How to Fix a Tear in a Fabric Coach

Clean up the tear. Pick out any bits of dirt or debris around the source of the tear. Clip any projecting fiber strands with sewing or nail scissors. Don't pull at the strands, as this may expand the tear and leave you with a bigger problem than you started with.

Select a spool of thread that closely matches the color of your fabric couch. The closer you can get to the color, the less visible your repair will be. Take a color photograph of the couch and use it help you find matching thread at a craft or fabric store. You could also cut a tiny piece of fabric from the underside of the couch to bring to the store.

Measure out 10 to 12 inches of thread. You may need more thread depending on the size of the rip. However, using a longer thread increases the risk of tangling as you work. Cut off the length of thread with scissors.

Run the thread through a circular sewing needle. Tie the ends of the thread together to create a double thread, which will make the repair stronger.

Pierce the sewing needle through the left side of the tear at the base of the opening. The needle should go from the underside through to the top layer of the fabric. This will ensure the sewing knots are hidden beneath the surface.

Draw the needle across to the right side of the tear. Pierce the needle through the underside of the right area of the tear and push until it comes through the fabric above the surface.

Continue the sewing pattern from left to right, ensuring the needle is always threaded from the underside through to the surface. Keep your stitches as tight and small as possible.

Secure the final stitch when you have sealed the tear from bottom to top. Leave a slack of 3 to 4 inches when you pull the final stitch through.

Cut off the excess thread using nail or sewing scissors.