How to Mend a Pocket

Save money on clothing by mending holes in your pockets.

With the rise costs of living in today’s world, frugality is a prized trait. Proper garment care, such as adhering to the directions on the care tag, will extend the life of your clothing and save you money. However, even the most cared-for clothing will eventually need mending. Mend holes, tears or rips in your pockets to keep your clothing in excellent shape and to stop loosing loose change, keys and papers from your pocket.

Things You'll Need

• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Outside Pocket

1. Locate the hole in the pocket. Trim any loose threads around the hole or tear.

2. Thread the needle with matching thread. Pull the ends so that they are even before knotting the thread.

3. Insert the needle through the pocket from the inside of the garment. This hides the knot and the ends of the thread.

4. Match the size of your stitches to the original stitching on the pocket. Tie a knot on the garment side once the hole is closed. Trim any excess thread with scissors.

Inside Pocket

1. Pull the pocket out of the garment and locate the hole or tear.

2. Line up the edges of the tear and secure with pins.

3. Sew the edges together with a sewing machine, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

4. Cut off any excess thread with scissors before re-inserting the pocket.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to turn the garment inside out or remove stitches in the lining to access the pocket.

References

• Home and Garden Bulletin; Mending Men's Suits; Clarice L. Scott; January 1946
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension; Easy Clothing Repairs; Judy Hetterman; February 2006

Resources

• Mississippi State University Extension Service: How to Thread a Needle