How to Mend Denim

If holes in denim are not repaired soon after they develop, they will begin to grow and fray.

Denim is a durable clothing material, but due to its consistent use, it can typically require mending of holes or torn seams. You can reinforce the denim by sewing on a patch and extending the life of the denim. General sewing skills and sewing machine knowledge are recommended before mending the denim. You can sew on a discrete patch to the inside of the denim or choose to sew on a stylish patch to the outside of the denim depending on your preferences and the function of the denim.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Patch
• Pencil
• Pinking shears
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the hole or tear in the denim using a ruler. Mark the needed dimensions on the patch using a pencil. Cut out the patch with the pinking shears. Round the edges of the patch to prevent unraveling.

2. Decide if you will be placing the patch discretely on the inside of the denim or showing off the patch on the outside of the denim.

3. Pin the patch to the denim using the straight pins. Install the thread in the sewing machine by following the owner's manual. The thread should match the denim if the patch is discrete or can be a flashy or complementary color if the patch is going to show.

4. Turn the denim inside out, and line up the patch and denim on the sewing machine. Sew a single straight stitch around the outside edge of the patch. Set the sewing machine for a zig zag stitch, and sew around the edge of the patch again.

5. Remove the pins from the patch. Turn the denim right side out. Sew a horizontal zig zag stitch along the tear to close up the hole and attach it to the patch. Turn the denim inside out again to check the mending and ensure that any nearby pockets have not been sewn shut. Trim off any excess threads with the scissors.

References

• Sewing Web: Patch Jeans