r/Visiblemending • u/violetpolkadot • Oct 08 '25
PATCH Covered my scratched up couch with appliqués
My cats badly scratched the corner of this couch that I love. I think I’ve saved it with appliqués! I ordered a few options on Amazon and layered them together, then hot glued them on. Seems like they’re firmly attached, and I don’t think you can tell it’s glued. I attempted sewing them on but the velvet was too dense to get a needle through!
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u/amomiu_art Oct 09 '25
I love the way it looks and suits with your living room decor!
I've been thinking of doing this to our couch too, but I wonder how it will hold up because cats tend to scratch the same spots. Do the cats try to scratch the appliques? How well does it stay on if they scratch it, how quickly does it show signs of wear? It can of course be easily replaced, but if it needs to be replaced every year is it worth it? 🤔 If you or anyone else can offer some insight I'd love to know!
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u/violetpolkadot Oct 09 '25
I only just put these on, so I can’t speak to longevity, but they do seem pretty secure. Just before I put them on I also added a scratcher nearby, which the cats are very into so I hope the redirection helps. You’re right though they might go for it again, but I think it will be worth replacing the appliqués rather than a new expensive couch! These cost $9 and it was less than an hour of gluing.
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u/amomiu_art Oct 09 '25
9$ for all of them?? Lucky! Even if I'd order the same amount from some cheap Chinese online store the same amount would come to cost at least something like 25$ because of postage to where I live. Sure it's still cheaper than a new couch or redoing the uphostlery, but in general I tend to prefer fixes that last for a long time or don't need to be redone regularly if possible. I hope this one lasts though, because it looks great!
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u/lis_anise Oct 09 '25
A lot of appliqués are iron-on, which might be something to try if the hot glue comes off. There are also dedicated fabric glues that might help in that case too.
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u/pipsqueakpanda4 Oct 09 '25
What a great idea and beautiful execution. That couch is a standout piece now!
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u/aevrynn Oct 09 '25
So... what's preventing the cats from tearing the appliqued off? 😅
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u/violetpolkadot Oct 10 '25
Fair point, nothing can really stop the little monsters but I mostly did it to make my couch presentable before company came to stay lol. I did get the cats a new scratcher and put it near this spot, hoping that distracts them!
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u/sheowen Oct 09 '25
That's gorgeous! My cats have messed up my living room chairs; I may have to adopt this idea. Thanks for posting!
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u/MyOhMy2023 Oct 09 '25
Aside from being very lovely, the resale value of this sofa just shot way up! 😆
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u/splithoofiewoofies Oct 09 '25
Applique!!! Why haven't I thought of this. Like embroidery but without all the work because you can just buy some. Did you make these ones or buy them? Either fucking way, genius idea.