How do I restuff the back of a sofa so it's smooth and won't shift?

I have a very old but cute camel back sofa, and one of the dogs ripped the fabric of the back while barking at someone through the window behind the sofa. Some of the stuffing came out. I have a slipcover over the whole thing but would like to fix it properly. Help!


  11 answers
  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on May 31, 2020

    depending on the tear, you can pull the fabric and stable in place. You may have to patch up the area or you can use fabric glue to glue the fabric together again. A photo of the tear would be helpful so we can see exactly what happened.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on May 31, 2020

    I would try to stuff the sofa - look for something that is similar to what the sofa is already stuffed with. I would also carefully glue or stitch the tear. Good luck!

  • Annie Annie on May 31, 2020

    A photo would be a great help. Is there a chance you have those small pieces of fabric used to cover the arms? Because you could use those to mend the back of the sofa, if you need more fabric.

  • Mogie Mogie on May 31, 2020

    I used an old mattress topper cut to size but what helped give me a more finished look was to wrap cotton batting around the added material. Take made it look smoother. Stuffing in as much as possible helps keep it from shifting.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on May 31, 2020

    Can you provide some photos ?

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jun 01, 2020

    Loose stuffing tends to shift, so I generally enclose it in a pillowcase and/or wrap it with quilt batting for cushions. The trick with stuffing (I learned this in doll making classes I took) is to use good quality fiberfill and starting from the point furthest away from your opening, really stuff it as firmly as you can, using something to poke it in tight with (I use chopsticks, eraser end of a pencil, forceps, etc.). Think you put enough in? Nope, add more. You want it firm and tight. The fiberfill packed tightly will hold its shape. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 01, 2020

    If you need fabric, can you take it from the back of the sofa where it will not be noticed, or remove the entire fabric back of the sofa and replace the back covering with a fabric that complements the sofa,if the back is visible. That will give you a fabric that can be used to cover and repair the tear plus extra in case.

    Open the area where the tear is as far away from the tear as possible, then enclose the high quality fiberfill with a wrap-such as quilt batting, a flannel pillowcase-something that will offer resistance to shifting. Push it into place, adding more fiberfill as you go. Then sew it shut using an upholstery needle.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 01, 2020

    Hello there,

    If at the back of a sofa that will not be seen, Use a piece of Upholstery foam and

    any fabric and Staple or tack on to the frame. Maybe if thi is lightly to happen again, cover it in old towelling instead! Best wishes.

  • Beth Beth on Jun 01, 2020

    I like the idea of visible mending, so I'd recommend adding a patch to cover the hole or darning it with this method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDkMShaLX9c

  • V Smith V Smith on Jun 02, 2020

    If it is deep fill with loose poly batting, then cover with flat batting and fabric. A curved needle (almost U shaped) can be useful to sew and secure your patch.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 02, 2020

    Hi Sherry, I am not sure how talented you are, but this video may be just what you need to see for the help you are looking for!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0TX3WfOZGI