a premium but fashion and comfort are equally important, many people choose for a compact loveseat. In addition to being comfortable and trendy, a loveseat also takes up very little space in your home or apartment. The majority of these pieces of furniture are compact enough to be easily stored or moved.

Loveseats save you money.

Avoid spending too much on a large comfortable sofa that will take up more room than necessary and cost you more time and money to sell or use elsewhere if you have a tiny area. If you’re in the market for a new sofa but don’t want to spend a small fortune, a loveseat is your best bet. You won’t feel ashamed to have over friends and family because of the low cost without sacrificing comfort or style.

Loveseats offer more sleeping space.

The extra design element that converts your loveseat into a sofa bed when you have friends over can be easily removed or changed when you no longer need it.

Easy to design with other living room furniture.

A loveseat is an elegant addition to any living room that can help create symmetry and harmony. Sixty percent of respondents mention the sofa if asked what they would center their house design on. Sets comprising a sofa, loveseat, and ottoman allow you to furnish a room beautifully without worrying about whether or not the pieces’ colors and materials work well together.

Valid for any room.

Loveseats may be found in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and materials, making them a great option for spicing up your home’s interior design. As an alternative to conventional chairs, loveseats provide additional seating for visitors without overwhelming a small room.

There are a wide variety of loveseats from which to choose; nonetheless, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the material. While going with the most affordable option up front will help your budget, it may end up costing you more in the long term due to the increased frequency and severity of repairs.

It’s best to go for something that has a robust wood frame, springs for extra comfort and longevity, high-quality padding on the pillows, and sturdy upholstery. If you’re looking for a couch that will provide the desired level of comfort and style for more than a few months of light use, keep looking.

Your couch can look completely new with slipcovers! (Source) What Are Slip Covers?

Slipcovers are pieces of fabric that are designed to cover already-existing sofa cushions. Covers for couches that reach only the floor are called “skirt covers,” and they are not included here. These sofa covers may be easily applied by simply pulling them over the cushions and zipping them up. They are aesthetically pleasing and effective at warding off dust, filth, and pet hair. Slipcovers for sofas are available in many different colors and designs, giving you more freedom to customize your furniture than you may otherwise have. Whether you use it in the living room or the family room, a slipcover for your couch will update the look of the space.

Do various materials have varying advantages? (source) What Advantages Do Slipcovers Offer? Couch covers are used by homeowners for a variety of purposes, such as updating the aesthetic of a room without purchasing new furniture, controlling pet hair, preventing stains, and bringing new couch material to a room without purchasing whole new couches.

Protect Sofas from Damage Due To Spills or Accidents

Covering sofas is a good idea for a number of reasons, the most important being that it helps prevent stains and other accidental damage. Couches can be safeguarded from future water spills caused by glasses placed close by thanks to the availability of water-resistant coverings. It’s probably not a good idea to put a slipcover for a couch through its paces by intentionally pouring drinks on it, but accidents can happen. This is especially crucial if you have kids or pets that like to snack while watching TV, as they will inevitably spill food on your couch.

Protect Furniture from Spills and Other Accidents

Sofa slipcovers are a great way to safeguard your furniture from stains and wear and tear. Covering your sofas before having guests over will reduce the risk of drinks being spilled or candles being knocked over. If the family pet ever has an accident on the couch, the owner can protect it from stains and spills by using a waterproof couch cover. Keep the dirt off your couch cushions as long as possible.

Reduce Costs by Reusing Couch without Buying New One (source) How Much Do They Cost?

Sofa covers typically start around $30, but can reach up to $50 or more due to factors such as the number of cushions needed to properly fit the sofa (most couches have two or three cushions, but some models have as many as five). The most you will ever pay for a single couch cover is $150, but there are cheaper options available. Slipcovers for couches often cost $50 or less.

Cushion Covers Options (source) are there Different Types of Couch Slips?

In the past, homeowners had a hard time finding a sofa slipcover that met their needs because just one fabric option existed. Slipcovers for couches may now be found in a wide variety of materials and styles, including some that are water-resistant and others that are designed specifically for use with pets.

