Hey friends! Are you sick of never being able to find a slip cover that actually fits your sofa or love seat? I know I was! I bought three different sets of slip covers from three different companies and none of them fit right. They were either too big, too small, or didn’t fit right over the arms or back of the sofa. Granted, not all sofas and love seats are created equal, and unless the maker of your particular furniture also makes slip covers to fit, you were pretty much stuck with ill-fitting slip covers – until now!
A few things to note before you start: This method of slip covering is not meant to be perfect in the sense that everything will always line up evenly. Depending on the size of the seating you’re covering and the size of the drop cloth, you may get some extra hanging from the bottom on the sides. When this happened to me, I simply tucked it underneath the couch. Also, all sofas and love seats are not created equal, and it may take you a bit of practice to get it covered the way you like. Use the directions below as a general guide to help you figure out how to cover your sofa or love seat.
If you want to measure your seating to get an approximate tarp size: Measure your chair using a sewing measuring tape, working from front to back and then side to side, starting from the floor and working along the entire surface of the chair until you get to the floor on the other side. Then add at least two feet to each of those measurements and that will give you the approximate size you need. For example, say your chair measures 8 by 8 feet from front to back and side to side. You’d want to get a tarp that is at least 10 foot by 10 foot.
If you are in doubt about what size tarp you’ll need, get one little larger than what you think you need – you can always cut it down or tuck in / sweep under the excess. If you do cut it down, I recommend that you hem up the edge – the “no sewing required” part is only for if you don’t plan on cutting them. Be sure to put it on the chair and tuck it in the way you like before cutting it because you will lose a lot of the length and width of the tarp when you tuck it in. Also, keep in mind that canvas tarps are made out of cotton and cotton will shrink when washed, so you will want to wash your tarps first if you plan on cutting them down to fit.
Canvas Drop Cloth / Tarp, 9×12 Finished Size, Seams Only On The Edges, New Unmarked Fabric, Cotton Duck Fabric (click to buy on Amazon)
Not only do canvas drop cloths fit better, they are way less expensive than slip covers. I paid upwards of 150-200 dollars for each of the sofa and love set slip cover sets I bought. These canvas drop cloths are $21.97 each at Amazon, so I covered both my sofa and love seat for under $44!!!
Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you do purchase through one of my links, thank you so much for helping keep my blog content free for everyone to enjoy!
I like the Melca canvas drop cloths for several reasons. First, they are seamless, so no crooked seams in the middle of your sofa when it’s covered. Second, the canvas is good quality and not super heavy, but a nice weight for using as a slip cover. Third, I love the natural color of their drop cloths. I’ve ordered other brands that looked like a natural color online, but when I got them they were actually a light blue-gray color – fine if that’s what you like, but I have light gray walls so I don’t want to get too crazy with the gray!
This is the sofa in our living room that I’m using for the tutorial. The sofa and love seat are a set so the love seat looks the same. The sofa measures approximately 84 inches from arm to arm at the widest point; the love seat measures 60 inches from arm to arm at the widest point. They are pretty much a standard sized couch and love seat.
I draped the drop cloth over the sofa, then adjusted it so it was roughly centered.
I tucked the drop cloth in the back of the seat cushions until the hem was just off of the floor in front of the sofa. If you can see your sofa from the back, keep tucking it in, pulling the drop cloth from the back until the hem is just off the floor in the back of the sofa too.
Tuck in the sides of the drop cloth in between the arms and seat cushions, then tuck it in between the arms and back cushions.
You should now have two corners of the drop cloth hanging off the front and back of the ends of the sofa. Take the end at the back of the sofa and pull it across the side towards the front of the sofa, then take the end at the front of the sofa and pull it across the side towards the back of the sofa and over the first end, then pin them together with a 4 inch safety pin you can also get on Amazon, being careful to just catch the drop cloth in the pin and not the sofa as it can damage the sofa if the pin gets pulled when someone sits on the sofa.
Heavy Duty Safety Pins – Metal Large 4 inch in Bulk (4 inch, 10PCS, Bronze) (click to buy on Amazon)
Here is what the sofa looked like once I was finished.
