How to Patch Jeans
You discover that your favorite jeans has a hole or rip in it. Getting a new pair is okay, but it’s a shame to throw away your ripped one, just because of a teeny hole. Instead of throwing it, why not patch it, so it can still be used? Patching jeans can add a funky look to your old pair. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need:
Jeans
Fabric patches
Sewing machine
Fabric glue
Iron and ironing board
Scissors
Sewing pins and needles
Thread
Procedure:
Make it a habit to patch jeans as soon as you see the tear or rip in them. It’s harder to patch jeans if the holes are too large or if the edges become too frayed already.
Examine the hole in the jeans, and see if there are any loose threads from it. If you find any, remove them, until the tear is clean. You may need to cut some of them with the scissors.
Set your sewing machine to the zigzag setting, then create a satin stitch along the tear’s length. If you’re not familiar with a sewing machine, ask someone to help you out.
Using an iron-on denim patch: this is a good idea if the hole or tear isn’t very big. The patch should be big enough to cover the damage area completely. Put some fabric glue on the side that’s going to be in contact with the jeans. At the same time, heat your iron. When it’s hot enough, press the decorative patch over the jeans, then press the iron over it. This will allow the two fabrics to fuse.
Using decorative fabrics: If you want your jeans to look more fun and decorative, you can pick your own fabrics to be the patches. Choose cotton ones, then cut them in the shape you like. Put them over the damaged area, then use zigzag stitches to sew on. Secure by putting fabric glue around the edges. Sewing decorative fabric patches is better, if you’ve got a big hole to cover.
Some Tips:
You can patch a pair of jeans even when there aren’t any tear or rips in it. It gives your clothes a funky look.
Fabric glue can be found at craft and fabric stores. Be careful not to get it on any other parts of your jeans, though, because it sticks permanently.
Some denims are too tough to be hand-sewn. Use sewing machine for these tough fabrics.
Ripped jeans can still look cool, if you know how to patch them properly. Go wild and have fun designing your old pair!