Repair of Shooting Jacket button holes

[PAMuzzle]

A friend of mine has a competition rifle shooting jacket and asked if I could fix the button holes that are torn.  The leather surrounding the holes is very thin and sewn/glued to material backing.  As you can see from the photos, the holes have been torn out of shape.

I'd like to glue something to a new leather covering.  I was thinking nylon webbing material to give it more strength? 

Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks

[AlZilla]

Just replacing that reinforcement on the inside would let you restore the shape of the button hole. Maybe even carry it around to the front as a decorative element.

Just ruminating, really. That repair is out of my meager skill set.

[DieselTech]

I would remove old ripped piece or not, then sew a piece of leather folded around the front & back, then use a oblong punch & punch a slot in it. 

Then I would sew around the oblong hole you punched thru it to reinforce it all. 

Edited Wednesday at 09:34 PM by DieselTech

[Leather Repair Center]

Hey all,

I’m in the leather repair niche — mostly work on furniture, auto, and commercial seating — so I don’t typically deal with jackets, but this caught my interest. I showed the photos and details of how I would fix it to my AI assistant and asked how we might repair this jacket, and it gave some solid advice that lines up exactly with how I’d approach it.

Here’s what it suggested:

AI’s Recommendation:

1. Remove the Damaged Panel:

Carefully unstitch the torn synthetic leather piece, using it as a template.

2. Replace with Genuine Leather:

Cut a replacement patch from 2–3 oz genuine leather (not too thick, but durable). This will hold up better than the original material which looks like thin vinyl or bonded leather.

3. Reinforce from the Back:

Use a strong woven backing or thin nylon webbing glued behind the leather to add strength and prevent future tearing.

4. Recut and Reinforce Buttonholes:

Recreate the slits and stitch around them tightly, or even use grommets if appropriate. If possible, roll the leather edges or saddle stitch for extra strength.

5. Stitch Panel Back in Place:

Sew the new piece back over the original location, making sure it’s clean and matches the rest of the jacket. Optional: carry the leather around to the front as a decorative piece, which would both look good and reinforce the structure.

I’m honestly impressed with the advice the AI gave — this is exactly how I would fix it myself. Hope it’s helpful

[Dwight]

First thing I would do is help him find a diet he could live with.

Then I'd follow Leather Repair Center's plan

May God bless,

Dwight

[Leather Repair Center]

10 minutes ago, Dwight said:

First thing I would do is help him find a diet he could live with.

Then I'd follow Leather Repair Center's plan

May God bless,

Dwight

Good point! Otherwise jacket will be back for repair 😁

[PAMuzzle]

Thanks a lot everyone.  This will help.  Dwight, your idea might help he most🤣🤣🤣

10 hours ago, Dwight said:

First thing I would do is help him find a diet he could live with.

Then I'd follow Leather Repair Center's plan

May God bless,

Dwight

 

[chuck123wapati]

i would pull the torn leather together and stitch it back together as well as possible. Then cut a piece of thin leather about 1/4" wider on each side of the original button hole strap sew and glue it on over the original fold it around the outer edge to cover both sides then sew it up around the edges and sew the button hole, then cut it out. 

[Cumberland Highpower]

15 hours ago, Dwight said:

First thing I would do is help him find a diet he could live with.

Then I'd follow Leather Repair Center's plan

May God bless,

Dwight

I'd normally agree with that Dwight. But in this case he's got an alibi.   Shooting coats are designed to be restrictive.  Usually having straps and hooks that can be cinched down tightly to more or less hold you stiff.  I've personally broken a few straps on my jackets and haven't put any weight on...lately!  

 I'd maybe use a 5-6oz piece as a backing plate and keep it all on the backside.  Looks like a smallbore jacket?  Smallbore shooters tend to be a more refined lot....But Service/HP shooters are a bit more grizzled. As long as the jacket is sound that's all that matters.

Edited Thursday at 01:53 PM by Cumberland Highpower

[fredk]

Why not take this opportunity to replace the button with short straps and buckle arrangement which can be pulled up tight but also allow some change in the wearer's girth?

[chuck123wapati]

3 hours ago, fredk said:

Why not take this opportunity to replace the button with short straps and buckle arrangement which can be pulled up tight but also allow some change in the wearer's girth?

this is a great idea!! or even velcro 

[fredk]

3 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

this is a great idea!! or even velcro 

As Cledus said to the Bandit; 'That'll work too'

[PAMuzzle]

FredK, Chuck123...Thanks, I will ask him about that