How to Measure Furniture for Reupholstery Fabric
Choosing a suitable material is the first step in every upholstery project. Choose your fabric based on your preferred style, environment, and budget. Before you buy anything, you'll need to figure out how much to buy.
Measuring your furniture for reupholstery fabric seems simple, but it can get overwhelming if you're unfamiliar with the cloth. High-quality upholstery fabric is a costly item. You want to save money buying material that will work for your project.
Use the Old Material as a Template
Veteran upholsterers use the old material as a template to measure the new material. This works for beginners too. Be sure to leave yourself a few inches of leeway so you've plenty of room to adjust.
Upholstery Yardage Chart
If your furniture is severely damaged or if you're building custom furniture, there will be other options than using the old fabric as a template. In this case, a yardage chart is a tool you need. A yardage chart shows roughly the amount of fabric you'll need to complete a furniture project. Furniture tends to come in standard sizes; the table gives you a good starting point for your measurements. Be sure to add a few inches to your measurements in every direction when you purchase your fabric.
If your furniture is starting to look a bit worn and tired, keep it. You can learn to reupholster your chairs, couches, and other pieces with some work. Paying a professional to reupholster your furniture is expensive. Buying new furniture is even more costly. DIY reupholstery only takes a few specialized skills or tools. It's well within reach of almost anyone with a few simple tools and DIY experience.
Tips For Reupholstery Fabric Measurement
When it comes to reupholstering furniture, accurately measuring the fabric you will need is an essential step in the process. Below are some tips to help you get the right amount of fabric:
Measure the width and length of the area you will be covering. To do this, measure the length of the furniture piece from top to bottom and the width from one side to the other. Be sure to measure the entire area, including any curves or corners.
Add a few extra inches to your measurements to allow for shrinkage or misalignment. A general rule of thumb is to add 4-6 inches to each measurement to allow for this.
Consider the pattern repeat of the fabric you are using. If your fabric has a large pattern repeat, you may need to purchase more fabric to ensure the pattern lines up correctly.
Keep in mind any additional fabric you may need for piping, buttons, or other decorative elements. You can purchase extra fabric to ensure you have enough for these details.
Remember to measure any cushions or pillows that will also need to be covered.
By following these tips and accurately measuring the fabric you need, you can ensure that your reupholstery project is successful.