Torn upholstery may make even the newest couch, chair or loveseat appear old and raggedy. Furniture shops fix most kinds of damage, but if you know how to sew, you do not have to pay for skilled repair. Repair methods vary, based on the size and location of this rip. Patches are great for repairing large or wide holes in upholstery. It’s possible to fix tears along seams with a needle and rip-resistant cotton thread.
Patch Method
Cut a square piece of heavy duty fabric to use as a patch. Make the patch slightly larger than the tear in the upholstery.
Peel back the torn upholstery, then place the patch under it. Use the handle of a spoon to smooth out the patch so it lays flat.
Hold back the upholstery flap, then use a upholstery pin or poultry skewer to pin it in place.
Brush the patch with a thin, even layer of latex fabric glue. Apply some glue to the edges of this ripped upholstery.
Remove the pin and gently press on the upholstery flap down over the patch. Pat it lightly to smooth out the fabric.
Insert more pins or skewers along the edges of the torn upholstery to hold the fabric in place while the adhesive dries. Eliminate them after a few hours or if the adhesive has dried thoroughly.
Sewing Method
Check the tear for frays. Coat them with a thin layer of fluid seam sealant. Allow the sealant to dry. This will prevent frays from becoming worse.
Fold the edges of the tear under, then press the folds down firmly with your hands. If a side is frayed, fold the frayed part under as far as possible. Sewing also near a frayed edge may cause more damage afterwards.
Thread a curved upholstery needle or mattress needle with a piece of cotton thread. Nylon thread is more powerful than regular thread, so it is not as likely to rip.
Pinch the edges of the fabric together. Slide the tip of the needle during the right-hand edge of the tear.
Pull the thread all the way through to make a stitch. Weave the needle in and out and also the tear to make small, tight stitches. Maintain the edges of the split folded under as you sew.
Continue sewing along the edges until you arrive at the end of the tear. If the fabric appears puckered in the finish, pinch the edges together and add a few more stitches. Continue sewing until the old seam joins the new one.
Pull the thread through the upholstery on the last stitch to make a loop. Pass the needle through the loop, then pull the thread tight to knot it.
Make a few tiny stitches back above the seam line in the contrary direction, then cut the thread. This anchors the thread so it will not come loose.