Pet-Friendly Sofa Covers

Many pet-owning couch owners would rather not have to choose between their furry companions and their couch. Slipcovers for sofas and loveseats can protect your furniture from pet hair while still letting you maintain your favorite piece of furniture. Even if they do not have dogs, some people still choose to buy couch covers so as to protect their furniture from shedding hair and accidental spills.

Water-Resistant Couch Covers

Some sofa covers are water-resistant, making it unnecessary to place as many cushions in close proximity to drinks, much as pet-friendly slipcovers. When having visitors over for dinner who might bring wine or other alcoholic drinks, several homeowners acquire these slips as a precaution in case of an accident.

How To Make A Slipcover For A Loveseat

Step 1: Measuring

In sewing, the first and most crucial step is to take accurate dimensions. Take accurate measurements to avoid receiving a cover that is either too tiny or too large for your piece. Time, energy, and money are all things you’ll be able to save by doing this.

One should begin by taking a measurement across the seat’s widest point, which is typically found at the chair’s back. Measure the loveseat’s width across the arms with the back of the piece facing you. After then, observe the seat’s drop from the top to the bottom.

Calculate the total height by measuring the arms from the very top to the very lowest. It is imperative that you focus on these specifics to ensure an accurate calculation. Do not rush, and if you are unsure of your measurements, consider taking them twice.

Step 2: Choose a fabric

Why not take the time to pick out a great piece of cloth now that we are updating the look of those cute little loveseats? Choose plain colors, patterns, or even play around with ombre effects. Your decision is final.

Before beginning to pin, cut, and sew, make sure you have enough fabric. The material may shrink by a few inches after washing, so it’s best to buy a few yards extra than you need.

Step 3: Cut the panels

What were the original dimensions that we took? We’ll begin by cutting the panels after they’re removed. When cutting fabrics that have a right and wrong side, you may find it easiest to fold the cloth in half with the right sides facing each other.

Armrest, backrest, seat, and skirt sections, among others, should be cut out. Maintain a seam allowance of three quarters of an inch. You can remeasure your sofa before you order the parts if you want to. Be cautious rather than sorry.

Step 4: Make the piping

Piping is essential for giving your sofas and loveseats a finished, polished appearance. If you have a zipper foot, however, you won’t have too much trouble. If you want to learn how to manufacture a covering for a loveseat, you should follow these steps.

All the cloth for the piping needs to be cut to the dimensions of your sofa. If possible, while making the piping, use a fabric that is evenly weighted and cut it into 2-inch strips before sewing it together. Use the material to make a long strip.

Step 5: Sew them together

Please remove the panel; it will serve as the upholstery for the seat. Fit it to the seat by draping it over the cushion and then tucking in the sides. Before we begin hemming, please flip the cloth so that the incorrect side is showing on the top.

If pinning the corners or drawing a line helps, go for it. Be sure the corners are a snug fit before sewing them. If you remove the excess fabric and redo the cording, the overlock will look as good as new.

Take care of the rear section next. Make sure it fits snugly by pinning the sides to the backrest’s edges. You should sew the side panels with the wrong sides together. Turn it inside out, and it should fit like a glove.

Repeat the process with the loveseat’s armrests. After you have sewed each individual piece, you must assemble it. Sew the leftover fabric scraps from the panels together by pinning them together. Finish off the dress by attaching the skirt and piping.

How to Clean a Slipcover, According to Experts

Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield, 13.5 Ounces

To save the hassle of taking off your slipcover every time it becomes dirty, some of our experts suggested using a fabric protector. New Jersey-based slipcover designers Jeanne Liberkowski and Kimberly Aravena both say that Scotchgard is crucial because it protects fabrics from stains and moisture. However, as Aravena points out, “when you add stain repellant to washable fabric, it will lose power over time,” so you’ll need to Scotchgard the item after each wash. If you drip a little water on the fabric in between washings and see it bead up and roll around, then you know it’s still working, as Liberkowski puts it. Scotchgard can be used on a wide variety of washable materials without damaging them, per the manufacturer.

