How to patch and fix dog chew holes in leather furniture?

Like a good bone, dogs can’t resist chewing on fine leather furniture. The damage wrought from Scooby’s snacking often results in a large hole — one that is too big for the normal fabric subpatch and leather filler. Holes larger than 2 in (5 cm) in diameter are best patched with a similar-grained leather. This minimizes the amount of filler needed and results in a more flexible repair. This video demonstrates:

The buttons and curves on the tufted chaise shown in the video made for an unusual and very challenging repair. Only a subpatch could be used.

Most dog chew damage, however, is a little more straightforward on a cushion or arm. For these, we recommend subpatching with fabric and then glueing a top patch of leather to it, as per these instructions:

1. If necessary, repair any damage to the substrate foam by plugging in a new piece (or as few pieces as possible). Buy high-density upholstery foam. Don’t be afraid to cut away more of the original foam; this may make plugging another piece easier. Be patient in sculpting the new foam to fit the hole. The subpatch and repair will hide minor variations, but the foam plug should be level and smooth. If necessary, use a needle and thread to gently whip stitch the plug to the existing foam to secure it in place. Dacron® or quilt batting can be used to plug smaller voids and / or hide imperfections between the foam and the leather or vinyl.
2. Prepare the subpatch. Don’t be afraid to trim any stiff or curled-back edges of the leather. You want everything to glue down easily and evenly. Cut a piece of twill or thin denim that’s at least a half inch larger than the hole. Lay the patch on top of the hole. If there are curves (top to bottom, side to side) where the patch puckers or wrinkles, cut out little triangles so the patch can lay flat without overlapping. Round any corners; this makes for easier insertion.
3. Prepare the top patch. If you don’t have excess of the original material, buy some leather or vinyl (PVC) with a similar thickness, grain, and if possible, color. Do not use polyurethane (PU) or polyester faux leather. Insert a piece of paper under the hole and trace its shape. Remove the paper, and cut out the shape. Lay this stencil over the patching material. Ensure it is grain-side up. Trace the outline. Cut the top patch a little smaller than the guideline. It is better the patch to be too small than to overlap the existing upholstery.
4. Insert the subpatch. Use your tool to apply a flexible glue to the underside of the upholstery, and contact with the patch. Use a board or book to apply firm, even pressure.
5. Apply the top patch. Use the same glue to adhere it to the subpatch, and apply firm, even pressure. Work in small sections if necessary until the entire perimeter of the hole is secure.
6. Let the glue cure, approximately 30-60 minutes.
7. If repairing a hole around tufting and buttons, anchor the patches to each other and / or the button, so they will withstand stress. Use heavy-duty upholstery thread, a curved needle, and needle-nose pliers as demonstrated in the video above.
8. Repair the remaining gaps with leather filler. Ensure your glue has completely dried before embarking on this step. See how to use our Soft Filler in this video.
9. If any buttons need to be replaced, follow these instructions. You’ll need this tufting needle and clasp kit. If you don’t want to spend that much, you could try a metal shish kabob skewer as demonstrated in this video. Either way, you’ll also need a button made of leather or vinyl. Be sure to pick the correct size, and avoid any made of PU faux leather (which may eventually peel).
10. Apply a water-based finish to conceal the repair. Learn how to match color or change color.

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