How to Fix Ripped Leather on a Leather Couch

Dampen a cloth with water and squeeze one to two drops of leather cleaner on the cloth. Wipe away all dirt, dust and debris from around the leather rip. Use a hair dryer, pointed 4 to 6 inches from the leather, to accelerate drying.

Place your fingers on one side of the rip so you have an easier view of the torn edges. Use cuticle scissors to snip the frayed edges. Repeat this procedure on the opposite side of the rip.

Cut a piece of canvas cloth at least 2 inches wider and longer than the rip in the couch, using a sharp pair of scissors.

Grab the canvas with a pair of long tweezers and gently insert the cloth into the rip -- behind the leather but in front of the foam or padding. Use the tweezers to shift and flatten the canvas.

Squeeze two to three drops of leather adhesive onto the back of the ripped edges, behind the leather and on top of the canvas patch.

Press the leather on the canvas patch for 10 minutes so that a strong bond forms. Have an assistant hold a hair dryer 4 to 6 inches from the repair site to accelerate the drying time.

Fill the rip with leather filler. Use a palette knife to smooth the surface of the filler. Allow the leather filler to dry for up to two hours.

Sand dried filler with fine-grit sandpaper to remove bumps. Remove the sanding dust and debris with a clean cloth.

Apply matching leather colorant with a clean sponge to the filled rip. Allow the first coat of colorant to dry for an hour or more before applying the second coat. Use the sponge to apply the second coat of colorant the same way as the first coat. Allow the second coat to dry.

Spray a liquid lacquer on the repaired leather couch to protect it from future accidents and normal wear and tear. Allow the lacquer coat to dry overnight before using the couch again.