How to Make a Slipcover for a Sectional Sofa, Ideas for DIY Removable Slip Cover

Let’s talk about my slipcover sectional. I tried to found the best ideas on how to make a slipcover for a sectional sofa on the internet, and I show you here what I found, as well as the solution that ended up working for me.

I think slipcovers should be mandatory on all sofas because, unless you refrain from actually sitting on them, it is inevitable that eventually an accident will happen. A sectional with removable covers is your sanity’s best ally.

I am not a stranger to making my own slipcovers. I had already managed to make decent slipcovers for a small sofa and two chairs. They were made out of 10 yards of white denim I bought on eBay. I was VERY happy with the results.

But why a white sectional slipcover? Doesn’t white defeat the purpose? Not in my opinion. I find white slip covers are easier to maintain, though probably need more frequent washes. You may choose another color, because the process to making your own slipcover is still the same.

The white slipcovered sectional in our family room is another matter.

The all-white sectional actually came with a removable cover, the problem is that removing it is a lot of work, and the fabric needs to be dry-cleaned, something I’d rather avoid. I wanted something that could be thrown in the washing machine and put back on quickly. This was the best method I found to make slipcover sectional covers.

How to Make a Slipcover for Sectional Sofa

I have to be frank with you, and lay it out upfront, making your own slipcovers requires some basic sewing skills, but this is not for teaching you those. Making a slip cover for sectional sofas is another extra layer of complexity, but if you are looking for some ideas to get the job done, you’ll find them here.

Very important tip for sectional slipcovers

Each side of a regular sofa is a mirror image of the other. For a regular sofa it doesn’t matter how you pin and drape because the cover will fit anyway.

However, for a sectional, both sides are different, so make sure that you are paying attention how you cut and sew the pieces because if they don’t fit they will be ruined.

Best fabric for slipcover sectional

What is the best fabric for a DIY sectional couch covers will depend on your personal preference, and your own sewing abilities. I personally prefer a cotton, upholstery-grade fabric, and denim is a great choice, and a fabric that takes a beating and does well in the wash.

I bought some 16 yards of white denim for this whole sofa. I actually bought ten, and then had to order more to finish the cushions (which is why in some photos you can see the different whites with the old cover and the slipcover).

Tools to make a slipcover

Sewing upholstery fabric requires some specific tools. You’ll also need upholstery thread, heavy duty sewing machine (this is mine) and heavy duty needles.

You’ll also need heavy-duty pins, and fabric marker (with disappearing ink).

DIY sectional couch covers

The process to sew your own slip covers for a sectional is a lot more complicated than sewing one for a sofa, for starters both sides of the sectional are different, so the usual method of pinning the fabric inside-out does not work.

I draped the sofa in small sections (arms first) with the fabric right-side-out, pinned and cut the pieces as I went along, leaving half an inch of sewing allowance. I also marked some points where the pieces had to coincide once sewn.

Once cut, I removed all the pins one by one, and put them back reverting the sewing allowance inside out as I went along. This will make sure that the pieces will fit the different sides of the sectional.

Once the sofa cover itself was made, I proceeded with the bottom cushions.

Because these were two enormous cushions, and to save fabric and effort, I made a fitted-sheet-style cover. To do this, I draped the upside part of the cushion with the fabric (right-side-out) and wrapped and pinned it as shown in the picture.Once cut, I removed all the pins one by one, and put them back reverting the sewing allowance inside out as I went along. This will make sure that the pieces will fit the different sides of the sectional.

The bottom of the cushion will remain mostly exposed. This has the advantage of make it easier and quicker to remove, uses considerably less fabric, and doesn’t require a zipper.

For the pillow I made covers in the same style as envelope pillowcases that require very little sewing and no zipper.

More ideas to make your own slip covers

Videos

Buy pre-made sectional slipcovers

Buy: Cover 1 | Cover 2 | Cover 3

Some people are scared of white sofas, to them I say: Fear not! These white denim slipcovers can withstand anything you throw at them, a cycle through the washing machine and some non-chlorine bleach will cure whatever might ail them.

So what’s your opinion on white sofas?