How do I repair ripped cushion upholstery on a couch?

Ellen Anolik
by Ellen Anolik

Help! I don't want to buy couches now and the frames are in perfect condition. Two of the seating part of the cushions are ripped. Any suggestions on repair or inexpensive replacement ideas?

  7 answers
  • Bernie Moon Bernie Moon on Feb 20, 2019

    Make 2 slipcovers of the same color or contrasting colors. Sew like a pillow case. If there is 3 cushions place one between that's the original..

    • Bernie Moon Bernie Moon on Feb 20, 2019

      I know how to make the corners fit too...but not sure how to show you here.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Feb 20, 2019

    You might try to insert an iron on fabric patch just under the holes and then using a white cloth over the whole thing, iron the patch to the top cover. The white cloth is to give you more heat so as not to burn your other fabric. Try to straighten out the threads and trim the fuzzy ends before ironing so that you get a better job.

  • Ellen Anolik Ellen Anolik on Feb 20, 2019

    Thank you both for these ideas! I really appreciate it!

  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Feb 20, 2019

    If they are removable, have you tried just flipping them? I used to rotate our cushions regularly. You could get a inexpensive throw and just wrap the seat cushions if you don't want to sew new ones. You can find tutorials to make slipcovers on Pinterest. Last but not least you could try darning the holes closed with matching embroidery thread. My mother used to darn socks in the very old days. Here is a page of tutorials on darning https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=darning&rs=typed&term_meta[]=darning%7Ctyped

  • Dee Dee on Feb 21, 2019

    What about going to a fabric shop and buying an applique or trying to match the fabric and make a patch.

  • Jill Krol Jill Krol on Feb 21, 2019

    Fast answer, but will cost $100, buy a "slip cover to fit" from Bed, Bath & Beyond or one of those places. Another less costly option, make simple pillow covers for a temporary fix from canvas drop cloths.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 16, 2023

    Hi Ellen, hope this helps.

    it's possible to glue a patch over a torn area, it's much tidier to have the patch material under the tear. Cut it oversize and slip the patch through the hole. Smooth out the patch, and trim any frayed threads around the tear.