Upholstering something this large is a huge effort- something professionals charge thousands of dollars for. I appreciate the desire to DIY, but typically I'd suggest starting smaller. Hard to gauge the overall size but a sectional can easily be 20+ yards of fabric. There's a lot of stitching here. Way more than you want to do on a home machine, though definitely doable. Attached backs are not the easiest thing to piece together but if you take your time with your pattern and watch enough videos you can make sense of them. You could opt to remove them, upholster the inside back and sew loose back cushions. There's local fabric places here that sell stuff for $3-5/yard. There's always stuff listed on marketplace, or you could try calling a local shop. I know I have a couple 20+ yard rolls kicking around. Overall any time someone asks a question like this I suggest they research materials cost first. Buying the appropriate tools and materials adds up quickly. Answer from Rocknthehawk on reddit.com
The Brain & The Brawn
thebrainandthebrawn.com › home › the lazy way to recover cushion covers.
The Lazy Way to Recover Cushion Covers.
September 20, 2025 - More of an entertaining story than an exact "how to," see how Jess made new cushion covers for a used couch and chair set she found. Tips & tricks included.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/upholstery › sofa reupholstery project advice?
r/upholstery on Reddit: sofa reupholstery project advice?
October 1, 2024 -
hi all, I recently got a free sectional sofa. and it's scuffed. I want to reupholster it with whatever scrap upholstery fabric I can find, and I'm not sure the best way to do so. I'm currently thinking of either removing all the material and using what I take off as a pattern, or just sewing and stapling on patches to the visible parts. pics are attached for reference. one of the biggest issues is that the back cushions are fully attached to the frame.
any advice would be much appreciated! (also advice on how to acquire upholstery fabric for cheap would be great)
Top answer 1 of 6
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Upholstering something this large is a huge effort- something professionals charge thousands of dollars for. I appreciate the desire to DIY, but typically I'd suggest starting smaller. Hard to gauge the overall size but a sectional can easily be 20+ yards of fabric. There's a lot of stitching here. Way more than you want to do on a home machine, though definitely doable. Attached backs are not the easiest thing to piece together but if you take your time with your pattern and watch enough videos you can make sense of them. You could opt to remove them, upholster the inside back and sew loose back cushions. There's local fabric places here that sell stuff for $3-5/yard. There's always stuff listed on marketplace, or you could try calling a local shop. I know I have a couple 20+ yard rolls kicking around. Overall any time someone asks a question like this I suggest they research materials cost first. Buying the appropriate tools and materials adds up quickly.
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Have you considered just putting some "slip covers" on it?
Videos
06:58
Reupholstering A Couch FIRST TIME ever! - YouTube
33:17
How to Reupholster a Couch | Taking a Boring Brown Sectional From ...
15:09
How To Reupholster A Couch: The Seat Cushions - YouTube
23:55
How To Sew Sofa Cushions - YouTube
08:37
How I re-fluff and repair flat, saggy couch cushions. - YouTube
Albo Restoration
alborestoration.com › furniture-upholstery
Furniture Upholstery Repair Shop in Chicagoland | Albo Restoration
Albo Restoration is one of the long-standing local furniture upholstery shops serving the Chicagoland area. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our company is not only well-established but also characterized by a team of experienced ...
How do you reupholster a couch/buy couch cushions on the cheap?
I’m not aware of a better or cheaper way! Tho you can thrift fabric. It might be a better choice to use a professional reupholster when everything gets added up. Yes, Amazon and wayfair is cheaper but the quality is probably not made to hold up over time. IMO. But I guess if your chairs are junk then don’t bother but if they are nice/good quality then it might be worth it in the end to pay up. Good luck! More on reddit.com
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December 12, 2022Couch upholsterers?
