Reuse

• Old comforters, duvet covers and draperies can be reused as covers or upholstery for sofas. Search for fabric items through yard sales or resale and thrift stores, or clean out closets and see what might be found. Keep measurements of the sofa and a tape measure (for those recycled items) in hand when shopping to make sure there will be adequate fabric. Consider mixing fabrics where fabric is found in small amounts. Use patterns that have matching colors for visual continuity. Wash or dry clean fabrics before using.
  
  

Try Seasonal

• Create a series of slipcovers that can be used seasonally. Fabric stores sell printed textiles in seasonal patterns---holiday, spring florals, autumn harvest and bright summer stripes. If the patterns are not appealing or do not fit your home's decor, chose a different solid color for each season. Don't forget denim as a sturdy alternative.
  
  Re-cover the sofa in the playroom, den or family room seasonally by creating quick slip-on sofa covers. Copy the slipcover pattern from a previous cover purchase or buy a pattern through Butterick, Simplicity or McCalls at the local fabric store.
  
  

Quick Fixes

• Cover only the parts of the sofa that are worn or stained. Cushions and arms are usually appropriate for this type of sofa covering. Locate a fabric that coordinates with the existing fabric and cover the whole cushion or a single side. Arms can be padded using upholstery padding, foam or batting (all found at fabric stores) before covering them.
  
  Partial sofa upholstery works best on sofas that use cord as trim. Fold the edges of the new fabric a quarter-inch and press the fold with an iron. Then pull back the cord and place the edge of the fabric against the bottom of the cord and stitch into place.