Leather Repair >> Simple Leather Repair

Re-Coloring

In terms of color, be aware that natural wear and fading is inevitable with leather. Actualy, quality leather will look better with time as long as it receives the proper maintenance. If you have an aniline or pigmented leather item that has faded, use a leather protector or conditioning product for leather repair.
If you have an item where the color has been damaged, you will need to have it re-colored by someone who does leather repair professionally.

Stiff Leather

If you have a leather item that is not as soft as you would like it to be, try a hand lotion that contains lanolin.

NOTE: Lanolin should not be full strength, not put directly on the leather and never applied to unfinished leather.

If your leather still feels too stiff even after the standard conditioning treatments, you might need a product that is used with heavier leathers, say for motorcycle riding leathers or firefighter’s gear. Ask a pro what they think might work best. If the item needs serious leather repair then don't try to do it yourself.

Rips and Tears

Depending on how thick the leather is, you will want to consider taking it to a professional verses doing it yourself. It is possible to stitch and sew leather if you have the right tools, but if your sewing machine is not designed for leather then you're asking for trouble. Attempting to sew your item by hand is an accident waiting to happen unless you are experienced at leather repair.

If the leather repair job looks extensive and the garment is worth it, then I recommend paying a professional to do it for you.

NOTE:
The above article may be re-published where you see fit as long as the resource box is included exactly as written.