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 fix a hole in your jeans, whatever the trends may be. Ripped for fashion, and an annoying hole, are two different scenarios.
How to Fix a Hole in Jeans by Machine Sewing
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 to be part of the jean's individuality.
How to Fix a Hole in Jeans With Patches
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 color cotton, 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.
Tips for Sewing Patches on Jeans
Here are some tips to apply when learning how to fix a hole in jeans using a patch:
- 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.
- CUT THE PATCH - 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 be contrasting or match the color of the jeans.
- 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 or do a simple zig-zag stitch.
- REINFORCE - Use some fusible interfacing around the edges of the patch. This will not only adhere it around your hole but ensure the edges don't fray further.
- PLACE - 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.
- STITCHING - Stitch around the edge of the patch 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. You can use a straight stitch or a zig-zag around the edges. If there are long threads across the hole, you may want to sew across the patch as well.
- FINISHING - Press the repair from the inside as well as the outside.
- DECORATE - 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.
- PREPARATION - This time don't cut the loose threads. Press the area with the hole in order to flatten the edges.
- PATCH - Cut and prepare the patch in the same way as steps 2 to 4 above.
- PLACE - Place the patch underneath the hole and pin or baste to hold it in place.
- 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 slap stitch a patch onto their jeans. Here are some other methods for how to fix a hole in jeans without a sewing machine.
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.
- RE-INFORCE - 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.
- STITCH - When the tear is secure use an overcast stitch to bring the threads together.
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 it will blend into the denim.
- Stitch across the hole stopping and starting ½ inch (12mm) from the edges of the hole. This will result in long threads across the hole.
- Around the outside of the hole, stitch small running stitches.
- Now repeat in a downwards direction. When you pass the long stitches in the center, weave the thread up and down.
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 satin stitch and the pink area has some backstitching for additional reinforcement.
- CUT THE EDGES - Clean up the loose threads around the hole and press the edges flat.
- CUT THE PATCH - Cut a piece of denim or thick fabric at least 1 inch larger than the hole.
- 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.
- REINFORCE - Press some fusible interfacing around the edges of the patch. This will reinforce the edges and further prevent fraying.
- 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 in place making sure the hole is covered. Baste the patch in place to be sure it will not slip.
- 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.
Here are some great embroidery options:
Reverse Applique
Reverse applique is an attractive way to deal with a hole in jeans.
Cut away the hole into a shape such as the heart pictured below.
Apply double-sided fusible interfacing around the edges.
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.
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
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:
- Iron the ripped area to smooth the fabric. Remove any long loose threads.
- If necessary, cut your patch to size. You may like to cut out a decorative patch like a heart shape.
- Remove the protective film at the back of the patch. This will usually reveal a sticky surface at the back of the denim patch.
- Place the patch sticky side down over your hole.
- Iron over the patch at the recommended temperature using a pressing down motion. Ensure the edges are ironed well and sealed.
- Most patches recommend waiting 24-48 hours before washing your newly patched jeans.
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 your embroidered patch but here are the basics:
- Iron the hole in your jeans to flatten the threads. Trim any loose or longer threads.
- Turn on your iron to the recommended setting for the patch. In most cases, this will be one of the hottest settings.
- Place the embroidered patch over the hole.
- 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.
- You may need to iron a few times to make sure that the patch is attached on the edges.
- Wait 24-48 hours before washing your jeans.
How to Fix a Hole in Jeans - In Conclusion
Now you know how to fix a hole in jeans you are set to put your jeans back on! It will not matter how you repaired the hole in your jeans. You will be ready to sing along with stars like Keith Urban as you wear your blue jeans. Yes, sing along and.... "when you wake up in the mornin’ light...You will pull on your jeans and feel all right."
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