Hole in Flexsteel Kashmira sofa fabric

July 27, 2018 7:29 PM

The local furniture superstore has a Flexsteel couch in Kashmira on crazy clearance. It has a small (one inch?) vertical tear in the back, which doesn't show because the couch will go against a wall.

1. Will the hole likely spread over time? There won't be any extra impact or load on that spot.
2. Could we stitch it up with fine thread and a tiny needle? Or would those holes weaken it even more?

Thanks!!
posted by wenestvedt to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

I don't know that fabric, but I'd put a structural patch underneath before sewing the tear back together. Will keep the stress off the delicate fabric.
posted by TheAdamist at 7:49 PM on July 27, 2018 [8 favorites]

I don't see why you couldn't mend it. Kashmira is just nylon, so I'm sure it could be patched right up, particularly if it's going against a wall anyhow.
posted by halation at 7:51 PM on July 27, 2018 [3 favorites]

Since it's not going to be seen, you could just seal the edges of the hole to keep it from unraveling. Elmer's glue, caulk, rubber cement, etc.
posted by H21 at 9:03 PM on July 27, 2018 [1 favorite]

Nylon tape could be used for the backing patch, or on both sides. It comes in a range of weights and widths, the thicker types are very strong. I use it to patch kites, that have many pounds of force rippling across the patch for hours, and it holds.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:23 AM on July 28, 2018 [4 favorites]

I did this with a a couch. Ask for more off, can't hurt. Then loosely mend it with needle & thread so some cat doesn't crawl in and make the hole bigger. Or, use spray fabric glue to add a patch of some beautiful fabric.
posted by theora55 at 9:41 AM on July 28, 2018

Response by poster: OMG you guys, this morning we were there checking it out: an inch long cut parallel to the floor, just behind the top edge.

The salesguy quietly suggested trimming a small scrap from the underside, and then gluing that into place underneath (just like TheAdamist suggested). We were ready to buy it and my wife was on the phone to Brother With A Trailer...when she happened to see a whole other couch -- with a loveseat -- for like $200 more. And four pillows. AND NO HOLES.

Reader, they're both already in my living room.

Thanks for all the help!!
posted by wenestvedt at 12:04 PM on July 28, 2018 [4 favorites]