this kind of patching is the way to fix torn pants, by Reynaldo Evangelista on YouTube. 2 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans first so the denim has already shrunk, then trim loose threads around the tear with small sharp scissors.
Turn the jeans inside out and flatten the frayed edges. Cut a patch from denim or sturdy cotton that overlaps the tear by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) on every side.
For an inside patch, pin the patch behind the tear with the right side facing out through the hole. For an outside patch, pin it over the tear.
Set your machine with a denim needle and polyester thread. Use a straight stitch about 2.5 to 3 mm long and test it on a scrap of denim first.
Sew around the edge of the patch, backstitching at the start and finish. Keep the stitching about 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the patch edge.
If the tear is a hole, sew back and forth across it over the patch to fill the gap with lines of stitching, then stitch around the patch edge.
Press the repaired area with an iron on the wrong side, or use a pressing cloth on the right side, to flatten the seams and patch.
Trim any patch overhang close to the stitching on the inside, then try the jeans on to check the repair sits flat.
Tips and common mistakes
Use thread that matches the denim so the stitching blends in, or a contrasting colour if you want the repair to show.
Fit a fresh denim needle; a worn needle can skip stitches and leave holes in the fabric.
Sew slowly over thick seams and turn the hand wheel for the first few stitches to avoid a broken needle.
Keep your fingers away from the needle and unplug the machine before you change the needle or bobbin.
Questions
Can I patch jeans without a sewing machine?
Yes. Use an iron-on fusible patch or hand-sew the patch with a whipstitch. A machine gives a stronger, neater repair on worn denim.
What fabric should I use for a jeans patch?
Use denim or a sturdy cotton twill similar in weight to the jeans. A patch cut from an old pair of jeans matches best and washes the same way.
How do I stop the edges of the patch from fraying?
Pink the edges with pinking shears, fold them under before stitching, or seal them with fusible web. Stitching close to the edge also helps.
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.
