So this month while we focus on jeans we’re going to be talking not just about how to sew brand new jeans, but also how to mend and alter jeans you may already own. I’m kicking this off by showing you how I patch jeans – with a method that avoids having to maneuver inside a denim well with your sewing machine while you try to patch a knee.
If your kids are anything like mine, just about all jeans start looking like this.
And poor Bean bears the brunt of this – I like to hand down clothes (for example, recognize the Hipster Henley he’s wearing in these photos?) but by the time jeans get to him, Tater’s talented self has distressed them to be the envy of Abercrombie fans everywhere. (side note: is distressing jeans a job he could actually get? He’s really highly qualified).
So here’s what I do to both patch the knees and – bonus! – lengthen the pants. Since both my boys tend to grow faster than they grow out, lengthening smaller pants is also useful.
Start by cutting out the knee area of the pants – on both legs.
Use the cut out knee area as a guide to cut out new fabric for the knees, adding in seam allowances and any extra length you’d like. As long as I’m going to the trouble of patching, I also use a double thickness of fabric for the patches – might as well reinforce. Sew your new fabric into a tube, and pin around.
This is easiest to sew with your needle inside the tube. (PS – like Daily Sewing Tips? Follow me on Instagram – I try to post them, well, daily)
Pin the bottom part of the jeans to the patch, and sew again. And voila! No holes and a cool pattern to boot.
Perfect for running around.
Christy
So fun – great way to do it!! Now I know you live in Texas but all the same if you could come up with a clever way of patching snow pants I’d be eternally grateful!!
Anne
Smart lady, patching and lengthening at the same time! I have a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later today that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-patch-kids-jeans-and-lengthen-them-at-the-same-time/2014/03/04/
–Anne
sorahart
Perfect idea! My son is wearing holes into almost every pants…except his jeans. But this technique will be great to fix flannel PJ pants and warm-up pants too!
Cathy E
Brilliant idea!! Wish I would have thought of it when my two were that age (all grown up and married now). They were experts at blowing out the knees.
Alyssa
What a creative way to save money on clothes! Thank you for this great idea! I just wanted to let you know that I’m linking to this tutorial on Wednesday, March 12 on my website if you don’t mind.
Sarah
This patch process reminds me of the Djorte trousers by Farbenmix. They have an option in the pattern for a knee insert that can be ruched on either side and the patch is curved at top and bottom. Just a couple of ideas if these were a girls’ pair… Cool.