Tech Stain Remover

The experts recommend pre-treating stubborn stains with a spot remover before washing a slipcover. According to Powell, “the most reliable and versatile stain remover I’ve ever used on natural-fiber slipcovers” is Tech’s Stain Remover. She says the solution is “odorless and does not include any harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, or solvents” and is “safe to use on all washable fabrics,” meaning it won’t stain a textile or leave a ring around the place when it dries. Powell claims that the best results can be achieved by using the product immediately after the occurrence of a stain or other form of soiling, and that “this is vital since the longer you leave a stain untreated, the tougher it will be to remove it with Tech or any other type of spot-cleaner.” She treats stains by first placing a dry cloth underneath the slipcover at the site of the stain, then blotting the affected area with a terrycloth towel dampened with Tech, and finally washing the slipcover to get rid of any remaining product and stain. She adds, “I’ve used this solution to successfully clean my slipcovers of red wine, blood, coffee, and even dog slobber and crayon.”

If you want a greener cleaning method, Sonny Cohen of New York’s PureGreen Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning recommends mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as an efficient spot-cleaner for removing organic stains such as those caused by body fluids, grass, coffee, and tea. He advises, “You can spray or wipe this on the stains,” but warns, “since that might create pile damage or color loss,” you should never rub it (or any spot-cleaner) in. Following application, Cohen recommends “letting the cleaner soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then spraying it down with distilled white vinegar to neutralize the solution.” When asked what to do next, he suggests laundering the slipcover. However, Cohen warns that “contact with an expert first to avoid the chance of ruining your linens” if you insist on doing it yourself.

Seventh Generation Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear

The New York–based upholstery and interior-design business Bettertex recommends washing machine-washable slipcovers on a cold cycle with a gentle detergent that does not contain bleach or bleach additives. Seventh Generation Free & Clear is Powell’s preferred detergent. Many of our experts agree that after washing a slipcover, the best course of action is to just let it dry naturally before replacing it on the sofa. Slipcovers should be applied when slightly damp, since this allows them to “form back into the shape of your sofa,” as Liberkowski puts it. In agreement, Powell explains, “this procedure prolongs the life of a slipcover and helps preserve the fit.” However, Powell is the only expert to recommend tumble drying a slipcover on a warm setting, saying, “Never dry on high heat,” because doing so prevents the fabric from becoming “too stiff and wrinkled” after air drying. Nakash shared some additional wisdom with us: Cushion and frame slipcovers should be washed together to avoid color bleeding (but can be washed in separate loads if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and all zippers should be zipped up to prevent damage during the wash. When in doubt, Liberkowski says to look to the guidelines provided by the fabric’s maker. (Or, if your slipcover is created to order, you can ask the person who manufactured it.)

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, Baby Unscented (Pack of 2)

Cohen also recommends Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap for cleaning slipcovers; this soap is versatile enough to clean everything from sex toys to floors to dishes to human skin. “Dr. Bronner’s line of products is self-neutralizing and safe to use with practically all materials,” explains Cohen. In the words of one satisfied customer: “It is one of the most effective and versatile solutions I’ve found without hazardous chemicals.”

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover, 5 lbs.

Powell recommends using a whitener in the wash to brighten a white slipcover without resorting to bleach. She recommends using OxiClean White Revive with detergent just for white slipcovers. Since it contains no chlorine, the whitener aids in maintaining the crisp appearance of a white slipcover. Since Liberkowski despises using bleach, she, too, is an ardent supporter of OxiClean.

Design ideas

In order to keep the fabric from shifting about in the corners of your couch, you can add eyelets and secure them with screws. Maintaining a soft and warm slipcover that completely transforms the design of your loveseats is easy.

Don’t stress too much if your sofa has an unusual shape. You can take some quick measurements to use as a guide before heading out to the store to buy the cloth. The loveseat needs a larger size so that it can be draped over it. Fold in the side seams and stitch the panels together.

Overall, it can be frightening to learn how to manufacture a covering for a loveseat. On the other hand, in comparison to covering larger pieces of furniture, this one is a much simpler DIY job. Get the measurements straight and be patient.