How to quietly sew up a hole in furniture upholstery

How to sew a sofa with your own hands

After using the sofa for a long time, you can notice how some parts of it begin to tear. Most often these are the back and armrests. Sometimes the best option is to purchase a new new sofa, especially if the damage is very noticeable and the upholstery cannot be saved. But if the sofa is very dear to you, and the holes on it are small, then you can correct the situation with your own efforts.

In order to get started, you need to purchase a thermal fabric that matches the color of the upholstery (or vice versa, a bright shade if there is more than one hole and you want to create an interesting decorative effect on the sofa with the help of several patches).

Let's proceed directly to the restoration. First you need to cut out the patch of the desired shape and size. Next, you need to make a basting using a thread and a needle, and go over the resulting patch with an iron. You can patch a hole on the sofa using various pieces of fabric with or without bright patterns. This will allow you to create a truly unique design and update the boring look of upholstered furniture.

The patches can be placed randomly or strictly symmetrically, it depends on your imagination and on the overall design of the room, because everything should look harmonious and tasteful.

In order to correct the shape of the back cushions or armrests, you can use special pads. They can be either fabric or made of other materials, such as metal, wood or artificial stone.

“How to sew a sofa along the seams?” - you ask. This problem is very easy to solve. To fix everything, you need to choose a piece of fabric that matches the color of the sofa upholstery. Use knitting needles to straighten the fabric from the inside, carefully threading them through the slit. Then take a needle and thread and carefully sew first one side, then the other. Try to secure it as close to the slot as possible, gripping it end to end. Finally, run a blanket stitch around it. This will help prevent the fabric from tearing in the future.

How to make a patch on a fabric sofa

Has a hole suddenly appeared on your favorite sofa? There is no need to panic or sound the alarm. Almost every stain can be removed and any hole patched. In this article we will tell you how to sew up a sofa and get rid of this trouble.

How to remove scorch marks from sofa upholstery? How to remove cigarette holes from a sofa?

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Buying a new sofa is always a joyful event, but what if friends came to wash the new thing, accidentally dropped a plate of Olivier, spilled wine and coffee, and left burnt spots on the sofa? Don’t throw it away, of course, but try to correct the situation after the guests leave, but how? If food stains can still be cleaned out somehow, then what to do with a neat round hole burned by a cigarette all the way to the foam?

Let's talk about scorch marks on the upholstery

Not every upholstery fabric for upholstered furniture is particularly resistant to stains, although Teflon impregnation can repel liquids, and many liquids do not stain at all on leatherette. However, it also happens that when you try to clean the stain and dry the upholstery with an iron, a new problem appears - a scorch mark, which is even more difficult to remove than the previous stain from food contamination.

Burnt spots on the upholstery of upholstered furniture also appear on the upholstery for other reasons:

the sofa or chair was too close to the stove or fireplace;
there is a habit of ironing things on the sofa;
the electric fireplace is close to the sofa;
I have a habit of smoking on the sofa, etc.

All this can not only ruin the sofa, but also cause a fire in the house.

Different types of upholstery have their own thermal impact threshold, therefore, with the same thermal impact, some furniture fabrics do not react in any way, others turn red, others ignite, and some smolder or melt from a cigarette, but do not burn. The degree of destruction of the fibers will vary, but in many cases something can be corrected.

Ways to remove scorch marks on sofa upholstery:

If the surface of the destructive thermal effect is small, try to treat this area in several ways. For example, in many cases, hydrogen peroxide on a napkin with a few drops of ammonia helps.
Often it is enough to wipe away a fresh iron stain or scorch with a damp cloth with vinegar or another acidic medium, such as whey, this is how a tapestry used to be saved.
Colored fibers are sometimes restored the old-fashioned way - rub the scorch with an onion, and then wash it with a clean sponge.
A fresh reddish stain on a white fabric can be easily removed by applying a wet towel soaked in a solution of chlorine bleach - white.
Lemon rubbed into the upholstery stain also works well for this task, after which the area is covered with coarse salt and actively scrubbed with a brush, and then wiped with a wet towel.
Some stain removers also do a good job of this task, but before treating with any product, it is important to clarify the type of fabric and those reagents that are recommended to be used or, conversely, prohibited.

What to do with thoroughly damaged upholstery?

The degree of destruction of furniture upholstery varies, but you can always try to solve the problem.

