How to Fix a Rip in Denim Jeans

A rip can mar an otherwise good pair of denim jeans. If you don't repair a rip in denim, it can quickly grow in size and eventually ruin the entire pair of jeans. Thankfully, it's not that difficult to fix a rip in denim jeans. While you can always take your jeans to a professional tailor, you can also fix the rip quite easily yourself. There will be some evidence of the prior rip, but your jeans will still be significantly improved. You just need a few simple supplies to get started.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Patch

1. Assess the size of the rip. If it is a small, relatively straight rip, you can generally sew the two sides together. If the rip is more circular in shape and missing material at the center of the hole, you likely need to patch the area.

2. Cut a long portion of thread. Depending on the size of the rip, you'll need between 18 and 36 inches of thread. Choose a thread color that matches the color of your denim jeans.

3. Get a sturdy needle. Since denim is thick material, choose a needle that is designed for the task. Generally, a size 100/16 needle is ideal for denim. Thread the needle.

4. Turn the denim jeans inside out. You'll be sewing the rip from the interior of the pants so the majority of the thread isn't visible when you wear the jeans.

5. Tuck the sides of the rip in so a small hem is apparent on the inside of the jeans. You will be sewing these two sides together to repair the rip.

6. Begin at one end of the rip and sew the sides back together. Keep your stitches close together.

7. Tie the thread in a knot once you have completely sewn the rip closed. The knot will keep the thread and your handiwork from unraveling.

8. Place a patch over the hole in the denim if it is a large rip. To be discreet, choose a patch in the same color denim as your jeans and place it on the interior of your jeans. You can also choose a decorative, trendy patch and sew it to the exterior of the jeans if you'd like a more overt, fashionable option. Sew around the exterior of the patch, affixing it to the denim jeans.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your jeans to a professional tailor if the rip is incredibly large or jagged.