Low cost way to recover sofas?

[polkadotpjs]

I've got some comfy but a bit knackered sofas I thought I might get covers for but it's super expensive. I've also been eyeing up new sofas but can't really justify it.
I've seen adverts for "magic" stretch covers but I'm cynical. Blankets/ throws might work if there's a good way to attach them / secure them. Anyone done this ? Thank you!

I did this on fixed seat sofa (no separate cushions) bought a couple of metres of upholstery cotton fabrics & a staple gun tucked the fabric in around the sides/back etc & stapled to the wooden lip of the frame, it looks a lot better & costs me about £40.00 will see if I can find a picture.

Ooh yes please !

@polkadotpjs found one, it was a simple job as I didn’t have to do the arms, the seat part fabric wore really badly & looked awful but it’s comfortable & was fine everywhere else & seemed wasteful to get rid of it.

Oh that's lovely. Ours has back and seat cushions which in theory I could make covers for but don't want it to look rubbish. If blankets and judicious tucking might work (had to double check that didn't autocorrect!) then it might be an answer.
Unless anyone can tell me the stretch covers work?!

polka must admit I only attempted it as no sewing involved as I’m rubbish with a needle/sewing machine, I do remember years ago the old stretch covers which pretty naff, would imagine they have improved a lot since then.
Dunno but maybe if you know someone who makes curtains/cushions they might be able too run up the cushion covers a much cheaper option than upholstery (disclaimer I know upholstery is a skilled profession) but crikey it’s very expensive, but that doesn’t solve the back/arms if they need recovering, hopefully someone will be along who knows more about the magic stretch covers good luck.

I remember beige nylon stretch covers as a child of the 70s being very unpleasant to sit on. Maybe blankets are a better bet

I remember the awful flowery ones that stuck to you when you got hot😳

How about buying a nice throw and tucking it in to cover the seats, like this?
www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/447193438003083678/
If you add a blanket in similar colours folded over the back most of the sofa will be covered. Add some lovely large cushions in velvet as well?

Noooo- it says it can't find that pin!
But I was wondering about nice large throws - big enough to lob over but be nice and covering. Love velvet

Second pic on this page
www.alisonandersoninteriors.co.uk/interior-design-in-living-rooms
H&M and John Lewis sell decent throws and velvet cushions.
I think its worth a look as you can use these anyway regardless of what you do with the sofa.

Exactly and I'm a sucker for soft furnishings
Husband has got paint samples and lining paper for testing on.
It might be nice again soon. We got a dog recently and although we have a cat already I keep sniffing and thinking it smells doggy. A proper decoration should help with that. Doggy will have to sleep upstairs while we do it. Can't wait!!

I tried a stretch cover and it’s saggy and ugly. It was only a cheap one though.

It's not an Ikea sofa is it? We have some Bemz covers which are great, they fit like a glove. They do some universal covers for non-Ikea sofas, my mum has them and they're pretty good quality, they do them in velvet as well other fabrics: bemz.com/en-gb/other-products/multi-fit-products

I’m my experience loose covers are the pits. I spent a absolute fortune on having some made to measure, they were truly awful. The stretch ones shift all the time and rarely fit the shape of the suite properly. I would cover up with some throws or fabric and save up for a new settee.

I bought a plush blanket in a color I love, and tucked that in so it covers almost all of my sofa, and I love it!! I do have to retuck it once in a while, especially if children mess about on it, but it looks really great.

We've decided on throws and blankets for now. But I've seen this and want it now!

New sofa was vetoed so have ordered tonnes of throws in snuggly fabrics. Walks now painted and it looks much fresher. I do crave a new sofa but never mind!

Thanks for the update on the stretch covers. I knew they seemed too good to be true

I got a local seamstress to run me up four large loose sofa covers with zips and 2 back covers. I supplied the material and gave her the old covers to use as a pattern. She charged me £82.00. I was absolutely delighted. Looks like a new sofa.

My throws arrived but I'm shit at putting them on. It now looks like I'm trying to hide a student sofa 😂
I may untuck and fold and place over instead folded. I need LESSONS on how to put blankets on. I'm so unstylish

Maybe try one throw to cover the seat cushions, ideally something thick/textured.
And another over the back, I tend to fold my throws or blankets in half then tuck them over the back cushions so the middle section is covered. This looks tidier than trying to cover it all.
HArd to explain!

Will try some links
www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/642044490622633018/
www.houzz.co.uk/photos/broadgates-road-contemporary-living-room-london-phvw-vp~20808597