How to Repair Fabric Couch from Cat Scratches
Introduction
Having a cat in our household is always an exciting matter, but sometimes they become ferocious and start scratching the furniture and upholsteries. This is quite common because cats undergo sudden physical changes that elicit such habits. However, do not worry too much because there are ways to stop cats from scratching furniture. Cats naturally want to scratch furniture. The clawing action is a form of exercise for their bodies and it is also an outlet for their pent-up energy.
Today we will discuss two methods for repairing a fabric couch that has been scratched by a cat. These methods are much more efficient than simply trying to cover up the scratches. The first method is to use a special fabric repair kit. The second method is to use a mixture of vinegar and water.
Procedure
Method One: Gather All the Essential Elements
To begin our first method, you will need a pair of scissors and some Elmer’s fabric glue. The scissors are important for removing excess yarn, and the glue will hold everything in place. You can also use other convenient adhesives if you prefer.
Then you will need a needle; the size of the needle will grow much large in terms of regular upholstery needles. Once you have managed all these, you can start working. You have to start by cleaning the couch. For this, you will need ordinary cloth. You must be well aware of the type of fabric used in the material.
The person says that you should not have much trouble removing the yarn, and that you should start by cutting the yarn that is visible on the outside of the couch. They say that this yarn should be removed because it is more likely to damage the sofa.
Once you have cut all the yarns, you have to take the needle and start recovering the tracks. For this, you will need some Elmer’s fabric glue. You have to put some glue on the tip of the needle. You have to start pressing the needle on the scratches and then push it inside the fabric. In this manner the all the gaps will be sealed. Now you have to wait for some time. This will allow the glue to dry and it will not cause any harm to the fabric.
Method Two: Start by Cutting the Excess Yarns
For this method, you will need a pair of scissors and a razor. It is better to use a three-blade razor like Gillette Mach3. This process is quite similar to the first method, but this is applicable for the couches which are not severely damaged by your cat. Sofas with minimal scratches can easily be fixed by this method.
You have to start by cutting the excess yarns in the same manner. For this, you can use a small scissor, and you have to sue the tip of the scissor to cut the threads.
You have to be very careful while using the scissor, and the yarns should be appropriately removed. After the thread is detached, you have to start using the razor, and you have to apply it gently on the surface of the couch. This will diminish the yarns that are pulled out due to scratching.
After applying the razor for quite a few times, the sofa will be restored. You have to use the razor in a particular direction for this method.
Method Three: Sewing the Repair and Keep on Track
If your clothes have a hole in them, you can fix it by sewing a patch onto the hole. First, find a piece of fabric that is the same color as your clothes. Cut the fabric into a shape that is a little bit bigger than the hole. Then put the fabric over the hole and sew around the edge of the fabric.
Make sure your stitches are nice and tight! On thicker fabrics, you may need to sew two or three stitches across the tear. Finish this step by flipping your cushion cover back over and trimming away any excess thread or fabric that isn’t on the cushions themselves. Again, the goal is to make sure everything looks clean and finished; not like you repaired it!
Method Four: Place the Patch Over the Area and Make Sure It’s Secure
Once you’ve washed and dried the area, it’s time to lay down the fabric patch. Just like in step one, place it face-down on the cushion and put another pillow or cushion over it to hold everything in place.
Now, flip your cushion cover right side up and check out how it looks. If there are any wrinkles or loose edges, remove everything and try again. Once you’re happy with the way it looks, cut a few pieces of clear tape to keep everything in place.
Method Five: Glue the Patch Onto Your Cushion
If you’re working with a tiny fabric patch and want to make sure it doesn’t move around, try using some fabric adhesive instead of sewing or taping everything down. The downside is that you inevitably lose a little flexibility because the glue dries pretty stiffly.
To apply it, use a paintbrush or Q-tip to spread the glue onto your patch and then fold over the edges of the fabric on your couch. Press down firmly for about thirty seconds, so everything sticks together. Then repeat this step on top of each edge you folded over until every side is secure!
