How to Sew a Patch on Jeans

You can repair your favorite jeans by sewing a patch on them where a hole has developed. Most of the time the holes develop on areas where there is a lot of wear and tear on the jeans, like the knees, the seat or near the back pockets. Jeans are relatively easy to patch when the holes are on the torso portion, but they can be difficult when the holes are in the legs, especially near the knees.
Some people like to patch their jeans even if they don't need repair. Many people wear decorative patches on their jeans to make a personal statement. The process is the same as it is for patching torn jeans.

Things You'll Need

• Extra denim or fabric to match jeans Iron-on patches (optional) Sewing machine or heavy sewing needle and matching thread Pins

Instructions

Patching the Torso

1. Trim the loose threads from the area of the hole.

2. Cut a patch that is about 1/2 inch wider on each side of the hole. You can use either an iron-on patch to cover the hole or you can use a softer denim for the patch. If you use a softer fabric than what the jeans are made from, you run less risk that the patch itself will create strain on the existing fabric.

3. Lay the jeans on a flat surface, and pin the patch to the area surrounding the hole. You will want to do this carefully so that the patch lays flat with the jeans and there is no excess fabric in the patch. You can put the patch on the inside of the jeans, or if you're using decorative patches, you'll want to put the patch on the outside. If you're using an outside patch, you'll have to iron the edges of the patch to the inside of the fabric so that the edges will not fray. You don't need to worry about frayed edges when using an iron-on patch. Iron the patch down according to the patch directions if using an iron-on patch.

4. Using either the sewing machine or hand-sewing techniques, sew the patch down securely.

Patching Knees on Jeans

1. Turn the jeans inside out after you have trimmed the loose threads from the hole in the knees.

2. Cut the patch so that it's at least 1/2 inch wider on all sides.

3. Lay the patch over the hole in the knee, keeping the patch as straight and true to the leg as possible. Pin securely in place. If the patch is going on the outside, make sure you fold a small hem under so that the edges of the patch look good and won't fray. If using iron-on patches, press the patch in place, and skip step 4.

4. Baste the patch using 1/2-inch long stitches, and remove the pins.

5. Remove the larger part of the flatbed of your sewing machine (if you have a free arm sewing machine), and slide the leg of the jeans under the presser foot, and sew the patch down on all sides. If you are sewing the patch on by hand, sew it using about 8 to 10 stitches per inch so that it is securely sewn. Turn the jeans inside out and enjoy your favorite jeans for another few years.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you get all the pins out.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Patching Jeans