Hogan Loom
The sofa, the tape measure & the right drape.
A sofa can be called a loveseat, a three-seater or a chaise and still vary widely in size. The most useful starting point is the area you want your textile to cover.
1. Decide what the layer should do
For a lap blanket, compare the textile with your seated lap and legs. For an armrest accent, measure the width of the fold and the drop you want on either side. A full draped cover needs much more fabric than a casually folded throw.
2. Measure across the seat
Use a flexible tape measure. Measure the usable seat width from inside arm to inside arm, then measure the seat depth from the front edge to the back cushion. If the cover should go over the arms, add the distance over each arm and the drop outside it.
3. Measure front to back
For a loose sofa cover, follow the intended path: from the front hem position, over the seat, up the backrest and over the top to the back hem position. Add space for any tuck you plan to make. A fabric rectangle must accommodate this full path, not just the flat seat depth.
For example, a path measuring 24 in across the seat, 22 in up the back and 12 in of combined overhang already uses 58 in before any tuck allowance. This is an illustration, not a recommended fit for every sofa.
4. Compare both dimensions
A listed 70.9 x 118.1 in draped cover can be turned either way, but the two directions still need to match your measured paths. Do not assume that a larger number means it fits your layout. Rounded arms, loose back cushions and tall sofa backs all change the fabric needed.
5. Treat fitted covers differently
A fitted slipcover may use a sofa-length range instead of a flat rectangle. Use the range on that product page and check the sofa’s shape. Length alone does not guarantee a neat fit on unusually wide arms or a deep sectional.
6. Measure sectional pieces separately
A chaise extension and a standard seat section may need separate layers. A single rectangular panel should not be assumed to wrap an L-shaped sofa. Note where seams, cushions and reclining mechanisms need to move freely.
A quick note to keep beside the tape
- Write down the measured path, not only the name of the sofa style.
- Include your chosen hem drop and tuck allowance.
- Read whether tassels are included in the stated dimensions.
- Check whether the package is one panel or multiple pieces.
- For lounge cushions, compare the width, full length and seat-to-back transition.
Textile measurements are approximate. If your fit is close to a limit, contact us with your measurements before choosing. Browse Sofa Covers or Throws with your notes in hand.