Do the fingertip test, trim loose fibers, then fill and color. See what suits real or faux leather, when to call a repairer and how to stop repeats.
Read guideMost stuck jacket zippers are caught lining or debris. Free it, lubricate lightly, spot a worn slider or bent teeth, and know when to book a repair.
Read guideLoose snap? Tighten the socket or replace it. Won't close or pulled out? Fit a new set with a setter and anvil. Diagnosis, four fixes and leather tips.
Read guideYes. Rough both surfaces, coat each with contact cement, wait until tacky, then press. The best glue for each leather-to-leather job, safety and 10 steps.
Read guideCheck if the slider can be saved first. If not, unpick the old zipper, fit a separating zipper of the same length and sew along the old line. Leather tips too.
Read guideSew leather by hand with an awl and saddle stitch, or on a machine with a leather needle, polyester thread and a longer stitch. Never pin it. Here's how.
Read guideClean, clip loose fibers, fill in thin layers, sand flush, then recolor and seal. Nine steps for deep scratches, grit and drying advice, and when to stop.
Read guideContact cement for strong, permanent bonds; water-based leather glue for repositioning; skip rigid super glue. Types compared by flexibility, water and safety.
Read guideLight scratches in the coating often rub or blend out; deep cuts must be filled and recolored. Check depth and leather type, then try the gentlest fix first.
Read guideBack the tear with fabric, glue the edges with a flexible vinyl adhesive, then fill and recolor. Steps for faux leather, what heat does, and when to stop.
Read guideMark and open the holes, cut about five times the seam in waxed thread, then saddle stitch with two needles and backstitch to lock. Tools, steps, mistakes.
Read guideFaux and bonded leather can't be stopped once peeling starts, but heat, humidity and body oils speed it up. What slows it, by material, with sources.
Read guideBack the rip with a rounded fabric patch, glue both edges to it, hold it closed, then fill and recolor. Steps for jackets, sofas and seats, plus glue safety.
Read guideFine lines: clean and condition. Deep cracks: sand lightly, fill in thin coats, sand flush, recolor and seal. Step-by-step, with where makers disagree.
Read guideFind out what's peeling first. Then lift loose flakes, clean, and recoat or resurface. Steps for faux, bonded and real leather, plus how long it lasts.
Read guideNot on genuine leather: makers say heat can scorch or stiffen it and the glue may not hold, so sew it. On faux leather, use low heat and a pressing cloth.
Read guideDon't iron patches onto genuine leather: sew them. For faux leather use low heat, no steam, a pressing cloth and 15-20 seconds, then reinforce.
Read guideUse a leather needle, polyester thread and snug whip stitches from inside the jacket or vest. Hand and machine steps, holding the patch, and faux leather.
Read guideGlue a canvas sub-patch behind the hole, build filler in thin layers, then sand and recolor. Steps for jackets, sofas and car seats, plus glue safety.
Read guideMatch the repair to the damage: filler and color for scuffs, a sub-patch for holes and tears, stitching for patches. Tools, glue safety and 35 guides.
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