And the love seat.
Secret time – I did cut and hem the drop cloth for the love seat to make it easier to fold up and pin the sides, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to – just tuck any excess drop cloth underneath the sofa.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you have any thoughts or questions, please leave them in the comments section below!
Love the simple directions!
Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed my tutorial!
Really super cute❤
Hi are these too thin or too heavy to use as curtains???
Hi Dawn! That is up to personal preference, but I use the same brand drop cloths as curtains and have been happy with them! 🙂
I love this idea. I have removable cushions on the back part of the couch and then I have throw pillows. I could use different pillows but I need the back cushions. so would it work do you think.
Hi Sheila! Yes it will still work. I have other couches that have removable cushions on the back and it works fine. Let me know how it works out for you!
I am so glad I found your tutorial. I was going to look for a seamstress to make fitted covers but just couldn’t afford it. I ordered two drop cloths and a set of pins. Less than 60 bucks and so happy with the result! Thank you for sharing!!!!
You’re very welcome Melissa! I’m happy this idea worked so well for you and saved you some $$$ to boot!
You saved my life with this dropcloth story. Thankyou so much.from South Africa
Perfect for my school counseling office! Any suggestions on how big the drop cloth should be for a small loveseat? Thanks for posting this great idea!
Hi Donna! I would get the 9 X 12 drop cloth and size the length down as needed.
I love this ideal gonna give it a try.Thank you for showing this simple way to cover your couch at a low cost. Thanks again.
I just got a used sofa trying to get the stains out I went to my go to Pinterest 😊 and found your link on covering sofa with drop cloth I’m going to do just that. Thank you for sharing
Exactly how I do mine and this is the first time watching your tutorial!
Do these drop cloths by any chance come in a lighter color other than grey? I am so looking forward to changing up my formal living room. I want a cleaner not so white look. Please tell me something.
Thank you
I absolutely love this Simple and easy way to cover my loveseat with a drop cloth. I tried it and love the way it turned out. Thank you!
You’re very welcome Evelyn! I’m happy you found my tutorial useful!
i used pins but make covers for cushions like pillow cases the covered cushions help hold couch cover in place
Hi! Thanks so much for your tutorial. What are the approximate dimensions of the sofa you covered? When I followed the measuring instructions you provide, my sofa (W 75″, D 37″, H 32″) requires a 15′ x 13′, which seems so big! Is the sofa in the tutorial smaller than that? Thanks!
Michelle, I used paint drop cloths for curtains on my lanai. I just folded over the tops to the correct length, and used curtain clips (as pleats) on an electrical pipe although pvc would work too. Everyone thinks the folded over part is a valance. LOL Thanks for your tutorial.
You’re very welcome Kari! 🙂
Did you use the same size drop cloth for the love seat that you used on your couch?
Hi Tara! Yes I did, but I did cut the love seat one shorter by the length of one cushion seat. You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to – you will just have extra to tuck in with the love seat.
I have looked at a lot of videos on drop cloth’s for slipcovers and your’s seems to be the easiest to understand Michelle and yours couch and loveseat look beautiful❤ Thank you so much😊
You’re very welcome Debbie! I’m happy my directions were helpful and easy to follow!
Does this cover the entire back as well?
Hi Vicki! Yes it does.
I love this idea, but i have a dual reclining couch, could i cut slits in the front for that? How could i do that witout making it look tacky?
Hi Misty! I never tried it since I don’t have a reclining couch so I don’t know if that would work. Another idea would be to cut and hem a drop cloth to fit each reclining seat individually. I don’t know if that would work either, but it’s another idea. Good luck and let me know what ends up working for you! 🙂
What is the web site for these slip covers?
Hi Sharon! I bought mine at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZvWAJe
I’m recovering old blue jean couches so I was thinking I could die the cloth a nice denim blue. Love your simple idea
Thank you Carolyn! 🙂
When the sofa is being used frequently, How do you keep the slipcover from coming untucked?
Hi Angela! I haven’t had a problem with them getting untucked since so much of the drop cloth is tucked in, but if you have problems with it happening you can put plastic piping into the tucked parts to keep them from getting untucked as easily.
