The short answer: A split seam is the easiest fix: sew it closed with a curved upholstery needle using a hidden ladder stitch. A small tear can be closed with a glued or ironed-on patch. A hole needs a matching patch cut from a hidden part of the couch. Leather and faux leather need a different method; see how to repair a leather couch.
What’s the quick fix for each type of damage?
| Damage | Fix | You need |
|---|---|---|
| Seam coming apart | Ladder stitch along the seam line | Curved upholstery needle, upholstery thread |
| Small tear (under about 3 inches) | Backing patch with fabric glue or an iron-on patch | Patch fabric, fabric glue or iron-on patch, tweezers |
| Hole | Insert a matching patch from behind and glue or stitch the edges | Matching fabric, fabric glue, needle and thread |
| Broken cushion zipper | Close the slider teeth with pliers or fit a new slider | Pliers, zipper repair kit |
| Large tear or worn panel | Replace the panel or reupholster | An upholsterer |
How do you fix a split seam on a couch?
- Trim loose threads, and push any stuffing back inside.
- Thread a curved upholstery needle with strong upholstery or nylon thread in a matching color, and knot the end.
- Start about half an inch before the split, inside the fold of the seam, so the knot is hidden.
- Make a ladder stitch: take a small stitch along the fold on one side, then cross straight over to the other side and take the next stitch there. Every few stitches, pull the thread gently so the seam closes and the stitches disappear.
- Finish half an inch past the split, knot inside the seam and trim.
How do you fix a tear in a fabric couch?
- Cut a patch of sturdy fabric about an inch larger than the tear on every side.
- Slide it through the tear with tweezers so it lies flat behind the fabric.
- Spread fabric glue on the patch around the tear, press the torn edges down onto it and hold them together until the glue grabs. Wipe off any glue that squeezes out.
- Let it cure fully before sitting on it. For a near-invisible finish, add a few ladder stitches along the tear.
On fabrics that tolerate heat, an iron-on patch placed behind the tear works the same way; check the cleaning code and test on a hidden spot first.
How do you fix a hole in a couch?
Find matching fabric. Many couches have spare fabric on the underside of the seat deck, on the back near the floor or inside a skirt; cut a piece from there and replace it with plain fabric nobody will see.
- Trim the hole into a neat shape.
- Cut the patch slightly larger.
- Slide the patch underneath.
- Glue or stitch the edges down.
For cat or dog damage, see pets and your couch to stop it happening again.
How do you fix a couch cushion zipper?
If the zipper has split behind the slider, the slider has usually worn loose.
- Squeeze the back of the slider gently with pliers, a little on each side, then work it along the teeth.
- If that doesn’t hold, a zipper repair kit lets you fit a new slider without sewing.
- If teeth are missing, the zipper needs replacing, which is a quick job for a tailor or upholsterer.
When is it better to call an upholsterer?
- The tear is long, on a seat that takes weight, or across a pattern that must line up.
- The fabric itself is worn thin and keeps tearing.
- The frame or springs are damaged underneath.
If several panels are failing, compare the cost in reupholster or replace a couch. For sagging seats, see how to fix a sagging couch.
Shopping for a couch that resists wear? See what performance fabric is and pet-friendly and stain-resistant sofas.
Frequently asked questions
How do you fix a split seam on a couch?
Sew it closed with a curved upholstery needle and upholstery thread using a hidden ladder stitch, starting and finishing just past the split so the knots stay hidden inside the seam.
How do you fix a tear in a fabric couch?
Slide a patch of sturdy fabric behind the tear with tweezers, glue the torn edges down onto it and let it cure before sitting on it. An iron-on patch placed behind the tear works the same way on fabrics that tolerate heat.
How do you fix a hole in a couch?
Cut a patch from spare matching fabric, often found on the underside of the seat deck, the back near the floor or inside a skirt, then slide it underneath the hole and glue or stitch the edges down.
How do you fix a couch cushion zipper?
Squeeze the back of the slider with pliers to close the teeth along, or fit a new slider with a zipper repair kit. If teeth are missing, the zipper needs replacing.
When is it better to call an upholsterer?
Call one if the tear is long, on a seat that takes weight, or across a pattern that must line up, if the fabric is worn thin and keeps tearing, or if the frame or springs are damaged underneath.