Try Ancor Professional Upholstery they are an upholstery shop in Chicago More on reddit.com
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January 22, 2024Reupholstering Leather Couch Cushions
I assume you mean 24x24x6? Sorry the second 2 has three marks on your post. A hide of leather would run $300+ depending on the supplier and the upholstery shop. And in my area in PA I would charge about $150 ea for leather cushions of your size. More on reddit.com
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October 19, 2024Couch “reupholster” newbie question
Are you wanting to remove and replace the upholstery fabric? It may be easier to sew a couch cover/slip instead - it’d be easier to wash too! More on reddit.com
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December 13, 2024The Fabric Mill
fabricmill.com › home › blog › how to reupholster a chair or a couch: a step-by-step guide
Reupholster a Chair or Couch Step-by-Step - The Fabric Mill
Batting (optional for additional cushioning) Upholstery tacks or decorative trim (optional) Screwdriver or pliers · Sandpaper or wood polish · Chalk or fabric marker · To make this creative process easier, let’s break it into steps. If you’re working on a simple dining chair, it should take only about 3-5 hours. Meanwhile, a full couch reupholstery might need to be spread out over a couple of days.
Price 0$-200$
Address 219 South Service Rd, Plainview, 11803, New York
Cupholstery
cupholstery.com
Upholstery Repair & Furniture Repair Shop | In-Home Repairs
I had Cesar reupholster a large armchair and it was beautifully done, and quickly, too. Definitely the first place I would contact when I need upholstery done again. After checking a couple local North side upholsterers I found C' Upholstery on 4056 N Lincoln. I had six 26 year old dining room chairs that needed new fabric and foam cushion material on the seats and backs.
Bobsudc
bobsudc.com › home › blog › the true cost to reupholster a couch vs. buying brand new
The True Cost to Reupholster A Couch vs. Buying Brand New
January 30, 2024 - That beloved sofa has cradled years of family movie nights and naptime snuggles, but the cushions are flat and the fabric has seen better days. Though the cost to reupholster a couch varies, quality sofa upholstery could cost 50-60% less than replacement when all things are considered.
The Spruce
thespruce.com › how-to-reupholster-a-couch-5194866
How to Reupholster a Couch to Give It a Brand New Look for Less
December 17, 2024 - Put old staples in a trash can or container as you go to keep them from ending up on the floor where kids or pets could walk on them. With the couch cushions removed and uncovered, use this time to re-stuff them to look plump and new again.
Yelp
yelp.com › local services › furniture reupholstery
THE BEST 10 FURNITURE REUPHOLSTERY in CHICAGO, IL - Updated 2025 - Hours - Yelp
"I had Cesar replace the foam on 2 large couch cushions and they did an excellent job. I also saw a beautiful custom bench they covered with new fabric..." more ... "I happily recommend Ancor Professional Upholstery to anyone looking for reupholstery services." more
Joesfurniturechicago
joesfurniturechicago.com › home
Furniture Sales & Repair in Chicago | Joe's Furniture Upholstery
August 13, 2024 - From ripped upholstery to scratched ... For more than 30 years, our licensed and insured Chicago IL company has performed marvelous furniture renovations! Need a furniture reupholstered? Joe’s Upholstery can upholster couches, restaurant booths, tables, chairs, and many ...
Albo Restoration
alborestoration.com › furniture-upholstery › couch-upholstery-repair
Couch Upholstery Repair near Chicago | Albo Restoration
Our team expertly repairs damaged frames to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of your couch. We meticulously repair any loose or torn stitching and seams for a flawless finish.
Alivinghome
alivinghome.com › diy › diy
How to Reupholster a Couch with Attached Cushions? | AlivingHome
September 9, 2025 - Remove any cushions, pillows, and small items. If your couch has removable legs or backs, use the screwdriver to detach them to make the reupholstering process easier.
Hectorsupholstery
hectorsupholstery.com
Furniture Upholstering - Hector's Custom Upholstery
Whether you need just one couch reupholstered or want to transform all of your living room furniture, our staff of expert designers can get the job done. Our talented staff has the expertise to turn any piece of old furniture into something that you will once again be proud to put on display in your living room, bedroom or anywhere else in your home. We offer cushion re-stuffing and so much more. ... Hector’s Upholstery of Chicago, IL provides customers with the unique and detail oriented upholstery services.