Foam would work as well. Like a pool noodle cute in half .
Can you elaborate on this method?
I love this. My drop cloths will be here tomorrow! Do you wash and dry yours first, or just iron them? I’m wondering how stiff they’ll be.
Thank you Jennifer! 🙂 I washed and dried the drop cloths as they are a bit stiff at first.
Very nice tutorial!
Thank you! 🙂
Do you have a “like idea”/ tutorial for drop cloth and a Parsons chair? I want simple drop cloth covers, but none of bought ones fit. I want it to the floor.
Hi Candy! I recently added to the post how to measure your seating for fit. I hope it helps! 🙂
Please tell me do you wash in bleach ,peroxide and hot water first. I have been dying to do this and have read several different ways.
Hi Margie! I only washed mine in warm water. I’m assuming using bleach or peroxide is only if you want to lighten the tarps. I hope this helps! 🙂
I have 2 large cushions on the back and 2 large ones on the seat. I think I wouls like to wrap them separately and have them on top of the cloth. What do you think? That way I could fluff the cushions regularly and might give a more finished look. I think I will try it! Thank you so much for sharing this idea and how to do it. Can’t wait to start!
Hi Joanie! I think that will look great if you pin the tarps behind the cushions. Let me know how it works out! 🙂
Hi…I want to know if the material is comfortable to sit and lounge on? Also does it come off easily? I want to try it, if it is..I bought slipcovers off Amazon and it is so annoying to have to fix everytime someone gets up as it slips off. Thanks!
Hi Michelle! It is comfortable to me, but keep in mind it is canvas so it isn’t going to be soft like bed sheets. Once they are washed, they are as soft as any other canvas covered couch. They don’t come untucked nearly as easy as regular slipcovers, but they will still need adjusting sometimes depending on how “active” the person is using the couch (for example, they will get untucked faster if there is a kid bouncing around on the couch as compared to an adult just sitting and watching tv). I hope this helps! 🙂
You make this look doable! Question: My couch has 3 cushions. I feel like wrapping them separate from the couch might cut down on it coming untucked. Have you tried/had luck with wrapping cushions together or should each cushion be wrapped separately for a more ‘finished’ look?
Thanks for any help you have to offer!
I decided to try this. i loved the no sewing. I have huge sectional with recliners. So I had to cut and do pieces. Ran short on material. Turns out I needed 4 9×12. This next part is not your fault. I’m venting and could use advise. After I spent all day cutting, pinning, measuring. I washed in hot and put in dryer. This brand shrunk like crazy and the cut sides frayed ! I also broke my washing machine ☹. Also not your fault, LOL and I did only half the pieces at one time. It just burned out ! My living room re-do is consuming me !! Should I have washed in cold? Washes before I cut? I cannot beleive how bad it shrunk.
Hi Jen! I am really sorry you had this experience and I do feel that I am at least partially to blame. I took for granted my assumption that it is common knowledge that canvas tarps are made out of cotton and cotton shrinks. It’s always a good idea to wash any fabric made out of cotton before you cut it to size. The brand I used didn’t shrink that much at all (maybe an inch or two) – the thinner the fabric, the more it will probably shrink. I also didn’t try to cut them down to the exact size I thought I needed and made sure to give myself some extra fabric to tuck in. In the future, would wash the tarps before cutting them in whatever temp you plan to use when washing them normally. I hope this helps! 🙂
Hi Jen, how did your project turn out? I have a sectional with 2 recliners on each end and currently have drop cloths tucked in on the seats but not on the backs. I would love to see your finished product!
Hi,
I Love this idea, I’m used to covering up couches with a sheet since I lived at home, when we were small. My problem is, do you know of any cover similar to these that would be water proof? I have a male cat, and every now and then he will mark on things! Wondered if you knew of anything to help, without it being those ugly blue plastic tarps. Thank you
What size would I use for a chair?
