Reupholstering furniture sounds intimidating, but few people realize how easy it can be. If you have basic sewing knowledge and a few common tools (screwdriver, hammer, staple gun and pliers), you're set. You'll soon discover that all stuffed furniture is built so that it can be reupholstered as needed.

For instructions, the furniture itself will direct you on the proper course, but as a general outline:

Estimate the amount of fabric you'll need, and always buy extra. This allows for errors, and whatever's left over can be used for a coordinating footstool, curtains ? you name it.

Begin by prodding at the seams. Are they sewn, tacked or stapled? Remember the details and take notes as you go. Look for which panel to remove first. It's often the top or bottom section and should be readily apparent. Gently pull it off the frame. You'll need the panel as a pattern later, so avoid stretching or tearing the fabric.

Repeat this step until all the panels are off, pinning a tag to each panel identifying the order and its location. Be careful not to move the stuffing below, and smooth any bulges in the padding. The cushion stuffing often comes apart and becomes misshapen when the fabric is removed, so simply covering the old fabric with the new is often the best move.

When you're selecting new material, mid-weight fabrics are easier to work with than heavier options and last longer than you might think. Look at fabric, drapes and even patterned bed sheets for a wide range of upholstery selections.

Now that the furniture is stripped, place the original fabric pieces onto the new material as economically as you can, always leaving an extra inch on each side. If the original fabric was cut on the bias, cut the new segment this way as well. Trace the cushion surface on the fabric twice, once each for the top and bottom. Don't forget to add the length and width measurements of the sides, again including an additional inch on each side.