Chair Upholstery Repair

Repairing Tears

• 1

  Locate any frayed ends where the upholstery is torn. Apply fabric adhesive to the frayed ends and tuck the edge under about 1/8 inch, until the frayed ends are no longer visible.

• 2

  Thread a curved upholstery needle with nylon thread, recommends the craft website Craftzine. Tie a knot in the end of the thread not threaded through the needle.

• 3

  Tuck in the opposite edge of the tear, about 1/8 inch.

• 4

  Pull the threaded needle through the right side of the tear. Tuck the knot under the edge of the fabric, so that it is hidden from view.

• 5

  Pinch the edges of the tear together with your non-dominant hand. Push the needle through both edges of tear. Working from the bottom of the tear toward the top, continue to make small, even stitches through both edges of the tear. This stitch is known as a whip stitch and is the foundation for many types of fabric repairs.

• 6

  Make a knot on your last stitch, to secure the repair and prevent further tearing. Pull the stitch through the two edges of the tear, making a large loop in the thread. Push the needle through the center of the loop. Repeat a second time before pulling the stitch tight.

Repairing Holes

• 7

  Take a sample of the chair's fabric to a local fabric shop. Purchase 1/4 yard of matching fabric.

• 8

  Cut a piece of fabric about 1/4 inch larger than the hole on all sides.

• 9

  Place the fabric patch piece face down on the work surface. Apply fabric adhesive about 1/8 inch inside the outside edge. Tuck the edge over and press against the adhesive. This will help prevent the edges of the patch from fraying. Repeat on the remaining sides of the patch.

• 10

  Apply adhesive to the newly hemmed edges of the fabric patch. Turn the fabric right side up and turn it so the pattern fits properly over the hole. Press down to secure the patch in place.

• 11

  Gently press the newly patched fabric with an iron. The heat of the iron strengthens the adhesive's bond and removes wrinkles. Be sure the iron is on the appropriate setting for the fabric to avoid burning the patch.