The Upholstery Forum

So I have recovered attached seat cushions , done 1 old rocker with springs and webbing, and 1 ancient hide-a-bed but that is it. I found some beautiful velvet that is the perfect color and right price but is only about 7.5 ounces/yard. It doesn't stretch so that's a plus but I'm wondering when I get into it if maybe it won't be enough. I'm looking to cover a sofa, loveseat, and 2 chairs. The sofa and loveseat have both pleating on the arms and around the back top and diamond tufting.

Is there something I should fuse to the velvet like interfacing? Would it work to first cover the sofa in a lining material like muslin? Or should I just go with the velvet on its own? I am a total newbie to this large project and welcome any and all advice.

Thanks in advance,
Leana

@leana.foss Welcome to the forum!!!

I'm having a bit of trouble understanding your question. Are you concerned the velvet wont be durable to hold up the the ware and tare of the couch due to its weight?

Thank you! Yes, that is my concern. I know this fabric would be fine for my dining room chairs but it doesn't have that heavy backing like the velvet I used on the sofa I covered years ago. I read where fabric should have a weight of 10-12oz./yd.

Fabric weight doesn't really have a lot to do with with strength in my opinion and experience. You could back the fabric by gluing muslin to the back but with velvet you'll risk the glue bleeding through to the face. If your worried about the fabric you have not holding up It probably makes more sense to purchase a better fabric. If the fabric you have was intended for furniture use than it should work just fine.

Thank you so much! I'm going to try it and see. Others have used this material for things like benches. I may try the muslin idea or fusible interface if I run into issues.

Happy to have helped!