How do I patchwork a sofa?

[bizzylizzy]

I have an old sofa that I'd like to try covering with patchwork. I haven't a clue how to go about it. I Googled the question and keep getting patchwork sofas for sale at prices way beyond my means. Has anyone seen any tutorials on the web or downloadable instructions that could at least point me in the right direction. Anything really. Thank you so much. Happy New Year to you all.

[Mosaic]

What you will need to do is first of all, create the shpes of the pieces you will need to cover the sofa - like making a giant dress pattern. You'll need to decide whether the covers are going to be fixed or loose: I tend to go for a compromise, making a mostly-loose cover then stapling it to the framework towards the end of making it. making sofa covers is a thankless task using fabric from the roll, but you have set yourself the task of using patchwork.....so rather than make huge metres of patchwork, you could just make patchwork in the size and shape of your sofa pattern pieces. if you get my drift. that way, less wastage of your patchwork-making effort. (CONTINUED)

[Mosaic]

When making up your patchwork fabric, you need to be aware that the joins in traditional patchwork are the weakest points and under the stresses of backsides sliding around on the sofa, the patchwork seams might quickly come apart. To avoid this you will need to make the patchwork using the 'cheating' sewing-machine method, ie maching each piece directly onto a backing fabric. very satisfying effects can be made this way. In addition, it would be worth bonding the lot to a layer of iron-on interfacing to stop the patchwork from warping as you work.

[bizzylizzy]

That's very interesting thank you. How are the seams formed? Are pieces sewn together and then sewn onto the backing fabric? I'm thinking of fraying pieces. You sound as though you know what you're about, so I hope you don't mind my asking what must seem like obvious questions to you. The sofa I need to recover is fixed at the moment, but has loose cushions. Could I sew the patchwork pieces directly onto the existing fabric? Thank you again.

[Mosaic]

If you were re-upholstering your sofa - as opposed to making loose covers - then most pieces would be stapled directly to the frame. This would necessitate removing the back cover of the sofa and pulling fabric ends through to get them taut, then stapling.
However when you make loose covers, you stitch the pieces together then slip the cover over, like putting a dress on a sofa. So you would need to join seams conventionally for the pieces, using techniques such as clipping on curves to allow the fabric to conform to the required shape.
In either case, you would make the loose cushion covers individually, fit them to the seat / back cushion and fit either a zipper or hand-stitch them shut. I tend to hand-stitch them and simply unpick these hand stitches if the cover ever needs laundering.
You could try to sew directly onto the existing fabric but the stitch lines will always be a weak point and prone to parting under stress, which is a waste of your time and talent, so I'd recommend actually making the lengths of patchwork you need.
I tend to make up all but the bottom half of the sofa back, slip the cover over the sofa, then go round with a staple gun at the back, and the back inside of the seat where the frame can be felt, and underneath the sofa, stapling up any excess to the frame.

You can get loads of articles on machine patchwork and also books - raid your local library before the Condems shut it down.

But if you haven't done this before bear in mind it's a tiring task - why not try out a dining chair pad first?

[boxtops]

It's a great idea but my concern is the same as mosaic mentions, that the seams will be the weak area on a piece of furniture which gets a lot of use! My SIL makes patchwork quilts and you need to factor in that each piece takes a long time to complete... however it sounds as if you are thinking of using larger segments. The idea sounds novel - can you post a pic on here when you have finished? - it would be good to see!