DIY Leather Repair

geeker · February 7th, 2021, 10:06 PM

I have a pair of AGVSport Willow leather pants I’ve had since 2011 when I started riding. Over the years, the Velcro on the waist closure began tearing away from the leather strap. I meant to send it off to get repaired, but our “local” leather repair lady has crossed the pond for a indefinite amount of time. My lady acquired a sewing machine a couple weeks ago and the idea of fixing my pants myself was born. Things I’ve learned so far? I recommend buying some scrap leather to practice. You need an appropriate needle and thread. In this case I used a 90/14 needle and bonded nylon thread acquired from Hobby Lobby. I also found the needed 1” hook and loop tape there. Learn the process on the scrap before working on your gear. Other important things... read the instructions and watch videos on the sewing machine if available. Even when you think you have it right, you may not. Also, sticky hook and loop tape isn’t going to work with the sewing machine. I used isopropyl alcohol to remove the adhesive so the stitching would run normal without it gumming up. My repair isn’t as pretty as factory, but it’ll work for my first attempt. I’ll still need to look to a professional to reattach the strap to the pants as the machine we have can’t handle doubled up leather.

If you have the option to learn and DIY, it’s worth a shot. If it’s your only gear, it may not be worth a mistake. In my case, they are a decade old and I have other gear to choose from. I’m looking forward to a few more years in this two piece suit.

dcj13 · February 7th, 2021, 11:38 PM

Nice work!

Triple Jim · February 8th, 2021, 05:53 AM

Excellent! I also have AGV Sport Willow pants and will keep this in mind. They're very nice leather pants and definitely worth some effort to keep them in good shape.

When multiple crashes opened up an arm seam on my Joe Rocket jacket, my seamstress daughter stepped in and hand sewed it back to better than new condition. I may have tried it, but her patience and skill did a much better job, I'm sure.

DannoXYZ · February 8th, 2021, 09:19 AM

Awesome work! For thick stuff that machine can't handle, I do it by hand with needle and 45-angle needle-nose pliers. I use kevlar fishing-line; much tougher than nylon or cotton thread.

Kuya EZ · March 12th, 2021, 03:42 PM

Thanks for the DIY!

CZroe · August 8th, 2022, 04:13 PM

I only have a couple Game Boy Color sewing machines but I will keep that in mind.

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February 7th, 2021, 11:38 PM	#2
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	Nice work!

February 8th, 2021, 05:53 AM	#3
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Central North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Excellent! I also have AGV Sport Willow pants and will keep this in mind. They're very nice leather pants and definitely worth some effort to keep them in good shape. When multiple crashes opened up an arm seam on my Joe Rocket jacket, my seamstress daughter stepped in and hand sewed it back to better than new condition. I may have tried it, but her patience and skill did a much better job, I'm sure.

February 8th, 2021, 09:19 AM	#4
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Awesome work! For thick stuff that machine can't handle, I do it by hand with needle and 45-angle needle-nose pliers. I use kevlar fishing-line; much tougher than nylon or cotton thread.

March 12th, 2021, 03:42 PM	#5
Kuya EZ ninjette.org member Name: Eric Location: Las Vegas Join Date: May 2020 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 / 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6 / 2006 Yamaha R6 (track bike) / 2014 Ducati 1199s Posts: 45	Thanks for the DIY!

August 8th, 2022, 04:13 PM	#6
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	I only have a couple Game Boy Color sewing machines but I will keep that in mind.