All of the above is great advice! Pinning the slipcover works fine. It's just a different way to identify were you would like your seam. Some slipcovers are stapled, but if you would like to wash it it won't come off. I like to reupholster because it its faster. That really is the only benefit. Slipcovers are great because you can wash them, as mentioned above. To reupholster I usually take the fabric completely off. This will help you see the way that it was put together when it was made. There are some exceptions to this. If you are dealing with a sculpted back sofa sometimes there is stuffing loose behind the fabric. If your were to remove that fabric it would be a big mess. Once everything is off I start putting the new fabric on. Usually in this order sofa seat back, deck, front, arms, sides, sofa back, staple every thing to the bottom. and then finish with the dust cover on the bottom. The dust cover can be salvaged from the original. If you layer it all properly you won't see any staples. This is way too much for me to explain thoroughly. I wouldn't want you to try this and wish to end me if it doesn't work! If you really want to try it, do a Google search or check the library. I'm sure there is someplace out there with photos and such that could really help you along. If you can't find anything and you really want some step-by-step instructions, I can try. Oh yeah, if you find a book or whatever they will call for some specialty items that are hard to find or expensive. These items aren't always necessary. i.e. I can never find tack stripping, but get around this. When I put my last major piece on, usually the back, I fold the edges under and sew them down by hand with a heavy thread that matches the fabric. You couldn't staple at that point because it would be seen.
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