Microfiber couches are now some of the most popular choices for upholstered furniture. These microfiber couches are easy to maintain, durable, and don't suffer too much from staining. However, when they tear, it can be difficult to know how to repair the hole or burn mark, especially without the proper materials. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to patch a microfiber couch with the right tools and a little bit of patience.
To patch a microfiber couch, you can use fabric glue to hold the torn edge pieces together, flatten it down using an iron, and wait for it to dry. You can also easily sew together the microfiber using a curved needle and no fray spray to seal in your handy work. Finally, you can use a patch that can be ironed on through the front of the fabric. To do so, it's recommended to use a patch that is designed to be ironed that is the same blend and color of microfiber, as well as fusible mesh.
What is a Microfiber Couch?
Microfiber, as the name suggests, is a tiny fiber that is almost 1/20th the diameter of silk and 1/100th the diameter of human hair. Microfiber is composed of a variety of materials, including:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Polyamides
- Polypropylene
A microfiber couch, like microfiber rags or cushion covers, is made of this type of upholstery and is now a very popular choice. Microfiber can come in a wide range of colors. Its many benefits include:
- Affordability
- Ease of maintenance
- Resistance to staining
- Easy to replace and find patches for
- Soft materials which resemble velvet or suede
Although microfiber is relatively easy to keep clean and is durable, any type of accident, including a sharp pencil or scissors sticking into your couch, pet scratches, or other types of share objects can easily damage your microfiber.
Fortunately, it is fairly easy to repair a microfiber couch using a wide range of techniques below. Before you do, you'll need to know which materials to use.
Best Materials for Repairs
The materials that you use for your couch will matter! Using the wrong size, textured, or colored fabric or other tools can prove to be disastrous and make your couch look even more damaged than if it were left alone.
Fabric
It's important to know where to find the best fabric patches for your couch. You can find a fabric pouch by:
1. Visiting a fabric store. A fabric store is one of the best resources to help you find the perfect fabric. It's important to visit the store in person to get a feel and accurate color of the patch you are going to use. Online, the color of your computer screens and pixels might make a patch you buy appear drastically different than in person. However, for simply colors like black or navy blue, feel free to buy patches such as these ones on Amazon online.
2. Cut a sample from your couch itself. If you don't mind cutting into your couch, take a sample from an area such as the back of your couch or an area that faces the wall (and that will never be seen). Make sure to cut a piece that is larger than the hole itself, so you can attach it to fusible mesh later on.
3. Contact your couch manufacturer. Many companies might have extra pieces of fabric at your disposal for repairs. Simply give them the correct serial or product number so they can give you the right fabric for your couch.
Fabric Glue
In addition to fabric, it's important to use the appropriate fabric glue to repair small tears. Fabric glue can easily be found online, such as this Fabric glue on Amazon. It's generally not a good idea to use Elmer's or super glue, since these can be washed off and might become damaged when ironed and exposed to heat.
Sewing Needles
A regular needle should not be used to repair your couch. Instead, use a curved sewing needle specific designed for upholstery jobs, as well as thread made for upholstery that comes in a color that matches your couch. These upholstery needles are thicker and reduce the chances of a needle breaking off inside your couch. This upholstery kit on Amazon has everything you need to get you started.
How to Conduct Repairs
Now that you know which materials to use, below are simple instructions for you to conduct your own repairs.
Using Fabric Glue
This is the simplest method to repair small tears. Simply put a layer of fabric glue in between the two torn edges. Make sure to use the applicator tip of the glue, since it is smaller and designed to not stick to itself. Do not apply using a brush or another type of tool.
After you apply the glue, hold the two edges together and press them together firmly. Wait to see if they are fused together, and wait for it to dry. Some fabric glues will require you iron over it using an iron on a low setting. If this is the case, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Using a Simple Sewed Seam
Using your upholstery needle, threat a string and leave around 1 inch of string as a tail. Carefully push the curved needle into one edge of the fabric, and then join it to the other edge of the fabric. Make sure you do not get any filling from the couch stuck in between. After you've combined the two edges together using stitches that are around 1/8" of an inch apart, tie knots at either end of the seam.
Cut off the excess string, and use a no-fray spray like this Spray on amazon to ensure the thread does not come apart.
Using a Patch and Fusible Web
Finally, for larger holes, use a patch and fusible web. This fusible web on Amazon is lightweight and not bulky, perfect for microfiber couches.
- Cut a piece of patch that is around 1/4" bigger than the actual hole on the couch.
- Place this on the fusible side of the web.
- Iron the two together, leaving you a makeshift fabric sticker that has fabric on one side and a sticky side on the other. Leave the iron on a low setting and do not move back and forth. Instead, use small movements to press the patches together.
- Place the sticky side over the hole on the couch.
Final Thoughts
You can easily patch a couch made of microfiber using the right tools. Make sure to follow all product instructions, such as for the fusible web or fabric glue, and take the time to find the right patch for your project.