Hi Melissa! Measure your chair using a sewing measuring tape, working from front to back and then side to side, starting from the floor and working along the entire surface of the chair until you get to the floor on the other side. Then add at least two feet to each of those measurements and that will give you the approximate size you need. For example, say your chair measures 8 feet from front to back and 8 feet from side to side You’d want to get a tarp that can be cut down to 10 foot by 10 foot. If you are in doubt, buy a tarp that is a little larger than what you need – you can always cut it smaller. Be sure to put it on the chair and tuck it in the way you like before cutting it because you will lose a lot of the length and width of the tarp when you tuck it in. And please keep in mind that canvas tarps are made out of cotton and cotton shrinks when washed, so you’ll want to wash the tarps before you cut them down. I hope this helps!
Thank you for this tutorial! I have bought two different covers and neither fit well enough to keep. So I bought canvas tarps or painters tarps before I read your article and have been looking for advice on putting them to use as covers. Now I’m wondering if Velcro would work instead of pins? I also wonder how I can keep the covers from shifting when we get up from the sofa? Unfortunately we scoot forward to be able to stand up off the sofa…lol. Thank you again.
Hi Carlena! I’ve never tried Velcro instead of pins so I don’t know if it will work. If you try it out, let me know how it works! 🙂 To keep the covers from shifting, try inserting a pool noodle or a PVC pipe in the part of the drop cloth you tuck into the back of the sofa. I hope this helps! 🙂
Hello! I LOVE this! Can’t wait to try it! Can you tell me about the giant pillows on your sofa and loveseat? Where can I find them? Or did you make them? Many thanks!!
fabulous!! Simple and easy and this looks great.
Thank you Eileen!
Hi, I appreciate your directions for measuring and coming up with the right size needed! My sofa looks very similar to yours with the wood across the top. My sofa is an 87″ sofa, so one inch longer than yours. I measured from the skirt on the left across the 3 cushions and the other arm, then down to the bottom of the skirt on the right hand side. My measurement was 150″ or 12′ 6″. So then if I add 2 ft. I would need one that is 14 1/2 x 10. (the front to back measured 8ft.) I realize that you don’t have a skirt, but yours does go all the way to the floor and our sofas are basically the same size. I’m baffled and hesitant to order. Any thoughts?
Hi Missy! Your sofa is almost the same size as mine so the size drop cloth I used on my sofa should work for yours too. When you initially put the drop cloth on the sofa it will be short on the ends, but once you fold and pin the excess around the ends it will go all the way to the floor. I was generous in my recommendations of how big a drop cloth to get in case some people have irregular sized sofas – I’d rather them have a little excess drop cloth to cut and hem than have it be too small. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂
Hello, I was excited to read your post! I’ve been searching for a new drop cloth brand ever since Home Depot discontinued the brand I’ve used in the past to slipcover my couch. My biggest problem when trying to find the same quality of drop cloth is lots of pilling happening after being washed. I’m curious how the Melca brand you are recommending holds up after a few washes?
Hi Carmen! The Melca brand drop cloths have held up really well so far and no pilling at all. I’m super happy with their quality!
Your thoughts? To avoid environmental and health concerns with bleaching drop cloths white for those of us who like this style, but want them white, what about buying the inexpensive cloths and fabric painting them rather than bleaching. It would allow you to do any color for your slipcover or upholstery projects! Just wonder how it would hold up in the wash….
Also, you can probably use those paper pinching clips, not paper clips, but they have a black center then these metal tabs that go up and down to pinch the stack of papers, then hold it in place…rather than using safety pins.
Some other blog mentioned tucking paper towel centers (the brown cardboard) with rubber bands around it to help stabilize the covers, rather than buying PVC pipes.
My sofa is a velvet-like fabric being destroyed by a darling cat!! I was wondering if friction between the canvas and the sofa fabric could cause a change in the sofa fabric’s appearance.
Thanks.
Hi Carol! I have 10 cats so I feel your pain 🙂 I wish I could give you a definite answer to your question but I’ve never used this cover on a velvet-like fabric so I don’t know.
What size drop cloth would you recommend for a 64″ (arm to arm) loveseat?
Hi Madeline! I would use a 9 x 12 drop cloth like I did for my loveseat. I cut and hemmed the length for mine, but if you don’t want to do that you can tuck in the excess. I hope this helps!
Thank you! I’m really tempted to try this!
