How to Patch Holes in Jeans

There's no need to toss your favorite pair of jeans just because they have a tear. If you're not into the ripped denim look, you can simply fix your jeans. You don't have to be a seamstress or even own a sewing machine. Follow the steps outlined below and mend your jeans with a long lasting, durable patch.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Patch material
• Ruler
• Needle and thread
• Iron

1. Cut the fraying edges from the denim, removing any loose threads, and create a hole that is approximately square or rectangular.

2. Select a fabric which is a close match in color and texture, or one which contrasts nicely with denim, such as red paisley. Make sure the fabric is durable, as you are repairing a spot that obviously gets a lot of wear. If your jeans have pockets, you can steal a patch by sewing the back pockets shut and cutting the fabric away.

3. Cut a patch from the fabric that is 1 inch longer on each side than the size of the hole in the jeans.

4. Cut a 1/4-inch notch in each corner of the fabric patch.

5. Place the patch inside the jeans, in the middle of the hole. Double check to make sure the fabric is showing the right side. Secure the fabric with pins.

6. Sew the patch into place from the outside of the jeans using large basting stitches. Place the stitches 3/4-inch from the edge of the hole. Basting stitches are extra long, straight stitches which are used to temporarily hold two pieces of fabric together and are easily removed when the project is complete.

7. Make a 1/4-inch diagonal cut in each corner of the denim hole.

8. Fold each edge of the hole under and secure in place with pins.

9. Connect the folded edge of the hole to the fabric patch with large basting stitches.

10. Pull the basting stitches out from the outside edge of the fabric patch and turn the jeans wrong side out.

11. Fold all of the edges of the fabric patch under and sew each side to the folded edge of the jeans with large basting stitches; this will hold the folded edges of both pieces of fabric together.

12. Place a hot iron against the patch and press it flat, raising the iron up and down, rather than running it back and forth.

13. Sew the edges down, making sure you're pulling the thread through both the fabric patch and the denim using a hemming stitch (see Resources).

14. Secure the ends of the thread and remove all basting stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're pressed for time, iron-on patches are readily available in craft stores, but they are frequently of poor quality and tend to fall off after a few washes.

Resources

• How to Sew a Hemming Stitch
• Hand Stitching Video Tutorial