How to Sew a Torn Leather Jacket

A good leather jacket never goes out of style.

The leather jacket was made famous during World War I, when military aviators wore brown leather jackets, known as bomber jackets. It wasn't until the 1950s, when “greasers” made wearing black leather jackets a fashion statement. In decades since then, the leather jacket has remained a fashion template. The durable nature of the leather jacket allows it to remain a classic. Still, after much use or an unfortunately timed incident, seam tears can occur in leather jackets.

Things You'll Need

• Leather needle
• Polyester thread
• 2 square leather swatches
• Double-sided tape

Instructions

1. Using your leather needle, polyester thread and two square leather swatches, practice sewing in a long-stitch. If you have not worked with leather before, you need to first practice. You won't be able to use a seam ripper to remove any mistakes, so most sewing into leather is final.

2. Line up the ripped seam on your leather jacket. Line these up as perfectly as possible with your hands, because you cannot use sewing pins. Sewing pins will leave holes in the leather.

3. Sew the seam with a leather needle and polyester thread. Typical needles will snap as they try to penetrate the leather, and cotton thread is not strong enough to hold leather together. Work in a long-stitch. To create a long stitch, make each stitch at least ½-inch away from the last one.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are nervous about lining up your seams properly, use double sided tape on the wrong side of the seam – however you will not be able to remove the tape after stitching.

References

• X Time Line: Leather Jackets 1910-2010
• Leather Back Pack Guide: How to Sew Up Torn Leather