<p>I would definitely heed the advice that <a href="https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/2021/44">Ji Ugug answer lays out</a>. I would like to offer a technique that can help hide the stitches. </p>

<p>Start with thread that is <em>way longer</em> then it needs to be if you were just stitching this when you were not trying to hide it. What you would do is use the existing holes (assuming they are not damaged) and feed the thread through <em>without pulling it taut</em>. I would also go several stitches before and after the seam rip. Pull the end of the thread through somewhere it cannot be seen (under or beside the seat preferably, or near the back cushion). In the picture the seam seems large enough you could push your hand through a little. </p>

<p>Then, pull the thread tight (starting from the far end away from the needle) like a shoe lace. Pull the stitches tight as you go. Once you get to the end you can then try and tie off away from the repaired seem. Careful where you tie off as you can pull too hard and create a dimple in the arm. </p>

<hr>

<p>Is this a bonded leather couch by chance? If yes you might have a harder time threading it as the holes will fail easier. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-22T15:05:01.297Z
It is bonded leather, and the stitching ripped a month after I re-sewed it
Dman
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-22T17:51:14.457Z
@Dman I wonder if you had put some glue on the inside as well if it would have added some strength to it. Did the threads break or did they tear through the bonded leather.
Matt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-12-25T09:55:02.783Z
The thread tore through the bonded leather
Dman
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-01T03:43:52.393Z
2016-08-02T16:51:57.023Z
2017-04-13T12:52:58.053Z
Matt
<ul>
<li>Choose a thread in the right colour (same as existing thread). Make sure the thread is strong enough to endure some force during the sewing process (and afterwards as well).</li>
<li>Use the holes that are already in the leather. It gives you the same stitch size, and since you don't have to create new holes, it's easier for you as well.</li>
<li>Make sure the stitches you use, resemble the stitches that have been used before. It looks like at one side, the edges of the leather are folded inwards, while at the other side, the leather looks like as if it's foldeld outwards. So, judge by similar parts (I'm sure the couch has another arm) to see what stitches you need.<br>Good luck, and I hope you can enjoy your couch a long time after the mending.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-31T19:58:42.167Z
2016-07-31T19:58:42.167Z
Ji Ugug
<p>I have a leather couch that the seam on the arm split. How can I sew this up without showing the stiches (or least obvious that it was hand sewn)?<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/stBql.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/stBql.jpg" alt="Picture of rip"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-02T12:47:52.793Z
Great question as I have a car seat to repair!
Ken Graham
<sewing>
Sew Hidden Seam
Dman
# Sew Hidden Seam

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-07-31)

I have a leather couch that the seam on the arm split. How can I sew this up without showing the stiches (or least obvious that it was hand sewn)?[![Picture of rip](https://i.sstatic.net/stBql.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/stBql.jpg)

**Tags:** sewing

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Great question as I have a car seat to repair!  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-07-31. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

* Choose a thread in the right colour (same as existing thread). Make sure the thread is strong enough to endure some force during the sewing process (and afterwards as well).
* Use the holes that are already in the leather. It gives you the same stitch size, and since you don't have to create new holes, it's easier for you as well.
* Make sure the stitches you use, resemble the stitches that have been used before. It looks like at one side, the edges of the leather are folded inwards, while at the other side, the leather looks like as if it's foldeld outwards. So, judge by similar parts (I'm sure the couch has another arm) to see what stitches you need.  
  Good luck, and I hope you can enjoy your couch a long time after the mending.


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### Answer by username_2 on 2016-08-01. Score: 5

I would definitely heed the advice that [username_3 answer lays out](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/a/2021/44). I would like to offer a technique that can help hide the stitches.

Start with thread that is *way longer* then it needs to be if you were just stitching this when you were not trying to hide it. What you would do is use the existing holes (assuming they are not damaged) and feed the thread through *without pulling it taut*. I would also go several stitches before and after the seam rip. Pull the end of the thread through somewhere it cannot be seen (under or beside the seat preferably, or near the back cushion). In the picture the seam seems large enough you could push your hand through a little.

Then, pull the thread tight (starting from the far end away from the needle) like a shoe lace. Pull the stitches tight as you go. Once you get to the end you can then try and tie off away from the repaired seem. Careful where you tie off as you can pull too hard and create a dimple in the arm.

---

Is this a bonded leather couch by chance? If yes you might have a harder time threading it as the holes will fail easier.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: It is bonded leather, and the stitching ripped a month after I re-sewed it  
> **username_2**: @username_0 I wonder if you had put some glue on the inside as well if it would have added some strength to it. Did the threads break or did they tear through the bonded leather.  
> **username_0**: The thread tore through the bonded leather  

---

