Fixing Ripped Upholstery

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 28, 2010)

1

Upholstery is one part of the car that everyone pays attention to. When we get into our vehicle and the upholstery is in good condition, we tend to feel better about the car and are more relaxed when we are driving around. On the flip side, when the upholstery is ripped, torn, snagged, or simply in a bad shape then we typically feel the exact opposite—uptight and crabby. Here are a few options you should consider when trying to restore the interior upholstery of your car.

  • Leather. The easiest way to repair damaged or ripped automotive leather yourself is to purchase a leather repair kit. You can find these online for as little as $9.00, at automotive repair stores, and even at some of the major department stores. Try to match the color of your leather as closely as possible, otherwise your car seat is going to look more like a patchwork quilt than a car. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer directions closely, or you are likely to cause more damage to your upholstery than if you had done nothing.
  • Vinyl. Just as with leather, there are repair kits you can purchase for vinyl upholstery. These kits are more of a cut and paste concept than the leather kits. Once again, try to match the colors as closely as possible. Also, make sure the area of damage is clear of any debris before you begin your repair. As always, follow the manufacturer's directions as closely as possible.
  • Cloth. Cloth is typically both the most difficult and easiest type of upholstery to repair. Easiest because you can often just simply sew it back together. Most difficult because, well, you have to sew it back together. Use a thread that matches the color of the cloth as closely as possible. By using a few simple stitches you can have your upholstery back to normal.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

How to Detail Your Car

Why pay someone else to detail your car when you can do it yourself? Save some money, and make your vehicle beautiful at ...

Discover More

Gardening Limitations

There are times when gardening is more of an art than a science, and it can always be a little confusing or difficult to ...

Discover More

Apple Crisp

It can honestly be said that desert is one of the best courses of any meal. Why not look for a way to top off your next ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

Replacing Your Odometer

For some reason many people are afraid to tackle repairing or replacing the odometer on their vehicle. The truth is that ...

Discover More

Installing Seat Covers

Seat covers are a great thing to get for your car or truck. They can protect the seats from rips, tears and spills and ...

Discover More

Replacing a Rear View Mirror

If there is one part that just about every car or truck has, then it is a rear view mirror. In many states a rear view ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 - 0?

2012-12-30 22:05:03

Joan

How do you repair the cars ceiling upholstry when it looks like someone took a knife and ripped to shreds?