PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How can I fix a tear in a cloth car seat?
After picking my young sons up from football practice the other day, one of them managed to tear the cloth seat fabric with their cleats. Mistakes happen, so I’m not too upset, but I want to repair the tear before it gets larger. How can I fix a tear in the cloth seat?
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Mistakes happen, but luckily, repairing the cloth seat should be pretty simple.
If the tear is clean with smooth edges, sewing the tear closed is your best option. If the tear is larger or not a clean rip, you may want to use a patch to repair the tear.
To sew a tear closed, you should do the following:
- Purchase a curved upholstery needle and extra strong thread that matches the seat
- Replace any lost padding with stuffing or foam found at your local crafts store or online
- Cut enough thread from the spool and double-thread it through the needle
- Use one hand to tightly hold the seam together and sew a running stitch every quarter to half-inch
- Cover the repaired tear with fabric sealant to prevent fraying
Not all patches are made the same, so follow the instructions specific to your patch to repair the tear. Most auto shops sell seat repair kits that have more durable repair options. And don’t forget to purchase a patch that matches your vehicle’s interior!
If you think the tear is too large for a patch or sewing, you will likely need to have the seat reupholstered. Reupholstering a single seat can cost $200 to $750, but the repair could be cheaper if only one cloth panel needs to be replaced.
To help cover the cost of repairing the seat, download the
Jerry
app and save on your car insurance
.As a licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and helping you buy new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies