Mending Jeans

Pink_Giraffe

Thanks for all your responses!! I have some cut off pieces of denim from shortening my jeans so going to have a go at patching them this weekend. Fingers crossed!

flora48

Iron-on tape works well. On the knees I just iron it on the right side and then sew around the edges for extra durability. If there is a tear I use iron-on tape on the inside, almost invisible mending.

GreyQueen

Hello Pink_Giraffe, I've mended loads of jeans and this is definately a job for patch. It's a bit detailed but here goes:
1. Get a piece of denim about 7cm in bigger all around than the area which has given way. If you don't have a pair of old jeans to cannibalise, you could always sacrifice one of the rear patch pockets, provide your OH won't mind too much
2. Turn under a hem (one turn under or it'll be too bulky). It's important that the hem turned is from wrongside to rightside because the hem will need to be sandwiched between the patch and the jeans leg once installed. Stitch down hem (hand or machine).
3. With jeans right way around, slide patch down the leg until positioned behind the hole(s).
4. Pin and tack.
5. Because you'll be effectively sewing inside a tube, you won't be able to get at it with a sewing machine. Catch down the edges of the patch with small strong stitches (overlapping is best).
6. On the outside of the jeans leg, catch down the raw edges of the split/ hole to the patch with something like blanket stitch(handsewing again, unfortunately).

Honestly, it's easier than it sounds and you'll have a comfortable, not-to-obvious patch which will last as long as the jeans.

Hope this is a help

Penelope_Penguin

Asthis has fallen from the front page of OS, I'll add it to the existing thread to give you more ideas.

gailey_2

My fave pair of jeans have become all frayed at bottom.
Wondering how best to fix that.
When I brought them they went to tailors to be fitted for me.
But in reality leg length was fine in heels but I wear mostly flats so think that might be cause of fraying.

I gues cant take too much off bottom of leg as would maybe then be too short.

Anyone else had similar problem. Much prefer make do and mend attitude than have to buy new.:D

karren

what about sewing something on the bottom ie ribbon or something? in not turn them up and sew, so double the fabric so wont fray and the frayed but are out of sight x

Looby_-_Lou_2

You need to put your jeans on with the shoes you would normally wear. Then get some one else to turn them up to the right length and pin whilst you stand up straight (very important that bit).

Get who ever it is to fold the fabric to the outside and not attempt to do them as they will be sewn as it makes it harder to get it right. Hope that makes sense!

You then need to cut them off 3 cm below the final length.
Then fold under 1 1/2 cm and fold again. Machine using orange thread if you are confident of your skills (most jeans are top stitched in orange) if less confident use blue as it is more forgiving!

Hope that helps - it's harder to describe than I thought.

zippychick

Does the fraying really bother you? I know it wouldn't me:p

If you try and mend them and it all goes wrong, you could make them into cutoffs between ankle and calf length, or shorts for summer? Even to the knee is shorts.

Ive merged this with our mending jeans thread

OS ways of using old jeans may also be useful
Zip