Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

Tools:

- Staple gun

- Upholstery staples

- Sewing machine (optional)

- Scissors

- Measuring tape

- Phillips screwdriver

- Pliers

- Hammer

- Fabric upholstery tacks

- Fabric scissors

- Needle and thread (for hand sewing)

Materials:

- Upholstery fabric (about 5-10 yards, depending on sofa size)

- Batting (for padding)

- Foam (if replacing old foam)

- Plywood (for reinforcing the base, if needed)

- Tufting buttons (for the tufted design)

Choose a well-lit area with enough space to lay out your materials and the sofa itself. Protect the floor with a drop cloth or old blanket to catch any stray staples or fabric scraps.

Start by removing any existing upholstery. Use a Phillips screwdriver to take off the legs and any detachable parts. Carefully pull out staples or tacks holding the fabric in place using pliers or a hammer. Take note of how the sofa is constructed, as you’ll need to replicate this when you reassemble it.

Once the old upholstery is removed, inspect the sofa frame for any damage. Tighten loose joints and consider reinforcing the base with plywood if it feels unstable. Fix any broken springs or padding as needed.

If the foam is worn out, replace it with new upholstery foam. Measure the areas that need foam and cut it to size. Lay the foam on the sofa's surfaces and cover it with batting for added comfort and a smoother finish. Staple the batting to the frame, ensuring it is taut but not overly stretched.

Measure the areas of the sofa where you’ll be applying the fabric. Remember to add a few extra inches for wrapping around edges and stapling. Lay your upholstery fabric flat and cut the pieces according to your measurements. 

Start with the back and sides of the sofa. Position the fabric and pull it taut over the foam and batting. Use a staple gun to secure it, starting from the center and moving outward to prevent wrinkles. Fold the corners neatly for a polished look, and staple them down securely.

One of the hallmarks of a Chesterfield sofa is its tufted design. To create this, mark where you want your buttons to be on the seat. Use a long needle and heavy-duty thread to sew through the fabric and foam, pulling it tight to create the tufted effect. Secure each button by tying a knot on the underside of the seat.

Cut a piece of fabric for the seat cushion, allowing enough extra material to wrap around the edges. Attach foam if necessary, then pull the fabric tightly and staple it underneath. Again, make sure to create a neat finish at the corners.

Once all the pieces are upholstered, reattach any legs and components. Ensure everything is secure and in place. Check for any loose staples or fabric that might need additional fastening.

Inspect your work for any imperfections or areas that might need extra attention. Add upholstery tacks along the edges for a finished look, if desired. Finally, vacuum the sofa to remove any dust or fabric debris.