You can try to patch a large area of burnt upholstery, if you have something. For example, most new sofas come with a small piece of material that covers the upholstered furniture. The easiest way to patch faux fur that has been singed in a small area. To do this, you need to cut out the burnt fragment a little wider than the hole with the sharp ends of small scissors, since the pile around it is probably damaged. It is best to cut out a circle or square, and cut out a similar piece on a spare piece, using a cutting blade from the inside out.

Next, you will need another piece of larger diameter, which we will place under the hole, and the edges of the upholstery on the back side will be greased with PVA glue and pressed down well.

When the base is glued, carefully place a patch (square or round) on the prepared place, greased with PVA on the back side and also press down well. When the patch is fixed, it is important to comb the edges of the fur patch and the joint with the rest of the upholstery well in different directions to remove the border.

The defect is not noticeable at all if the piece fits exactly, but if there is a pattern and it exactly matches the base, even better. Sometimes you have to use sofa cushions for this purpose.

Artificial and natural suede with weeds not down to the base, only on the surface, can be restored with ordinary sandpaper. Try rubbing a piece of sandpaper over the area to remove any fire-damaged particles. In most cases, the stain leaves no traces. And sometimes you have to do a partial or complete reupholstery of the sofa when the affected area is too large and the fabric cannot be restored.

Source: https://astek-meb.ru/kak-sdelat-zaplatku-na-divane-iz-tkani/

How to stitch up a cut on a leather sofa

If your leather sofa has small cracks, use a piece of leather of the same shade as the upholstery and push it through the center of each crack. It is worth noting that the piece of leather for the patch should be slightly thicker than the upholstery. This will maintain the elasticity of the fabric. Otherwise, new cracks may form.

It is recommended to place a piece of non-woven fabric under the leather patch. After finishing the work, sew up the area along the depressions. At the end, you need to lubricate the skin with a shine product.

You can also use a product called “liquid skin”. Choose it according to the color of the upholstery and use it this way:

degrease the area of the sofa where you will apply the product; for this you can use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol;
carefully place the “liquid skin” into the hole;
take a clean napkin and press it on top;
go over with an iron.

If you have perfectly chosen the desired shade, the hole will disappear instantly, leaving no trace. How does “liquid skin” work? The process of its operation is that it completely fills the hole and expands under the influence of high temperatures. This helps the sofa upholstery look seamless.

Repair methods

The method of repairing leather furniture depends on the severity of the damage to the coating. A simple way is to pour a special product called “liquid skin”. Light restoration also includes masking with paint. Applying applications and replacing accessories already require certain skills in working with a given material. The most labor-intensive and voluminous repair is reupholstering a sofa or armchair.

Painting

If the integrity of the coating is not compromised, but there are abrasions, use paint. The most convenient option is aerosols. They spray the product evenly without leaving streaks. For high-quality coverage, it is important to choose a color that matches your skin tone. To do this, use colors. When working, follow the sequence of restoration stages:

The surface is cleaned of dust and degreased with acetone.
Moisturize the skin with water from a spray bottle.
Spray the paint, maintaining the same distance to the coating.
Rub the applied product into the material using a sponge or swab.
After drying (after 1-2 hours), the paint is reapplied.
Wipe leather upholstery with a dry cloth.
A protective coating is applied on top of the last layer.

To speed up the drying process of a fresh coat of paint, you can use a hair dryer.

Clean the surface from dust and degrease

Moisten with water

Spray paint

Rub the applied product into the material

Wipe the furniture upholstery with a dry cloth

Apply protective coating

Using Liquid Skin

Any scratches or cracks that appear are masked using a polymer product made from rubber resin. Such liquid leather for furniture repair, after complete fixation on the surface, becomes durable and elastic. If necessary, use the desired color to match the color of the sofa. The work consists of several steps:

The damaged area is wiped and degreased.
The edges of the tear are carefully sanded.
A patch is glued to deep cuts from the inside.
Fill the crack with liquid polymer.
After drying, deep defects are filled a second time.
Clean the surface with damp sandpaper (800 grit).
Adjust the color using shoe polish or paint.

A piece of the original upholstery is applied face down to the place where the scratch was. As a result, the area of liquid skin acquires the desired texture.