You’re welcome! If you do try it, let me know how it works out for you!
Thank you for this great tutorial!!! I love dropcloths, they are so versatile. I’m going to try this on my daughter’s sectional sofa. Thanks, Gloria M.
You’re very welcome Gloria!
Hello,
How should we lay the drop cloth, meaning, should the 12 foot side go across the width of the loveseat or vice versa?
To clarify my question, should I lay the 12 foot side of the drop cloth from arm to arm? Hope my question makes sense…
Yes, that is the way you should do it. If you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Great idea! I’ve been pricing loveseat covers. I think I can stop now. Thank you!!
You’re very welcome Maggie! I’m happy you found this useful!
Love this! Can I use drop cloths on reclining sofas?
Hi Vivian! I’ve never tried it because we don’t have recliners. I don’t know how well it would work when you recline it. I’m sorry I can’t give you a definitive answer here. If you decide to try it, let us know how it works!
Canvas Tarpaulins are made from 100% cotton duck. They are water-resistant and breathable. Our Canvas Tarpaulins are an eco-friendly alternative to polythene sheets because it is made up of cotton. They are used in places where you need covers and protection against rain or storms.We also supply heavy duty Canvas Tarpaulins Canvas Tarpaulins.
i used pins but make covers for cushions like pillow cases the covered cushions help hold couch cover in place
I love this Idea!!!! I’m decorating my living room amd thinking what ‘ am I going to do about this old dark brown couches’ 💡👆🏼!!!! Thank you !!
You’re very welcome Chely! I’m so happy you found this useful!
Hi! I have a quick question on this! Do you wash them periodically and if so do they shrink and do you have to iron before putting them back on? Thanks!
Hi Ashley! They will shrink slightly, but not anywhere near the point where they won’t cover the couch anymore. I’ve never had to iron them as long as I get them out of the dryer as soon as they’re done 🙂
Love this, I’m looking to cover up the ugly RV couch and this will work perfect and not cost me an arm and leg!!!! Thank you foe your creative solution!!!
You’re welcome Keshia! I’m happy you found this useful!
Hello. I really like the look you achieved. I would love to cover our two leather loveseats but I wonder if the fabric will slip and slide on the leather? Any ideas on this? Thanks.
Hi Penny! I’ve never tried this on leather sofas so I don’t know how well it would work. Try using pool noodles in the drop cloths in the back where the seats meet the backrest as that might help keep them more secure. If you try it, please let us know how it works out for you!
Hi! Can I use a photo from this tutorial for a roundup of DIY couch covers for The Spruce with credit and a link?
Thanks!
Hi Michelle, I have a beige couch and have light gray walls. What color do you suggest on curtains and cushions to brighten it up. Thanks Riekie
Hi Reikie! Are you looking for a big pop of color or do you want to stay with neutral tones?
Awesome idea. Thank you so much for sharing. I am going to use this idea for my sofa and love seat. Thank you again. And yes it is a money saver idea.
I am NOT a seamstress, so this appeals greatly. My chairs measure about 95” each way, plus the two-foot allowance you suggest, means I need 10’ x 10’ tarps. The Melca ones only come 9’ x 12’. Do you think I can make this work with that 2’ of extra fabric one way and 1’ shyness of fabric the other way? I hope I’m not confusing you; I’m lost in the weeds myself!?
Hi Brooke! I’m sure you can make it work! You’ll just have to do a lot more tucking of the drop cloth in between the cushions and hiding any excess under your chairs. I hope that helps!
Hello, is the cloth dyable?
I just got a used sofa trying to get the stains out I went to my go to Pinterest 😊 and found your link on covering sofa with drop cloth I’m going to do just that. Thank you for sharing
What do the covers look like after being sat on? Do they need to be straightened every time.
Curious if anyone has an updated link. The one listed is currently unavailable.
I have been searching for a decent looking cover for the couch, in the guest house. I am thinking this is my answer! I love how it looks, (works with any style) and super easy instructions (Thank You!). Easy enough Thank for to take off to wash also, hang to dry. Heck yeah!!! Thanks for sharing!
~~Sharon~~