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Repairing a tear in a leather couch is easy and doesn't take long to do. Start by cleaning the area around the tear and trimming up the edges of it. Then, cut a denim patch to size and insert it behind the tear to act as another layer of substrate. Finally, apply leather or fabric glue to the patch and reconnect the tear.[1] Let the glue set, and you're done!

  1. 1

    Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. White vinegar is safe to use as a cleaning solution on leather. Mix the vinegar with warm water into a bowl by stirring it so it's fully combined.[2]

    • Using warm water will help the vinegar combine with it

    Tip: If you don't have white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, but it may leave a scent behind.

  2. 2

    Wipe the area around the tear with the mixture to clean it. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and clean the area around the tear so it's clean of any dust or debris that could affect the repair process. Use gentle, circular motions to wipe the area clean.[3]

    • Don't soak or oversaturate the leather or it could warp and be difficult to repair.

  3. 3

    Dry the area with a clean cloth. Take a separate clean cloth and gently wipe the area you just cleaned. Continue wiping until the leather is completely dry.[4]

    • Wipe the area dry immediately after you clean it with the solution so it doesn't soak into the leather.
    • Damp leather will be more difficult to repair.

  4. 4

    Use scissors to trim off any loose threads on the edges of the tear. Look for strings or bits of thread hanging off of the edges of the tear. Carefully remove them by cutting them off with scissors so the edges are smooth.[5]

    • The edges of the tear need to be smooth and consistent to form the best bond when you repair the tear.

  1. 1

    Cut a denim patch slightly larger than the tear. Use a pair of scissors to cut a small denim patch that will fit inside of the tear and act as a new layer of substrate to patch the tear. Make sure the patch is larger than the tear itself so it can act as a new layer beneath the leather.[6]

    • Use a patch designed for denim jeans.

    Tip: Cut rounded edges on the patch so it fits into the tear smoothly.

  2. 2

    Insert the patch into the tear. Open 1 side of the tear in the couch with your fingers and fit the patch inside of it. Slide all of the patch inside and try to flatten it out with your fingers.[7]

    • If the patch crumples or bunches up, pull it out and try to slide it back in.

  3. 3

    Use tweezers to smooth and flatten the patch. Grab the patch with a pair of tweezers and and stretch and flatten it out to create a smooth background behind the patch. Feel the leather above the patch for any bumps or ridges so you know that it is smooth.[8]

    • If you find any bumps or ridges, you need to adjust the patch with the tweezers so it's flat.
    • Make sure the patch completely fills and covers the area beneath the tear.

  1. 1

    Use leather or fabric glue on to repair the tear. [9] Standard craft or super glue can leave residue behind and possible damage the leather. Use a glue specially designed for leather or use a vinyl fabric glue that is safe to use on leather.[10]

    • You can find leather and fabric glue at craft supply stores, department stores, and online.
    • Check the packaging of the glue to make sure it's safe to use on leather.

  2. 2

    Apply a small amount of fabric glue to a toothpick. Open the bottle of glue and squeeze out a drop onto the end of a toothpick. Be careful not to let any of the glue spill or fall off onto the couch.[11]

    • Keep paper towels nearby so you can clean up any glue that spills quickly.
    • You can also use a large needle or a cotton swab.[12]

  3. 3

    Spread the glue on the substrate patch beneath the tear. Lift up 1 side of the tear and insert the toothpick inside. Spread the glue around on the patch beneath the tear so there's an even layer.[13]

    • Wipe off any glue that gets on the leather outside of the tear.

  4. 4

    Pinch the 2 sides of the tear together. Use your fingers to bring both sides of the tear together to form an even line.[14] Use your fingers to smooth out any bumps or ridges in the tear so it's consistent.[15]

    • If you don't line it up properly at first, you can separate the tear and reconnect the two sides.
    • Wipe away any excess glue on the tear or leather.

    Tip: If the tear is uneven and has ripped edges, carefully piece them back together with your fingers so the edges are connected.

  5. 5

    Hold a book against the tear for 5 minutes. Once the glue has been applied, it needs to set. Press a board or a book against the tear, maintaining a gentle pressure. After 5 minutes, the glue will have set, but wait a full hour before you sit on the couch again.[16]

    • If the tear reopens, apply a little more glue and reconnect it before allowing it to set again.

Add New Question

  • Question

    Can you glue leather back together?

    Mallika Sharma

    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master's degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.

    Mallika Sharma

    Certified Leather Care Technician

    Expert Answer

    For small tears, you can use an adhesive to paste the torn piece back in its place. Use a filler cream to bind the tear area and let it dry for a few hours. After, touch it up with matching color.

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Things You'll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Bowl
  • Scissors
  • Leather or fabric glue
  • Denim patch
  • Toothpick
  • Book or board

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/sJCGK1BN-Ms?t=104
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/sJCGK1BN-Ms?t=116
  3. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/sJCGK1BN-Ms?t=116
  5. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/sJCGK1BN-Ms?t=143
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/sJCGK1BN-Ms?t=167

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