Address 10520 S Western Ave, 60643, Chicago
Houzz
houzz.com › all professionals › furniture repair & upholstery › chicago / 50 mi
TOP Furniture Upholstery Shops in Chicago, IL - Updated August 2025 | Houzz
At Victor's Upholstering, we are focused on providing exceptional reupholstering services and building new furnitu... ... The Furniture Shop,Inc. ... Furniture services; upholstery, refinishing, custom manufacturer of soft seating, cushions, pillows, tackable/acou...
YouTube
youtube.com › create with craftsman
Make a Couch Cushion PROFESSIONALLY - YouTube
Mark shows us how to make a seat cushion cover on this huuuge couch. Timestamps:00:00 Different kinds of cushions00:39 Measuring and templating sofa03:41 Exp...
Published August 28, 2023 Views 18K
Reddit
reddit.com › r/frugal › how do you reupholster a couch/buy couch cushions on the cheap?
r/Frugal on Reddit: How do you reupholster a couch/buy couch cushions on the cheap?
December 12, 2022 -
I'm looking up foam and covers or even just material and it's ridiculously expensive. The cheapest I can find two pieces of foam 25x25x5 is about 25 dollars a piece. 50 dollars total... I don't even get a cover for it.
Not only that, I also need new foam for the backing. Or filler rather. So, what? 100 bucks for just new foam? The covers are also falling apart... so 200 for a just the foam and fabric?
I could get a whole new couch on amazon for 200 bucks!
There has to be a better way.
Top answer 1 of 4
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I’m not aware of a better or cheaper way! Tho you can thrift fabric. It might be a better choice to use a professional reupholster when everything gets added up. Yes, Amazon and wayfair is cheaper but the quality is probably not made to hold up over time. IMO. But I guess if your chairs are junk then don’t bother but if they are nice/good quality then it might be worth it in the end to pay up. Good luck!
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I use thrifted curtains/bedding for fabric. Whatever you have left over you could use to make pillow cases and buy thrifted pillows to use as inserts!
Quora
quora.com › Is-it-worth-the-cost-to-get-a-couch-reupholstered
Is it worth the cost to get a couch reupholstered? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): Yes for the following reasons. 1. If you value the mahogany wood and carving it has. Mahogany is unobtainable now having been cut to near extinction. 2. If the design of the furniture has sentimental or historical value to you. 3. If you want a really comfortable couch : because...
Ancorprofessionalupholstery
ancorprofessionalupholstery.net
Custom Upholstery - Ancor Professional Upholstery Inc.
Since 1975, our family-owned upholstery shop in Chicago has specialized in high-quality furniture restoration and custom upholstery. Our experienced interior design consultants help you choose the perfect fabric and finishes for any project.
Address 6017 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago
Better Homes & Gardens
bhg.com › how-to-restuff-couch-cushions-8419018
How to Restuff Couch Cushions That Have Gone Flat
September 21, 2025 - Here’s how to breathe new life into a saggy sofa. We'll show you how to fill seat cushions using batting and cushion backs with polyester fill.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/askchicago › couch upholsterers?
r/AskChicago on Reddit: Couch upholsterers?
January 22, 2024 -
Well, it had to happen: after 4 years one of my IKEA Ektorp couch cushions has gone flat/lumpy. I'm wondering if there's anybody in the city who can swap out the foam for new foam. Is such a thing even done? I know these couches aren't "buy it for life" items but if I can extend the life for another few years for only $100's worth of foam, why not?
Are there such upholsterers (or even just foam suppliers) in Chicago?
Thanks!
Leo's Upholstery
leosupholstery.net
Top Quality Upholstery Services in Chicago
Leo's Upholstery offers expert upholstery services, custom furniture, and wood refinishing in Chicago. Book an appointment for a free quote today!
Address 7106 W Higgins Ave, 60656, Chicago