Method Six: Use a Sewing Machine to Fix the Tears
Lastly, if your fabric is thick, you can repair your cushion covers using a sewing machine. However, make sure they are turned off when you are finished making repairs!
Start by using some pins to mark where each tear is located on your couch cover. Then, with the right sides facing each other, use a sewing machine to sew along the marks you made. Next, sew both sides of the fabric and finish using a needle and thread to sew up any loose ends. Once you’re done, please give it a test run and make sure your couch looks good!
Method Seven: Fix Tears with Fusible Webbing
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of sewing or gluing anything together, there’s always fusible webbing. Fusible webbing is an iron-on fabric adhesive perfect for small tears and rips. It comes with a sticky side that you iron onto your couch cover until everything is secure.
After you’ve patched up the tear, it’s time to fix the cushion itself so that everyone can sit on it without feeling uncomfortable. You don’t want your cushions to sag or dip whenever somebody sits down. So, use a ruler and cutting mat to find out how much foam you need. Once everything is cut, lay it on top of your cushion cover and glue it down with spray glue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Fix Cat Scratches on the Fabric Couch?
Cat scratches on fabric can be difficult to fix, but with a little bit of patience and care, you can get your couch looking as good as new.
First, use a soft cloth or towel to remove any loose fibers from the fabric. You will need to soak up any excess moisture before proceeding.
Next, apply a solution of 1/2 cup baking soda and 2 cups white vinegar in 1-gallon water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the scratched area and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, scrub the area using a sponge or scrub brush and rinse off with clean water.
Finally, dry out the area with paper towels or clean rags before applying furniture polish to finish up your repair job!
Do Fabric Shavers Work on Couches?
No, fabric shavers do not work on couches. The reason for this is that the fabric shaver does not have a long enough blade to cut through the material of a couch.
Is Fabric Pilling a Defect?
Pilling or fabric damage is the wearing off of fabric caused by friction and rubbing against other fabrics. This usually happens on the surface of a garment that rubs against clothing and when garments are repeatedly washed.
Fabric pilling is not a defect in the sense that it affects the quality or value of the product, but it does affect appearance.
Why Is My Sofa Fabric Pilling?
This is a common problem with many types of fabrics and usually happens when the fabric is not cleaned properly. The first thing you should do is wash your sofa fabric on a gentle cycle using warm water and mild detergent. You can also use a carpet shampooer to clean the fabric.
Next, you need to dry it out completely by letting it air dry or put it in the dryer on low heat for about 15 minutes before ironing it with a cool iron. If there are any stains, then use liquid laundry detergent or commercial stain remover spray to remove them before washing again.
What Couch Material Does Not Pill?
Pill-resistant is a term used to describe materials that are designed to resist being scratched or damaged by the passage of time, such as pillows and fabrics.
The most common types of pill-resistant materials are metals, which can be coated with a layer of chrome or nickel. The coatings have been proven to create a film that protects the surface from damage over time.
Common materials commonly considered pill-resistant include leather, cork, velvet, faux fur, and silk.
What Can You Use a Fabric Shaver on?
A fabric shaver is a small electric tool that can be used to remove hair from fabrics. It is often used on sheets, curtains, and clothes to remove any loose or stray hairs. Some uses of a fabric shaver are:
• Removing hairs before they become snagged during washing and drying.
• Removing lint and pet hair after vacuuming.
• Exfoliating dead skin cells on your face before applying moisturizer or other skincare products.
Conclusion
Lastly, we hope the methods we have mentioned here will be much helpful for restoring the couch. You should be well aware of the damage that your cat has caused. According to the level of damage, you can choose the appropriate recovering method. The beginners can efficiently perform these techniques. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day!
You may read also –
1. How to Attach Foam to Fabric
2. How to Cover Cord with Fabric
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
