It's cute, could you just repair the tear?

Or if you can't repair the tear, can you just tuck and staple the dropcloth material on the back portion - kind of do an up and over but leave the seat and arms in the check - could be really cute! For the cost of the piece and one dropcloth, I think it's well worth it if you can do it.

What does your daughter think of the plaid? If she likes it, then I'd try to just repair the rip. I like it the way it is personally. In fact, one of my saved living room inspirations has a check sofa. But, your daughter has to like it.
You can also always buy a two-piece stretch slipcover from surefit.

That is a great looking sofa for 50.00
I would darn the tear and then use that piece of fabric trimmed out with black cording and just attach with velcro like a back pillow protector.

Thank you, everyone, I am feeling a bit better!

The tear is shaped like a 'T', about 6-8" long, and the edges are frayed. I can darn the tear, but I don't think I could repair it well enough to be presentable because of the size, shape, and condition of the edges.

I do like dlm2000's suggestion of just covering the back, or lyban's suggestion of covering the tear area with a trimmed-out piece of the fabric.

Geokid, I love that inspiration room! I agree, my daughter has to either like the plaid, or I need to figure out how to cover it to better match her style.

If my daughter absolutely vetos the sofa, I think I will keep it and use it when I re-work my sunroom (in a blue/yellow/lime color scheme like Geo's pic)!

What I'd give for that sofa! Darn as much as you can, then put a matching lapquilt/throw on the back. If your daughter isn't fond of the checks, then you lucked out. :)

Thanks oakleyok! My daughter doesn't like the check, and it really doesn't go with her existing decor (a lot of pillows and window treatments that I made for her last summer... don't want to re-do everything for her next apartment). And, the more I think about it, I think she may need a more substantial sofa -- something more modern/less traditional to go with her style.

So, this sofa may very well end up in my sunroom :)

Your daughter is in college and is rejecting a free sofa because it won't go with her existing decor????

If she is financially independent of you, I would say, let her figure out her own sofa issues. Come to think of it, if she gets any funding from you, I would say the same . . . and more.

Graywings, my daughter is not rejecting a free sofa because it won't go with her decor.

I helped her set up her current apartment because I enjoy decorating projects, can sew, and helped her create a pleasant apartment for very little money.

She will be living in a different apartment with a different roommate next year, and will need additional furnishings. I found this sofa for very little $$, and planned to slipcover it because of the the fabric is torn near the camelback top.

She did not demand a different sofa, or demand that I change the fabric -- I am doing this because I enjoy decorating projects, and she is very grateful and appreciative of anything that I do for her.

Can you paint the fabric? There have been some really amazing projects on GW, but I can't find the thread right now.

Well, that's good to hear. It sounds like I (mis)-judged her based on very little information.

Personally, I like the sofa.

Can't wait to see pics of your sunroom!