Wipe and degrease the damaged area

Sand the edges of the tear, glue a patch to deep cuts, fill the crack with a liquid polymer solution

Clean the surface, adjust the color

Sealing

Minor cuts can be repaired without the use of patches. To adhere the cut edges, use a universal rubber-based leather glue. Apply the product to the scratch using a toothpick or thin stick, press the edges and allow to dry. Excess glue is removed, and the treated defect is covered with paint.

For better adhesion, the edges of the tear can be tied together with synthetic thread when gluing.

The hot method is suitable for repairing leather furniture at home - using a heated iron. The damaged surface is lubricated with olive oil, covered with a cotton cloth and an iron is applied to this area. The maximum exposure time is 10 seconds. If necessary, heat treatment is repeated.

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Padding

Replacement of upholstery can be complete or only for individual parts of the product. The first option allows you to completely change the appearance of your sofa or chair. Work begins with disassembling the structure. For this you need a screwdriver, Phillips and straight screwdrivers. After removing the old coating, the condition of the filler and frame is assessed. If necessary, lay new foam rubber. If the filler has not undergone significant deformation, but its age has crossed the five-year mark, it is still recommended to change it.

The repair process includes the following steps:

Using the template of the old cladding, a pattern is made and individual elements are cut out, leaving allowances for folds and seams.
The details of the cover are sewn together.
They begin to pull the workpiece onto the furniture from the center. The tension must be careful, as with excessive force the material may burst.
In the corners the skin is folded, evenly distributing the folds.
The edges are folded in and secured from the inside out with a construction stapler.
The maximum step between metal brackets is at least 4 cm.

Overlays

Applications on the front side help cover defects that are difficult to disguise with liquid leather or paint. Even with the most careful work, the overlay is visually noticeable, which can negatively affect the overall appearance of the product. To beat up a problem area on leather furniture, repairs are carried out using colored or shaped pieces. To do this, patches that are similar in shade or shape are placed in symmetrical projections. The product acquires a new design, while at the same time receiving an extension of service life.

Specifics of upholstered furniture repair depending on the type of fault

Before gluing, the coating is degreased. The lining is fixed to the surface of the upholstery using adhesive or thread and a needle. When working with leather, use nairite, rubber or polyurethane glue. Each variety requires compliance with the instructions for use.

Repairs using glue should take place in a ventilated area.

Patches

To get rid of deep cuts and scratches on furniture, you will need a patch. It is a round or oval patch that is fixed on the wrong side of the upholstery. To ensure that the piece does not stand out against the general background, you need to select a piece of leather of the appropriate color and texture. The patch is cut longer than the crack in the sofa itself.

Glue a piece of leather using water-based glue. If the shade of the part does not perfectly match the skin, then after drying, the repair area is covered with paint of the desired color. This stage of work is carried out according to standard painting methods.

Replacement of accessories

Repair of leather furniture includes not only restoration of the covering, but also replacement of decorative inserts, supporting elements, wooden armrests, springs, and components. These parts can break or wear out over time.

As with reupholstery, it may be necessary to completely or partially disassemble the sofa and remove the upholstery. If the metal parts are in good condition, but rusty, they are treated with an anti-corrosion compound. To replace deformed fittings, it is advisable to find analogues from the same manufacturer of upholstered furniture. This is a guarantee of high-quality fit of parts and long-term operation of the mechanism.

Unpleasant defects that appear on the leather coverings of sofas and armchairs can be easily eliminated using various methods. Careful gluing, application of appliqués, painting, and reupholstery do not require expensive equipment. Having mastered the technique of working with glue or a needle and knowing how to repair leather furniture, you can extend the life of a beautiful, comfortable product for a long time.

Upholstery reupholstery

One of the best options for severely damaged sides of the sofa would be to cover them with new anti-claw material. Then the furniture will take on an updated look and will not suffer from excessive cat claw activity in the future. It can be any dense fabric with a smooth pile, for example, fleece, jacquard, velor, velvet, satin or faux suede.

You can make inserts in a contrasting color or to match, and also add original decor in the form of rivets, snakes or sisal rope if the interior is made in eco-style.

Super option for a leather sofa

For those who have furniture made of natural or high-quality artificial leather, damaged areas can be corrected using a special “liquid leather” paste. Before applying it, the surface of the sofa or chair is degreased with alcohol (using a cotton pad or cloth). Then the crack or torn area is filled with the utmost care with the solution.

