Hack a Mattress into a Couch

Step 3 Sewing New Coverings

Measure and Cut Panels for the Mattress
Lay the fabric on the sections to measure and cut. I wanted a contrasting color for the sides so I sewed strips of brown fabric together to form one long wrap-around piece. On one short side hem a slit that will create the opening to get the cover on and off. You can see this in the third photograph on this page. I allowed the slit to wrap around the long sides about 3". You can test this to make sure the mattress will fit through this slot.

This is where all those pins come in. I anchor-pinned the brown wrap-around piece (inside out) on the mattress and laid the decorative fabric on top (also inside out). I then pinned it to the wrap-around piece. Depending on the stretch of the fabric you might want to pull it taut as you're pinning so it's not baggy when you finish. I had 1/2" seam allowance. Make sure that as you are pinning you are not pinning to the mattress itself (other than the anchor pins which you will remove later to take off the cover for sewing). I then trimmed any excess fabric. Off to the sewing machine. At the 1/2" mark I did a straight stitch all the way around. Then I went back with a zigzag around the edge. I snipped the curves to make sure that when I turned it right side out the corners were smoothly curved.

I took the cover back to the mattress (still inside out) and put it on the mattress. I flipped the mattress over and anchor-pinned the sides on to hold it in place. Then I pinned and trimmed the second side remembering to keep the fabric inside out. This is when you use the slit in the side. After you've removed the anchor pins that are holding the side panels in place slide the cover off the mattress as you would a pillow case.

Back to the sewing machine and repeat for the second side.

Slip Cover Over Mattress
Turn the finished cover right side out and slide it onto the mattress. If you made it nice and snug this may take two people. Straighten it all the way around and begin sewing up the slit.

Sew Ends
I used a thimble and needle-nose pliers to sew the ends. I also used a glover needle that has a pyramid point which is a little stronger and a little easier to grab with the pliers. You might want to pull the seams together and clamp. I used those clamps that look like industrial clothes pins. Butt the two hemmed edges together (don't overlap) and hand stitch. Wax the thread with bee's wax to both strengthen it and help it glide through the fabric. Keep in mind that each edge is hemmed so you will be pushing the needle through multiple layers of upholstery or heavy fabric. Take lots of breaks and stretch your hands. This will take longer than you think it will. As with the mattress use shorter pieces of thread to lessen the tangling and knot often. You don't want the thread to break and a large section of your seam to unravel.

Measure and Cut Panels for the Box Springs
The idea is the same for the box springs except the bottom is just wrapped around and stapled. I didn't do a bottom panel. I also only used a heavy cotton for the top panel instead of upholstery or decorative fabric since it isn't seen. Since the box springs cover is dropped on and wrapped around there is no need for the end slit.


Pile them up, throw on some pillows and you're finished. Take a well-deserved break.

Comments

[ChimpyYellowCake]

Great Project! Here's the couch I built. Built shelves underneath it to hold Speakers and all the board games we have at our coffeehouse.