Measuring a sofa for fabric involves calculating the yardage needed to cover the various sections, from the front and arms to the seating area.
Getting accurate measurements is crucial when planning to reupholster or cover a sofa. This ensures you purchase the correct amount of fabric, avoiding waste or shortages.
Essential Areas to Measure
According to standard practice and the provided reference, you need to measure specific parts of the sofa:
- The Front: Measure the overall length and width of the sofa's front area.
- The Arms: Measure both the inside and outside surfaces of the arms.
- The Seating Area: Measure this section with the cushions removed to get the dimensions of the deck.
These measurements give you the dimensions for the primary panels of fabric required.
Calculating Your Fabric Yardage
Once you have taken these measurements, you need to convert them into fabric yardage.
The reference states: "Once you have your numbers, divide by 36 to determine the yardage."
Here's a simplified way to think about it based on common upholstery measurement practices, applying the division by 36 as instructed:
- Measure Each Section: Use a flexible tape measure to get the length and width (or just the longest dimension if simpler panels) of each area mentioned above (front, inside arms, outside arms, seating area). Ensure measurements are in inches.
- Sum the Measurements: While the reference simply says "divide by 36," in practice, you typically sum up the measurements for all the sections you need to cover. You might sum the lengths of all panels or calculate the area of each and sum them.
- Divide by 36: Take your total measurement (likely in inches or square inches, depending on how you summed) and divide by 36. Since 36 inches equals 1 yard, this step converts your total inches into yards.
- Consider Fabric Width: Keep in mind that upholstery fabric is typically 54 inches wide. This standard width influences how your measured panels will fit onto the fabric and how much linear yardage you actually need, accounting for cuts and seams.
Example Calculation (Simplified):
Let's say you measure the longest dimension required for all your sofa sections combined and the total comes to 450 inches.
- Total inches = 450 inches
- Divide by 36: 450 / 36 = 12.5
This would suggest you need approximately 12.5 yards of fabric, before accounting for pattern repeats, waste, or the specific width of the fabric (54 inches).
Summary of Measurement Points
| Sofa Section | Key Dimensions to Measure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Length and Width | Covers the main front face. |
| Arms | Inside and Outside Length/Width (Area) | Essential for armrests. |
| Seating Area | Length and Width (Deck) | Measure with cushions removed. |
| Calculation | Total Measurements / 36 | Converts inches to yards. |
| Fabric Spec | Usually 54 inches wide | Standard width for upholstery fabrics. |
Always measure generously and consider adding a little extra yardage for potential pattern matching, adjustments, or errors, especially when working with complex patterns or for your first reupholstery project.
