How To Fix A Hole In Jeans - Best Way To Repair Holes - Treasurie Blog

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Learn how to fix a hole in jeans the best way! Tattered and torn, weathered and worn, is part of the new jeans fashion statement. You may look at your ripped jeans and wonder why you would want to fix a hole in a pair of jeans. The good news is there will be occasions to mend jeans, whatever the trends. Ripped for fashion and an annoying hole are two different scenarios.

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans Tutorial

Below are some suggestions for how to fix a hole in a pair of jeans. Decide whether you want to use matching thread for an invisible look or if you want the repair or distressing to be part of the jean's individuality.

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans, Step by Step Instructions

Sewing a patch onto a pair of jeans is probably the most popular way to save the jeans that you love and is suitable for larger holes and tears. The patch can be applied from the inside of the jeans or sewn on the outside. A decorative patch is often a good option because it can be made to look like part of the original design.

Sewing on a patch with some decorative stitches or with a motif from another favorite pair of jeans goes well with these trendy items of clothing. Old pockets from really worn-out jeans make great patches, and with the right cotton color, the hole is fixed in no time.

Patching is particularly good for repairing jeans that are well-worn by young children. No more worry about those torn knees when you can reinforce that area with a patch.

Here are some tips to apply when learning how to fix a hole in jeans using a patch:

Step 1 - Cut the Edges of the Hole

Clean up frayed edges with sharp scissors because a clean edge is going to be easier to repair than a frayed one. Leaving loose threads is not recommended, as these threads can catch and cause larger tears in the long run. Press the hole edges flat.

Step 2 - Cut the Fabric

Cut a piece of fabric or denim scrap larger than your hole. You want at least a 1-inch (2.5cm) margin all the way around.

Patches don't necessarily have to be rectangular. Feel free to cut a heart, star, or any shape that makes you happy. Choose a fabric that is sturdy. It can contrast or match the color of the jeans.

Try rounding the corners of the patch to lessen the fraying. Use pinking shears on the patch edges to stop fraying if necessary or do a simple zig-zag stitch.

Use some fusible interfacing around the edges of the fabric. This will not only adhere it around your hole but ensure the edges don't fray further.

Step 3 - Position the Repair Fabric

Place the patch over the hole and pin it in place. You are now ready to stitch! It is up to you whether you want the patch on the inside of your jeans or the outside.

Step 4 - Stitch the Hole

Stitch around the edge of the repair fabric with a straight or zig-zag stitch.

Use a sharp new needle on thick denim and a shorter stitch around the edges. You can also purchase specialty denim needles.

Be gentle as you sew. Pulling the denim can result in bent or broken needles.

Denim has a twill weave design. Follow the twill if it is distinctive, and the stitches will not show so much. If there are long threads across the hole, you may want to sew across the patch as well.

Step 4 - Finishing the Jeans Hole Repair

Press the repair from the inside as well as the outside.

Brighten up your jeans with decorative stitching around the edges. If you want that ‘boho’ look, here’s your opportunity to get creative. Embroidery leaves, flowers, geometric designs, or even a monogram! You could even sew a lace doily on top so that it looks like the design is intentional.

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans With Darning

Darning is a great way to fix holes in jeans where there are large areas with the threads still attached. The stitching will hold down those loose threads and reinforce the area.

1. PREPARATION - This time, don't cut the loose threads. Press the area with the hole in order to flatten the edges.
2. PATCH - Cut and prepare the patch in the same way as steps 2 to 4 above.
3. PLACE - Place the patch underneath the hole and pin or baste to hold it in place.
4. STITCH - Machine straight stitch across the hole numerous times. This will hold down the loose threads and create a strong reinforced area. Use a matching color thread for maximum invisibility. You can use your regular presser foot or a darning foot.

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans by Hand

Not everyone wants to stitch a patch onto their jeans. Here are some other methods for how to fix a hole in jeans without a sewing machine.

1. Hand Sewing a Straight Tear or Rip

Straight tears may not look like a hole, but if it is not fixed as soon as possible, they will become one. This approach works well if the threads are still there to sew up and secure. It is best to repair long tears by hand.

1. REINFORCE - Start by using some fabric mending tape or iron-on interfacing under the tear. This bonds the tear together and helps with having something to sew into.
2. STITCH - When the tear is secure, use an overcast stitch to bring the threads together.

2. Hand Sewing Ripped Jeans with Embroidery

Embroidery or darning stitches can be used to hand sew holes in jeans. This can look quite fun and creative if you use contrasting colors. No one will know that your beautiful embroidered design is hiding a hole in the pair of jeans. It will be a strong repair and look decorative too.

Darning stitch uses small up-and-down running stitches that are woven together to mimic the weave of the fabric. The smaller you can make these stitches, the more they will blend into the denim.

