How to Patch Holes in Jeans With Iron

These jeans are not yet ready for the trash.

Just because your favorite pair of jeans has developed a hole doesn't mean that it's time to get rid of your jeans. With the help of an iron and an iron-on patch, you can mend your jeans in minutes. If you select the right denim patch and adhere it correctly to the inside of your jeans, the mend will barely be noticeable.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton press cloth
• Denim and fabric adhesive, or denim patch

Instructions

1. 

   Try to match the color and texture of your jeans as best you can.

   Purchase an iron-on denim patch from a sewing store in the same color as your jeans. You can also find a wider selection of patches online; JohnnyPatch.com, for example, produces and sells iron-on patches for trendier denim style made from reused jeans. Alternatively, you can purchase an ironable fabric adhesive, such as Wonder Under, and make your own matching, iron-on jean patch.

2. 

   An iron will melt the glue on your patch.

   Set your iron to high for cotton jeans. Or, if your jeans are not 100 percent cotton, set the iron to the temperature instructed on the label of the jeans.

3. Turn your jeans inside out.

4. Cut the patch into a circular shape to prevent the corners from peeling up with wear.

5. Cover the area of the jeans to be patched with a cotton press cloth.

6. Set the iron on the press cloth for about eight seconds to preheat the jeans.

7. Place the patch over the hole in your jeans while they are still inside-out. Make sure the adhesive side of the patch is pressed against the jeans.

8. Hold the iron to the patch and jeans, being careful not to scorch the fabric, for the time indicated on the patch or adhesive packaging.

9. Lift the iron and let the patch set for five minutes.

10. Turn the jeans right-side-out and iron the patched area again as instructed.

11. Lift the iron and let the patch set for five more minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• If the patch begins to peel at a later date, simply iron it down.

• Bring your jeans to the sewing store so you can best match the patch to your jeans.

• Do not wash or dry the patched jeans on high heat or the glue holding the patch in place will melt and the patch will begin to peel.

• Always use caution when using a hot iron, and unplug it when finished.

References

• Pellon Ideas: Wonder Under Instructions
• Moritz Emboidery Works: Easy Iron On Patch Tips
• Footy 4 Kids: How to Iron Patches Onto Clothing

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Johnny Patch: Iron-on Jean Patches