Learn how to make handmade, durable covers for your caravan couch in a few simple steps. Transform your home on wheels into a cosy space while you travel

08/09/2023

Calling all travel enthusiasts and craft aficionados! Today, you are in for a treat as Patri from @la_asilvestrada guides you through the process of crafting tailor-made couch covers for your mobile dwelling. This unique project not only offers an opportunity to infuse personality into your motorhome, but it also serves as a practical solution to shield your couch from spills and stains – an essential especially for those travelling with youngsters.

In a previous tutorial, Patri shared with the Katia community how to design your own curtains for your motorhome or campervan. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to transform the ambiance of your mobile living space by creating beautiful sofa covers using recycled, high-quality canvas fabric.

How to sew sofa covers for your caravan in 5 steps

With this tutorial, you will sew covers for your caravan in a very simple way and in just 5 steps. No matter if you’re a sewing newbie or if you have prior experience, these step-by-step instructions will guide you throughout the process. So, get ready to give your camper a new look with some new covers for your sofa!

Normally, caravan sofas consist of individual mattresses, so we’ll make covers for these separately. Also, we’ll use elastic for the corners, so they’ll be easy to put on and remove.

Basic materials

Before starting, make sure you have all the tools and materials needed to hand. Remember that fabric choice is essential to achieve the desired result. We recommend our recycled canvas fabrics to create resistant and long-lasting covers.

• Recycled canvas
• Fabric scissors
• Tape measure
• Pins
• 1-mm thick elastic
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine

Step 1: Take measurements

The first thing you have to do is measure your mattress to see how much fabric you need for each sofa. You need to measure the width, length, and height. Once you have these measurements, you need to calculate the width and length of fabric you need.

Here’s the formula you need to calculate this:

Calculate width: width + height x 2 + 20 extra cm

Calculate length: length + height x 2 + 20 extra cm

Step 2: Cut the fabric

Next, once you’ve calculated how much fabric you need, cut the fabric following the measurements you’ve just calculated.

The next step is to cut all the corners to give the cover some shape and make sure the sides fit the mattress properly. For this, cut a square calculating the height measurement of the mattress + 10 extra cm for the bottom of the mattress.

For example, my mattress measures 13 cm high + 10 extra cm = 23 cm. So, I have to cut a 23 x 23 square out of all the corners.

Make sure that when you cut the four corners, they are the same shape as in the image.

Step 3: Sew the corners

To sew the corners, use French seams so that it looks neater on the inside and doesn’t fray.

The first thing you need to do is join the corners with wrong sides facing each other. Pin it into place and sew straight stitch half a centimeter from the edge.

Next, turn the fabric around and now, with right sides facing each other, sew straight stitch, this time 1 cm from the edge. Your cover with a polished French seam is ready.

Step 4: Place the elastic

Once you’ve sewn all the corners, you can try the cover on your mattress.

The next step is to add elastic to each corner. To calculate the amount of elastic you need to know the height of the mattress, this will be the amount of elastic you need for each corner. In this case, the elastic will measure 13 cm, which is the height of my mattress.

Mark the height of the mattress onto the fabric on both sides of the seam. The elastic will be attached to both markings you’ve just made. It’s important to also mark the centre of the elastic, since you have to pull it to sew it into place, and it needs to match the corner seam, so it gathers evenly.

Once you’ve made these markings, sew one of the ends of the elastic using straight stitch, at the height of the first marking to attach it securely to the fabric. Once fastened, sew the elastic to the fabric using zigzag stitch, making sure the centre of the elastic matches the corner seam, until you reach the other marking with the end of the elastic. Then, repeat the same process on the other corners.

Step 5: Hem the cover

Finally, hem around the entire edge to finish off the cover. When you sew the elastic section, use zigzag stitch so that it remains flexible. Sew the rest of the hem using straight stitch.

So, your elastic cover for your caravan sofas or any mattress is ready. This way you can easily remove them for easy washing.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial for how to sew sofa covers for your caravan and encourage you to make your own sofa covers to add your personal touch to your home on wheels! Don’t forget to share your creations with us, you can tag us on social media using the hashtag #katiafabrics. We love to see everything you make with our fabrics.

Create Without Limits

Now that you’ve created stunning sofa covers, why not learn to make curtains for your caravan with this FREE pattern?

Travel the world in style by making your own backpack with this FREE patten.