Ive seen this antique couch I want but its got a tear in the leather, should I buy it or not?oh god, if youre veggie please dont read this thread.

Daaaavviiiiid?


Dignify my thread with a witty retort.
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[Edited 2/21/08 10:00am]

LleeLlee said:

I've had leather furntiure for many years and I love it! I would never buy anything else, but you do have to buy good quality and it's very pricey. As far as getting it fixed, it's definitely doable, but will cost you more than you think. If you love the couch then go for it, but definitely put our the money to have it fixed.

LleeLlee said:

he's not here right now. maybe i can help :tractoronleathercouchpicture:

pictures please i suppose it depends on where it's torn?


i have no idea about mends but i'm a veggie and love leather so hope i am allowed here

LleeLlee said:

Gosh Lleelo, this isn't my area of specialt But this is what I'd do if I were you...

Things You’ll Need:
Garment Glue
Polyester Or Silk Thread
Replacement Leather Swatch
Phone Books
Heavy-duty Needle
Linen Patch
Sharp Scissors
Paper And Pencil
Hammer With Smooth Head

Step 1:
If the damage consists of a small hole or rip in the leather (under 1 1/2 inches / 4 cm), make a patch to repair it. Use sharp scissors to cut out a circle around the hole or rip that is just large enough to remove the rough edges. Avoid making the hole any larger than necessary.

Step 2:
Place paper underneath the circle and trace the circle onto the paper.

Step 3:
Cut the circle out of the paper and use this circle as a guide to cut out a circle from a leather swatch that matches the material you are repairing. For small leather patches on a garment, you sometimes can cut out a swatch from a pocket or interior lining. If not, shop at fabric stores or upholstery shops to find replacement leather swatches. Or you can go online to find leather suppliers.

Step 4:
Place the leather circle into the hole on a smooth, hard surface-- it should fit in nicely. Use a hammer with a smooth head to gently pound the backside of the leather so that the circle lays flat and is not too thick.

Step 5:
Cut out a linen patch that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger all around than the leather circle.

Step 6:
Use garment glue to adhere the leather circle onto the middle of the linen patch. Then adhere the linen patch to the back side of the leather garment or bag you are repairing so that the circle fits perfectly into the hole.

Step 7:
Place the repaired leather under a heavy weight, such as phone books, for an hour to allow the patch to dry smoothly into place.

Step 8:
If you want to repair a smooth, clean cut in leather, fold together the two smooth edges and use a slanting stitch on the back side of the leather to sew it together. Keep the stitches far apart, because heavy stitching can weaken leather. Use a heavy-duty needle and polyester or silk thread; cotton thread is too weak.

Step 9:
Use a combination of a linen patch and stitching for repairs in areas that will sustain a lot of wear and tear or strain, such as elbows or armpits.


Step 10:
If the damage is severe, consult a tailor or luggage repair professional. They have the tools necessary to make more drastic repairs.

Years ago I used to see some stuff advertised on tv that repairs tears in leather couches. You just apply it on like fingernail polish, wait for it to dry, then voila.....good as new.



http://www.asseenontvguys...ProdID=148


$9.95 U.S dollars.

2the9s said

i think she might prefer something that blends a little better

emm said:

pics

I have claw picks from a cat that visited for a week.

I was wondering how to fix those...maybe fabric glue?

btw. I love that LleeLlee's now so domestic. She used to be all like Amy Winehouse, now she's like Amy Sedaris...

Im having sofa dilemmas too. I saw this kick ass sofa at a thrift store yesterday, its very heavy, has hideous reupholster job on it.
It over 7ft long, very comfy and does this kick ass floating effect.
Its just finding an upholsterer who wont waste my money doing a shit job.
Im certain its a designer piece from the 50's, specifically an ed wormley.

you really have to have vision...but it is a high end sofa.

sometimes these make a better furniture choice than traditional pieces. think about it, with a couch you have those bulky wooden feet and arm parts. with the bean bag chair - you only have softness~! total softness

horatio said:

Get it. I can see it looking amazing. Choose you fabric wisely, though.

if you prefer something large enopugh for more than one person to sit on, this bean bag couch might work nicely!

Empress said:

Thats what I'm thinking, it might cost more to fix it than the price of the couch. I'm thinking about how much I want it cos the couch is a bargain.
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[Edited 2/21/08 11:02am]

JustErin said:

I was thinking about another light, white/grey color just something with more texture.

horatio said:

If it's got good bones, I'd definitely do it. Send me a pic when it's done.

emm said:

Its a Chesterfield, torn on the arm between two buttons, damn I wish it wasn't torn.
yes youre allowed

2the9s said:

Good grief, I'm not doing all that, unless you want to? plus I dont half of those things on the list. Anyway, cork it.

AnckSuNamun said:

They must sell this over here too, it looks really simple.
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[Edited 2/21/08 11:09am]

horatio said:

Cant see the pictures unfortunately but these things are labours of love, go for it.

Whoever that multicoloured dress wearing woman is, I have no idea. And I have never been like Winehouse, 9s I am going to strangle you.

XxAxX said:

Exactly

LleeLlee said:

depending on how it looks, i'd possibly leave it as is. some furniture like that looks great extremely worn especially classic pieces such as a chesterfield. even with the tufting coming out.

or take a picture of it and ask an upholsterer if they can repair that spot.

horatio said:

I'd take the darn thing and turn it upside down and scrutinize the construction. If it's a vintage designer, the wood isn't glued together. It's a solid piece of quality wood underneath, with dolls, hardware etc., and worth upholstering. All the stuff coming from China is glued.....
A good sofa lasts forever. We have one from the 1940's that weighs a ton.

xplnyrslf said:

yes its gonna take three people to load it into my wagon, if it will fit.
I did turn it upside down, and it has impossibly small feet, and from the weight of the sofa , if it was cheap they surely would have been lose or broken.
Its solid as a rock, just a hideous upholstery job and fabric.
Im talking to auction galleries about it as I type.

You should just tear all your other furniture and then it will fit right in!

Hope that helps!

Duct tape, pillows and throws.....