3 Tips for Repairing a Rip in a Leather Couch

A new couch is a huge investment. Since this is the case, learning how to take care of it is important. However, despite your best efforts, you might rip or tear your precious couch by accident. If this happens, what exactly do you do?

You should learn to fix it properly, as tears in leather couches worsen with continued use and neglected maintenance. To avoid this, check our tips for repairing a rip in a leather couch below.

Clean and Trim the Rip

The first thing you should do is clean the area that you’ve torn to get rid of dirt and grime. You can use leather upholstery cleaners or mix one-part warm water with one-part vinegar, which will also do the job. To begin, dip your rag into your solution, then clean around the tear. However, you must ensure you only dab your cloth against the tear. Don’t soak the leather; this will make the repair process harder.

After you dab the area in your cleaning solution, dry the area and prepare to trim. You’ll need a pair of scissors for this step. Trim off any loose threads that surround the tear. You want the edges of the tear to be consistent and smooth so whatever adhesive you use will form a strong bond.

Place a Patch and Apply Leather Glue

For this step, you need leather glue and a leather patch large enough to cover the exposed area on your couch. Start by putting the patch inside the tear and adjusting it using tweezers to make it fit properly. If your patch crumples, pull it with your tweezers to make it straight. Once you position it to fully cover the area underneath the tear, put some leather glue on an applicator and lift a side of the tear. Apply the glue to the edges of the tear, wiping away excess before it dries so it doesn’t appear unsightly.

Ensure the Seam Is Secure

This next part is a crucial tip for repairing a rip in your leather couch. You want to pinch both sides of the tear toward each other in an even line. Then, smooth out any ridges or bumps so your surface is consistent. You might not line it up perfectly the first time, but persistence is key—a wrinkly patch is almost just as unsightly as an unfixed rip. Hold the straightened seam shut for six minutes with a gentle hold so the glue can dry completely.

Now that you know how to fix your leather couch, if you’re interested in leather living room furniture sets, we have you covered at Supernova Furniture. We’re one of the biggest furniture stores in the US with multiple locations. And don’t forget to check out our financing options—we’re here to help you make the right decisions for your home and budget.