Upholstery and Fabrics - Repair rip in upholstery
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epack
09-02-04, 07:21 PM
I know, yet another rip question :) I have about a 2-3 inch rip in the top of my sofa's arm, right where it curves over to the side. The stuffing is showing, but not really hanging out. Yet. Removing the fabric on the arm is not an option, and at this point, a repair is better than just leaving it gaping open for my dogs to nose into!
What's the best method to tackle something like this? I'm not 100% sure I have any extra fabric for it (although I may, not sure), but if I do, it's probably so pristine that it will glare out if I try a patch! Of course, with 2 dogs and a hubby, it will get dirty quickly I'm sure :) I'm handy with a needle, tho, but unsure what kind of stitch is best to close this kind of rip. Right now I just did a whipstitch to close it up so it wouldn't run, but that can be easily removed. I'm more concerned about the repair lasting than the looks, frankly, but an unobtrusive stitch or repair would be good.
Any suggestions? The fabric has no nap or texture whatsoever, it's just a plain flat cotton-type fabric, well, probably not cotton, but a woven fabric of some kind, so it would be hard to "disguise", I'm afraid. DIY is a must, can't afford a professional job, unfortunately.
TIA!
elaine pack
charlottesville, VA
emailATpackwebs.net
What's the best method to tackle something like this? I'm not 100% sure I have any extra fabric for it (although I may, not sure), but if I do, it's probably so pristine that it will glare out if I try a patch! Of course, with 2 dogs and a hubby, it will get dirty quickly I'm sure :) I'm handy with a needle, tho, but unsure what kind of stitch is best to close this kind of rip. Right now I just did a whipstitch to close it up so it wouldn't run, but that can be easily removed. I'm more concerned about the repair lasting than the looks, frankly, but an unobtrusive stitch or repair would be good.
Any suggestions? The fabric has no nap or texture whatsoever, it's just a plain flat cotton-type fabric, well, probably not cotton, but a woven fabric of some kind, so it would be hard to "disguise", I'm afraid. DIY is a must, can't afford a professional job, unfortunately.
TIA!
elaine pack
charlottesville, VA
emailATpackwebs.net
gotya
10-20-04, 07:43 AM
Without learning fabric re-weaving the easies way is to go to your local fabric supply store is two things.
#1 Buy a piece of material that has one side that is heat senitive.
This you cut larger than the hole by about a half inch on each side, tuck this through the hole, with the glue side to the back of the fabric. Now heat with hair drier. (DO a test on anouther piece of fabric some wher it won't show-Some fabric will melt at very low heat such as olefin.
Now cut a matching piece of fabric from most likey under the sofa, cut to hole size place in hole and use hair dryer again.
#2 The other item you might need is called fray/check this you apply at the cut edges of the fabric to prevent fraying, it finishes invisable.
:)
#1 Buy a piece of material that has one side that is heat senitive.
This you cut larger than the hole by about a half inch on each side, tuck this through the hole, with the glue side to the back of the fabric. Now heat with hair drier. (DO a test on anouther piece of fabric some wher it won't show-Some fabric will melt at very low heat such as olefin.
Now cut a matching piece of fabric from most likey under the sofa, cut to hole size place in hole and use hair dryer again.
#2 The other item you might need is called fray/check this you apply at the cut edges of the fabric to prevent fraying, it finishes invisable.
:)