Leather jackets are among the most valuable clothes we own. They are durable and can last a long time. However, it eventually gets cracked, torn, and scuffed if not taken proper care of. You may be reluctant to wear your leather jacket again once you discover a tear! The good news is that you have a few options when it comes to repairing holes, rips, tears, and scuffs in your jacket. Leather jackets can be expensive to replace, however.

Therefore, if yours has tears, you should try to repair it first before purchasing a new one. This topic has been thoroughly researched in order to answer your most common questions about preparing a tipped leather jacket to make it look as good as newly purchased. You don't have to rush to the workshop just yet just because your leather jacket is torn. Even if you do not own an appropriate leather sewing machine, you can repair a tear in a leather jacket on your own. Typically, leather jackets have only minor scratches and scuffs as long as you are careful with them. Simple creams, soda, paint, glue, or orange peel can be used to repair such damage.

Quick Fix

If the damage is extensive, the jacket will only look messed up after manual repairs. In that case, the jacket can either be decorated, or a patch can be sewn onto the affected area. If the surface has many small holes and damage, use rivets and buttons to decorate. Decorative fringe or patch pockets can also be added. For larger damage such as visible holes, use a sewing machine designed specifically for leatherwork. Sew a patch on a patch to close large, torn holes.

Use a Matching Patch

Buy a patch that matches exactly your leather color and material. Trim it down to the appropriate size. But make sure to trim down the patch a bit longer and wider as compared to the rip. That is to ensure that the patch completely covers the rip. Finally, round off the edges so it doesn't have any sharp angles.

Before starting off with the process, rub alcohol on the leather surface to clean away any dirt. The patch should be positioned inside the tear. Use your fingers, tweezers, or palette knives to adjust it accordingly. Flatten the patch once it is in place to avoid permanent wrinkles or folds.

The patch should be applied to the torn leather's surface with a small amount of leather/vinyl adhesive. Put pressure on the edges of the tear for a minute or so when you bring them together. It usually takes 24 hours to set but just to be extra cautious, give your jacket 2-3 days and it will be as good as new and ready to wear.

Leather Repair Compound

To use a compound in order to fix your leather jacket, you must be very careful with the kind of products that you use and the method as well. Many department stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers offer leather compounds that you can use. A small amount of compound should be plucked up and gently smoothed over the scuff, hole, or tear.

The compound should be heated to make it more easily applicable. Don't heat it for more than 60 seconds and remember to use the low heat setting. Use a plastic knife or palette knife as an applicator but be careful. At the end of the process, if the color on the treated part of the leather is different from the rest, you should use leather dye. Start off by applying a thin layer and letting it dry.

Use a Leather Glue

Be sure to pick up an adhesive made specifically for leather and vinyl, since regular fabric glue won't last long on a leather surface. In order to repair a leather jacket, you'll need glue that is flexible and invisible once it dries. You wouldn't want anyone to see a patch or an unpleasant spot on your leather jacket, right? If you need small repairs, you can use super glue, but it is not ideal since once it dries, it isn't flexible.

Once you are done with the process of patching your leather up, remember to use a moisturizer and a leather conditioner. It will help keep your leather in a good shape and restore the texture. Avoid direct sun and water exposure because it can damage your recently repaired leather jacket.