How to Fix a Small Tear in Car Seat Upholstery

Fabric car upolstery can be sewn.

The motion of getting in and out of the seat may tear your car's upholstery over time. With a little time and patience, you can easily fix a small tear in your car's upholstery. Sew the tear while it is still small to prevent the upholstery from becoming more damaged. Tears over a few inches in length or in leather upholstery may need to be repaired by a professional car upholstery service technician.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty thread
• Upholstery needle

Instructions

1. Thread an upholstery needle with heavy-duty thread. An upholstery needle is a hook-shaped needle specifically designed to sew upholstered surfaces. Choose a color of thread similar to the fabric on the car seat.

2. Hold the edges of the tear together with your hand. Match the edges of the fabric as closely as possible. Pierce the fabric with the needle on either side of the tear. Push the needle under the fabric and push the hook up through the fabric opposite the tear. Lay the thread on top of the tear and create another stitch. Continue stitching the entire length of the tear. A very small tear can be mended with a few x-shaped stitches.

3. Secure the thread by knotting it after the last stitch. Insert the needle into the fabric and pull until there is a small loop of thread. Insert the needle through the loop and pull taut.