The paste is pressed on top with a napkin and ironed so that the liquid evaporates. If the color of “liquid leather” is chosen correctly, the defect on the furniture will be completely invisible. The solution fills the entire cavity, and under the influence of high temperature it melts and becomes one with the original material of the furniture.

Materials and tools

If a small dirty spot appears on the skin, then a napkin and alcohol are enough to restore the aesthetic appearance. In case of serious mechanical defects, the list of required materials and tools expands. It is determined by the choice of repair method. To eliminate minor damage in the form of small scratches and cracks, you need to prepare an express furniture repair kit: paint, liquid leather, glue, patches made of similar material, threads, needles, scissors, tweezers, spatula. When carrying out large-scale restoration work, a complete repair kit is required. It is needed for assembling and disassembling furniture and sewing seams. The list includes:

screwdrivers;
spanners;
screwdriver;
pliers;
stapler;
anti-stapler;
sewing machine.

What does a furniture dowel look like, its purpose and types?
When the repair plan includes replacing the upholstery, the required amount of new material is prepared for the work. If the filling has become compacted or damaged during use of upholstered furniture, foam rubber must be prepared for restoration. Its quantity is determined by the scale of the defect. To restore the protective layer, you will need a restoration mask, a sanding sponge, and soft cloth wipes.

Lace or knitted patches

With such a patch, no one will guess that it was done intentionally to hide the damaged upholstery. It looks gentle, neat and original. You can knit decorative elements yourself or buy them. Before sewing them on, you need to process the material of the sofa: remove all protruding threads and “pellets” so that a smooth surface remains. After preparation, carefully sew the openwork parts to the place where the upholstery is torn.

Decorative cape

You can hide damaged areas of upholstery or protect new furniture from damage by animals using a beautiful blanket or a special decorative cape. The choice is multifaceted: contrasting, colored, plain or patterned colors. The cape not only performs a practical function, but is also able to reimagine the entire interior of the room in a new way, adding a special twist to it.

In the store you can choose a cover that covers the entire surface of the furniture. If you choose several options, you can change them according to your mood or every season so that the situation does not get boring. These covers are very easy to care for: they can be removed and washed.

Possible breakdowns

All sofas are divided into monolithic and folding. The first ones consist of several structural elements:

frame - made of solid wood, metal or chipboard;
soft base - spring block, latex, padding polyester or foam rubber;
upholstery - external finishing is made of textiles, genuine leather, leatherette.

The design of folding sofas includes the same elements, and is also equipped with transformation mechanisms, which are designed to quickly organize a full-fledged sleeping place. The most popular device options: “book”, “eurobook”, “accordion”, “click-clack”, “dolphin”.

Monolithic and folding sofas can fail, break or lose their presentable appearance. The list of the most common breakdowns of upholstered furniture includes:

Squashed seat. The problem arises due to the deformation of the filler. To eliminate it, it is replaced with a new one, using special furniture materials with a thickness of 40 mm or more.
Damage to the mechanism. As a result, the sofa does not fold out or is difficult to transform. Problems arise due to careless handling and poor quality of equipment. Repairs are carried out by replacing damaged parts or the entire device.
Problems with the spring block. You can tell if the filling needs to be replaced by the characteristic signs of breakdown: squeaking sounds when you press on the seat, bulges and depressions on the surface. Furniture repair involves repairing or replacing elements.
Frame damage. When the furniture has collapsed in the middle, it is necessary to disassemble the structure and make a new part instead of the broken one if the base is made of wood. Elimination of problems on a metal product is carried out using a welding machine.
Upholstery wear. If the surface of the sofa is torn, dirty, or worn out, the only solution to the problem is to reupholster the furniture.

Repairing sofas with your own hands can be carried out partially or comprehensively - it all depends on the characteristics and complexity of the breakdowns. Structures that have a preserved frame are subject to restoration. This is the main element of the entire product, so there is no point in wasting time on a completely collapsed base.

How to sew a sofa cover with your own hands, step-by-step instructions for beginners

Squashed seat

Damage to the mechanism

Problems with the spring block

Frame damage

Upholstery wear

Creative solution - mosaic

Mosaics can be used not only for walls, but also for furniture decoration. It has a self-adhesive base, so it is very convenient even for beginners. Before updating the upholstery, it is secured with a construction stapler so that the base is strong. After this, worn-out parts of the furniture are sealed with a plain mosaic or a picture with any ornament.

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