Symptoms
- Visible hole or rip in the fabric or leather
- Stuffing visible through the tear
- Tear along a seam versus in the middle of a panel
Likely causes
- CommonPet claws or teeth damagePets scratching or chewing is one of the most common causes of upholstery holes.
- CommonWear and tear at stress points like seams or armrestsHigh-friction areas weaken and tear before flat panels do.
- PossibleSharp object snagZippers, buckles, or pet nails can snag and tear fabric or leather in a single incident.
What to do
- Assess whether the tear is along a seam (easier to sew) or in the middle of a panel (needs a patch).
- For fabric, use a matching upholstery patch kit or a piece of scrap fabric from a hidden area, adhered with fabric glue from behind.
- For leather, use a leather repair kit with color-matched filler and a heat-set patch backing.
- For seam tears, a heavy-duty needle and upholstery thread can often re-sew the seam directly.
- Let any glue or filler cure fully per product instructions before using the furniture again.
- For pet damage, consider a scratch-resistant throw or trim the pet's nails to prevent repeat tears.
Tools and parts
- Upholstery or leather repair kit
- Heavy-duty needle and thread
- Fabric glue
Leather repair kitSearch: “leather furniture repair kit color match”
Upholstery patch kitSearch: “upholstery fabric repair patch kit”
When to call a pro
A professional upholsterer can do a near-invisible repair on visible tears, especially on leather, where color matching is tricky.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.