- 1). Vacuum the surface of the cushion before you attempt to repair it. Remove the cushion cover and then wash on the gentle cycle in your washing machine if needed. Check the fabric care tag on the cushion beforehand to ensure that it's machine washable -- if not, you may have to have it dry cleaned or clean it by hand.
- 2). Turn the cushion inside out. Use a threaded needle to sew any rips or tears in the cushion. Hold each side of the tear together firmly (pin together if necessary). Run the needle through one side of the tear (as close to the edge as possible) then over the top, and again through the first side --- this is sometimes called an overstitch or overhand hemming pattern. Continue this pattern until the tear is secured closed.
- 3). Use an iron-on fabric patch if you have a small hole in the cushion. These patches come for different types of fabrics in various colors to closely match your couch. Cut a section from the patch to fit comfortably over the hole. Insert the cushion opening into the triangular end of an ironing board and hold your iron on medium heat over the patch (face down) for about five to 10 seconds. Do not let it sit for too long or you could create an imprint in the fabric from the heat. Check to ensure that the patch is secured to the inside of the cushion.
- 4). Cut a small section of fabric from the couch that isn't exposed, such as an excess flap underneath, as another option to cover the hole. Paste it firmly into place over the hole (from the inside of the cushion with the fabric showing through to the other side) with fabric glue.
- 5). Place the repaired cushion cover back over the padding. Turn the cushion so that the repaired side is hidden before you return it to the seat.