how to patch the ripped crotch of denim pants, by Nestor Channel on YouTube. 2 min 57 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 57 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn the jeans inside out and trim any loose, frayed threads around the rip with scissors. Keep the edges neat so the patch sits flat.
Cut a piece of scrap denim slightly larger than the tear, about 1 cm bigger on every side. Thin denim works better than thick, stiff fabric here.
Pin the patch over the tear on the inside of the jeans, with the right side of the patch facing out through the hole.
Thread your needle with matching thread and knot the end. Use a double thread for extra strength in this high-stress area.
Sew around the edge of the patch with small running stitches, about 3 mm apart, going through the patch and the jeans.
Sew back and forth across the tear itself to close the gap, like a simple darning stitch, until the hole is covered.
Knot the thread on the inside and trim the ends. Turn the jeans right side out and check the repair lies flat.
Press the patched area with a warm iron to flatten the stitches and blend the patch into the denim.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash and dry the jeans before repairing so the patch does not shrink later.
Use thread that matches the denim colour, or a contrast thread if you want the repair to show.
Do not pull the stitches too tight or the patch will pucker and feel lumpy when worn.
For a large rip, back the patch with iron-on interfacing first to stop it stretching.
Questions
Can I do this without a sewing machine?
Yes. A hand needle and thread work fine for a crotch patch. Small, even stitches hold well in denim.
Should the patch go inside or outside the jeans?
Put it on the inside so it is hidden and the repair looks neat from the outside. Iron-on patches can go on the outside if you prefer.
Will the patch hold up in the wash?
Yes, if you sew it securely and knot the thread well. Wash the jeans inside out on a normal cycle.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
