DIY Network

Cast-off Chaise Find out how to transform an old couch into a classy chaise. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-201

Elegant seating is added to the room by modifying a thrown-out couch.

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Old couch--new chaise.

Materials:

found couch
scrap lumber for re-framing
screws
fabric
matching thread
piping/trim to match
1/4" and 1/2" staples
upholstery tacks
knife
scissors
reciprocating saw
chop saw
jig saw
stapler
sewing machine

	Figure A
	Figure B

Cutting and Reframing

1. Determine final shape of the chaise, and then mark on existing fabric (figure A).

2. Cut fabric along the line and move it out of the way to expose the framing.

3. Transfer the lines to the framing.

4. Cut the framing to the marked shape with a reciprocating saw, and then remove (figure B).

5. Reframe the couch to create structure and strength as needed.

   Tip: Use scrap lumber to reframe the couch.

6. Hold an oversized piece of lumber in place, and then mark it for all cuts needed to allow the new framing and old framing to join together.

7. Cut the lumber using a chop saw and jig saw to fit.

8. Attach the shaped lumber with glue and screws.

Upholstery

1. Start the upholstery by planning where and how all of your seams will be hidden so that you don't end up with visible seams and nails.

2. Salvage and use any pieces of fabric from the original couch that can serve as templates.

3. Start from your most visible areas, and then move to the more hidden areas. This will keep your seams hidden.

4. Always cut pieces oversized to allow room to tuck, wrap and staple.

5. You may have to sew seams with a machine if your fabric isn't wide, or long enough to cover your large sections.

Figure C

Tip: Try your best to conceal these seams as well. You can do this with piping and trim (figure C).

6. When you're ready to start stapling, firmly attach one side of your fabric to give a solid point to pull and stretch from.

7. Pull and stretch fabric until taught, and then staple in place (typically stapling to the underside of the couch so the staples are hidden).

8. Staple to the internal framing of the couch as well, knowing that this will all get covered with more fabric later in your upholstery job.

9. Once the large sections of the couch are covered, you can tie up loose ends with details.

Tip: Our couch had a cap on the arms, so we were able to reuse it very easily be removing, recovering and then reusing the same nails that were already in the piece.

10. Finish around the legs using upholstery tacks.

Project Expense:

Sofa: Free
Fabric, trim: $125
Materials: $21

Total: $146