How to Fix a Ripped Suede Couch

Small Rips

Step 1

Carefully trim any loose fibers from the edges of the rip with a small, sharp pair of scissors. Be careful not to remove too much material, or the edges will not line up properly.

Step 2

Cut a piece of suede that matches the couch. It should be 1 inch wide and 1 inch longer than the tear.

Step 3

Work the strip of suede into the rip, positioned beneath it.

Step 4

Glue the strip to the underside of the couch suede along one side of the rip with fabric glue, applying the glue to the underside of the couch suede with a small brush to prevent excess from oozing out. Allow the glue to dry for the time recommended on the bottle.

Step 5

Brush glue to the other side of the strip.

Step 6

Pull the rip closed over the strip, and smooth the suede to evenly spread the glue.

Step 7

Apply pieces of fabric tape across the tear at 1-inch intervals to hold it closed while the glue dries.

Step 8

Gently brush the suede over the rip in small, circular motions to minimize it.

Large Rips and Holes

Step 1

Trim the edges of the rip with a sharp pair of scissors.

Step 2

Cut a suede patch that is 1 inch longer and 1 inch wider than the rip.

Step 3

Glue the patch within the rip as described for repair of "Small Rips." Do not close the rip beyond the natural stretch of the suede; this first patch is simply an undersurface to which to adhere the second patch.

Step 4

Place a sheet of tracing paper over the patched rip, and trace the portion of the patch that is showing through the rip.

Step 5

Cut a piece of matching suede that perfectly matches your tracing. This is the second patch, and it must line up with the edges of the rip perfectly.

Step 6

Brush a thin coat of fabric glue onto the exposed surface of the first patch.

Step 7

Glue the second patch within the tear, using a pair of tweezers to line up the edges.

Step 8

Allow the glue to dry, then gently brush the edges of the patch to minimize them.