Tears or Cuts 1Clean the area around the tear with an alcohol towelette. If you don’t have a towelette available, lightly dampen a cotton diaper with isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the area.2Scrape any rough edges with the blunt end of a butter knife. For the tear to seal properly, the edges must be smooth. Cut away any jagged edges or threads with a small set of scissors.3Cut a matching leather patch so that it is 1 inch larger than the tear on all sides. If you cannot find an appropriately colored patch, cut a swatch of leather from underneath your couch. Set the patch aside.4Apply leather adhesive along the torn or freshly cut edges before placing the replacement patch on top of the tear. Smooth the patch into place, ensuring there aren’t any ripples.5Blend the leather patch with the couch after it’s dried -- which will take about 24 hours -- by applying leather conditioner to the area. Buff the conditioner into the patched area with a clean cotton diaper, sealing the patch so it’s a seamless part of the furniture.
Things You Will NeedVacuum with attachmentCotton diapersOlive oilHair dryerLeather conditionerIronAlcohol towelettesButter knifeSmall scissorsMatching leather patchLeather adhesiveTipTo determine whether your leather couch is pigmented or aniline-dyed, place a spot of water on an inconspicuous area of your couch, such as the back or under a seat cushion. If the water stays in a bead and doesn’t quickly soak the leather, the leather is pigmented. If the water bead soaks in, then your leather is a high-quality analine-dyed, which is not only vulnerable to stains and scratches, but will also be more difficult to clean or repair.Work quickly to absorb any fresh stains, which minimizes destruction to the leather.If you are unsuccessful in repairing the leather, change the position of the couch or flip cushions so the abrasion is not readily visible.ReferencesHow to Clean Practically Anything; Consumer Reports BooksLeatherWorld Technologies: Leather RepairFurniture Clinic: How to Repair a Tear in LeatherResourcesAdvanced Leather Solutions: FAQ 4951