Fitting Slipcovers on Loose-Back Sofas and Loveseats

The sofa above recently found a new home as playroom seating, but it was a bit dingy and the pillows were a hassle to keep tidy in a room full of busy kids. We decided to perk-up the room with a kid-friendly denim slipcover by SureFit. But first, we had to address a few slipcover fit challenges, from loose-back pillows, to a low seat height, to T-style seat cushions, to angled arms. But we did it - and here's how!

Step1: Create a smooth surface
We first placed the pillows straight across the back of the sofa. We removed one pillow so the remaining three would lay flat against the sofa back. To create a smooth back, we laid a double layer of quilt batting across the pillows, from the seat cushions, up over the pillows, and draping about eight inches down the back. Once the slipcover is on the sofa, it will hold the batting firmly in place.

To minimize the crevice between the two seat cushions, we stuffed a roll of batting between the two and laid a strip of batting over that.

Step 2: Place the slipcover
Following the slipcover directions, we draped the slipcover over the sofa, tucked the slipcover in place, beginning with the elastic strip between the back and seat cushions to get the proper length in the front and back. Then moving to the sides and arms, we tucked the fabric between the seat and arm, around the "T" cushion, fitted the arms, and tied the ties. Since this sofa's seat is lower than most standard styles (it's only 15" from the floor compared to the more standard 18"-21"), we tied the tie at the corner of the arm and the cushion - it looks great!

To smooth the area where the back pillows rose above the arm, we folded a small pleat from the top corner of the back pillow down the back, it is held in place by the back corner ties.

Helpful hints:
Use a spatula to push the slipcovers seams deep between the cushions. Sure Fit slipcovers are made with self-anchoring seams and elastic that helps keep them in place, but if your cushions do not provide a tight fit, you can push a rolled-up magazine between the cushions to better anchor the slipcover in place - effective and much cheaper than buying expensive slipcover stays!

Step 3: Add Pillow and Kids!
Loose-fit slipcovers do require occasional re-tucking and smoothing with use, but are a great inexpensive way to perk-up an older piece or change the look and comfort of an entire room!