DIY Upholstery Fix for Free

DIY projects can save you money in so many different ways. Case in point, we just did an upholstery fix on our sofa for FREE. Not only did this project cost us nothing, it also means we've extended the longevity of our couch (i.e. we don't have to spend money on a new one any time soon). Your Retail Helper

The Problem? The kids had torn several holes in the armrest on one side of the couch. I was bummed because I didn't think there was a way to fix it and was sure the holes would only get bigger. I paid quite a bit of money of this couch many moons ago. We don't have the funds to buy a new one, and I was not looking forward to having a shabby piece of furniture in our hearth room.

The Solution. It hit me one day that I could use the upholstery from throw pillows that came with the couch to cover up the holes. The fabric is from Waverly and I knew I had seen it available at some of my favorite fabric/craft stores, but I was concerned that the new fabric wouldn't match our faded couch. The throw pillows we already had were a perfect solution.

I took the pillows apart, sewing two ends together and then hemmed the edges.

Next, we used a heavy duty staples/stapler that we already had to secure the fabric to the couch. (There is a wood frame just under the arm rest.)

Notice we stapled on the reverse side of the fabric so that when we turned it over you wouldn't see the staples. You could also use upholstery tacks or nails. If you use nails, make sure the head of the nail is big enough so it won't tear through the fabric if it's pulled.

We wrapped the arm rest in the fabric and then attached it to the other side of the wood frame below the cushion level. Voila!

We'll probably be the only ones to know that this isn't the original design of the couch. The couch should last us many more years, too!


Watch for more money saving DIY tips for Decorating and Remodeling! (Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest, too.)


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