How to Patch a Porch Screen

If your screen is damaged, you can make screen patches to match a room's decor.

Avoid the expense of replacing a porch screen that has a small tear by applying a patch. You can use a screen patch kit, a scrap of screen mesh fabric, or even a piece of fabric. The patch will be visible no matter which kind of patch you choose, but the screen patches will blend in for the closest match. If you decide to use fabric to make your screen patch, cut the fabric into a decorative shape so it will look like a decoration rather than a patch.

Things You'll Need

• Screen patch kit (optional)
• Scrap of screen mesh or fabric
• Scissors
• Zigzag sewing machine
• Sewing thread
• Hand sewing needle

Instructions

1. Bend the pointed edges of the screen patch upward so they stand at an angle away from the mesh, if you are using a screen patch kit. Hold the patch over the damaged spot in the porch screen with the points facing the screen. Gently push the patch so the points slip through the holes in the screen. Bend the points inward toward the center of the patch, so they wrap around the fibers of the original screen.

2. Cut the screen mesh or fabric scrap with the scissors, making sure it extends at least 1 inch on all sides of the damaged area.

3. Sew around all of the edges with the sewing machine set to a short stitch if you are using a fabric patch. This applique-style edging finishes the raw edges and prevents fraying. A screen mesh patch will not need to be zigzagged.

4. Thread the hand-sewing needle and position the patch over the damaged area of the porch screen. Poke the needle through the zigzag stitches at the edge of the fabric patch at the lower right-hand corner of the patch. If you are applying a screen mesh patch with no zigzags, poke the needle through the patch 1/8-inch to the inside of the patch.

5. Move the needle 1/4-inch up and to the right and poke through the porch screen, making a diagonal stitch. After pulling the thread tight, move the needle 1/8-inch straight over to the left and poke the needle back through the screen and the patch. Continue making these small diagonal stitches all the way around the patch.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a special decorating theme for your porch, for example butterflies or flowers, you can cut the patch in a shape that matches your decor theme.

References

• Sewing & Craft Alliance: Diagonal Slip Basting
• Sewing & Craft Alliance: Zigzag Stitch: Applique