Fabric Requirements for a Camelback Sofa

Sofa Measurements

Measure and record all the surfaces of the sofa in inches. Measure the back of the sofa at the highest point, the arms at the highest point, and the length, width and cushions on all sides.

The pattern on the fabric can influence how much fabric is needed. For example, if the desired look is a vertical stripe, the fabric must be attached vertically. If there is no pattern, the fabric can be attached in any direction. If the width of the sofa is wider than the fabric, it will be necessary to sew together two pieces of fabric to create this look.

To calculate the amount of fabric needed to reupholster a camelback sofa, it helps to draw a picture of the sofa with the measurements of each surface. Map out how the sofa will be covered with the new fabric. Most upholstery fabric is 54 inches wide, so only one length of the fabric will be needed to cover surfaces that are narrower than 50 inches. Draw lines where fabric will not cover the entire surface and will need to be sewn together to extend the coverage. Once the lengths are all calculated, add them up and divide by 36 to calculate the total yardage needed.

Know what type of fabric you need before making a purchase.fabric swatches image by Empath from Fotolia.com

While camelback sofas do not require any specific type of fabric, it is important to consider what the sofa will be used for before choosing a fabric. Silk fabric may be beautiful and elegant, but it will probably not stand up to bouncing children and slobbering dogs. Leather is easy to clean but is not breathable and can become scratched. Corduroy is durable, but it will not looked refined or formal. Understanding the good and bad aspects of a particular fabric will help reduce disappointment later on.

Consider other fabric needs that can come up when reupholstering a sofa. If accent pillows need to be recovered or curtains need to be updated, it is a good idea to add extra yardage to the order. Some upholstery shops carry the same fabric for a long time, but that is not usually the case and finding a matching fabric later on can be difficult.