Embroidery is best for small holes. Satin stitch is a good stitch to use as it will cover the small hole. See how it has been used creatively in the flower below. Each petal uses a satin stitch, and the pink area has some backstitching for additional reinforcement.

1. CUT THE EDGES - Clean up the loose threads around the hole and press the edges flat.
2. CUT THE PATCH - Cut a piece of denim or thick fabric at least 1 inch larger than the hole.
3. PREVENT THE PATCH FRAYING - Try rounding the corners of the patch to lessen the fraying. Use pinking shears on the patch edges to stop fraying if necessary.
4. REINFORCE - Press some fusible interfacing around the edges of the patch. This will reinforce the edges and further prevent fraying.
5. PLACE - Turn the jeans inside out. Place the patch over the hole with the right side of the patch pressed to the wrong side of the jeans. Pin it in place, making sure the hole is covered. Baste the patch in place to be sure it will not slip.
6. STITCH - Turn the jeans to the right side and choose some interesting embroidery stitches to complete the repair. Embroider around the edges of the patch and then continue to the center to decorate.

3. Reverse Applique to Fix a Hole in Jeans

Reverse applique is an attractive way to deal with a hole in jeans.

1. Cut away the hole into a shape such as the heart pictured below. Apply double-sided fusible interfacing around the edges.
2. Place a piece of fabric underneath that is at least 1 inch (2.5cm) large than the newly cut hole. Remove the paper from the double-sided interfacing and fuse the fabric using your iron.
3. Stitch around the edge of the shape from the top. Below I used backstitch (dark blue), running stitch (light blue), and blanket stitch (green).

No-Sew Tutorial for Fixing Holes in Jeans

1. Iron-On Denim Patches

There are store-bought patches in denim available. They have a sticky back and simply need to be ironed on top of the hole. Most brands have several denim colors available so you can match your jeans. Iron-on denim patches are a quick solution, but the patch can be stitched around for added strength. A patch like this could be a good add-on to your holiday repair kit in an emergency.

Instructions vary slightly between brands of iron-on patches but here is what you will usually do:

1. Iron the ripped area to smooth the fabric. Remove any long loose threads.
2. If necessary, cut your patch to size. You may like to cut out a decorative patch like a heart shape.
3. Remove the protective film at the back of the patch. This will usually reveal a sticky surface at the back of the denim patch.
4. Place the patch sticky side down over your hole.
5. Iron over the patch at the recommended temperature using a pressing down motion. Ensure the edges are ironed well and sealed.
6. Most patches recommend waiting 24-48 hours before washing your newly patched jeans.

2. Iron-On Embroidered Patches

Iron-on fabric patches or embroidered patches can disguise a hole and create a unique colorful look to your jeans. Like the denim patches above, they can be solely ironed in place or reinforced with stitching around the edge.

Always read the instructions for ironing your embroidered patch but here are the basics:

1. Iron the hole in your jeans to flatten the threads. Trim any loose or longer threads.
2. Turn on your iron to the recommended setting for the patch. In most cases, this will be one of the hottest settings.
3. Place the embroidered patch over the hole.
4. Using a towel or cloth in between the patch and your iron, press firmly for the recommended time. Most patches are made from polyester or synthetic materials so it is important not to touch the iron directly on them or risk melting.
5. You may need to iron a few times to make sure that the patch is attached on the edges.
6. Wait 24-48 hours before washing your jeans.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, repairing a hole in jeans is a practical skill and a creative opportunity to extend the life of your favorite denim. Whether you choose a discreet repair using a patch and sewing skills or opt for a more decorative approach with embroidery or fabric appliques, the key is to embrace the uniqueness of your repair.

More Repair Articles:

• How to Shrink a T-shirt - The Right Way
• How to Sew a Button on a Shirt - For Beginners
• How to Darn a Sock - Toe and Heel
• How to Sew a Rip - Best Way to Sew Tears

How to Mend Jeans

Learn how to fix a hole in jeans for beginners. 5/5 - (2 votes) Print Pin Difficulty: Easy BeginnerKeyword: Sewing Total Time: 19 minutes minutes

Difficulty

Tools

• Sewing Basics

Materials

• Repair Patch or Fabric

Instructions

• Clean up frayed edges with sharp scissors. Press the hole edges flat.
• Use some fusible interfacing around the edges of the ripped jeans.
• Cut a piece of fabric or denim scrap larger than your hole. You want at least a 1-inch (2.5cm) margin all the way around.
• Place the patch over the hole and pin it in place.
• Stitch around the edge of the repair fabric with a straight or zig-zag stitch. Press the repair from the inside as well as the outside.

5/5 - (2 votes)