How to Mend a Hole in Jeans by Hand

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Follow this quick guide to sew ripped jeans and patch up holes
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Have you ever slipped on your favorite pair of jeans only to discover a hole in them? As frustrating as it may be, fixing them is a fairly easy task—and you don’t have to be an experienced tailor to get the job done! All you need is some thread, a heavy-duty needle, and patience. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to sew a small tear closed or patch larger holes with matching denim fabric with expert advice from Professional Tailor David Pew.

Best Way to Stitch a Hole in Jeans

  1. Use fabric scissors to trim excess thread or frayed edges of the hole.
  2. Thread a heavy-duty needle with all-purpose polyester thread and tie a knot.
  3. Turn your garment inside-out and insert the needle below the hole.
  4. Weave vertical straight stitches across the hole until you reach the end.
  5. Tie off the thread inside your jeans to secure it.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

How to Sew Up a Small Hole

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  1. Before sewing over the hole, trim excess thread around the edges of the hole with fabric scissors . This will make it easier to sew the hole closed and reduce the visibility of the seam. [1]
  2. Use all-purpose polyester thread that matches the color of your denim. [2] Slip the thread through the eye of a heavy-duty needle until about 18 inches (46 cm) extends from either side of the needle's eye. Then, cut the ends and tie a knot to secure.
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  3. Weave your needle from the inside of your jeans 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the hole. This anchors the thread at the strongest point in the denim, allowing you to fully cover the hole. [4]
    • If the denim isn’t strong enough on the edges, insert the needle 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge of the hole instead.
  4. With your needle inserted, pull the thread through. Grab one edge of the hole with the needle and straight stitch across the hole to the other edge. Move the needle below the new stitch to create another vertical stitch. Repeat this process, working from side to side until the length of the hole is stitched. [5]
    • Tug on the thread after every few stitches to close the hole. [6]
    • A straight stitch allows you to move in and out of the fabric in a straight line to mend fabrics. [7]
    • Use a sewing machine's straight stitch or running stitch setting. Cut a small piece of fabric to act as a patch—don’t worry, the stitches will cover it! Move the fabric back and forth as you press on the machine’s peddle until the hole is secured. [8]
  5. After sewing the hole shut, add 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) worth of stitches to ensure the hole won’t rip again. Then, tie off the thread inside the jeans to secure the stitches.. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

How to Sew a Patch on Jeans

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  1. For a clean look, trim away the frayed edges of the hole with fabric scissors. Purchase a denim patch or use matching denim fabric. Measure the width and length of the hole and add 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) on all sides. [10]
    • For example, for a hole that’s 3 inches (7.6 cm) by 4 inches (10 cm), make a 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) by 4.5 inches (11 cm) patch.
    • If the fabric is weak on the edges of the hole, add more length to your measurements to ensure you're sewing into strong areas of the denim fabric.
    • Professional Tailor David Pew recommends finishing the patch's edges with a serger or pinking shears so the patch doesn't fray. [11]
    • Alternatively, opt for patterned fabrics to upcycle your jeans and give them a brand-new look.
  2. Put a thin line of bonding web —or iron-on fabric glue —along the edges of the patch. Make sure you don't put the glue further in than 0.5 in (1.3 cm) inside the edges, or it will show inside the hole. [12]
    • Alternatively, pin the patch in place, but remember to remove each pin as you sew.
  3. It’s easiest to turn the garment inside out to attach the patch. However, you can also carefully slide the patch inside the leg of the jeans for the most subtle fix. Pew advises pressing the edges of the hole onto the glue on the patch's edges. [13]
    • If you prefer, you can put the glue on the top of the patch.
  4. Pew recommends a heavy-duty needle to sew tiny zigzag stitches so that they won't be visible. [14] Poke the threaded needle through the front of the fabric and stitch a vertical line. Return to the starting point and move the stitch diagonally across. Bring the needle back through the front with a vertical stitch, make another diagonal stitch, and repeat for the length of the hole. When you’re done, fasten with a knot. [15]
    • A sewing machine works best for sewing a patch into place. Set your sewing machine to the zigzag setting, and sew around the outer edges of the patch to secure it.
    • Be careful not to sew across the pins because this may damage your machine.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What do you use to patch jeans?
    David Pew
    Professional Tailor
    David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.
    David Pew
    Professional Tailor
    Expert Answer
    If you want the patch to be hard to see, use denim that's just a little lighter than the jeans. Usually, holes end up in areas that have seen a lot of wear, like the thighs, and these areas tend to be lighter in color. Also, if the jeans have threads that are two different colors, choose a thread that matches the lighter color.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Do you need to use glue if you sew on the patch?
    David Pew
    Professional Tailor
    David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.
    David Pew
    Professional Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Use bonding web, or iron-on fabric glue, to hold the patch in place. However, since that isn't a permanent solution, you still need to stitch the patch down.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Won't the sewing machine go through the back?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Most modern sewing machines have an arm feature. You will have an area just wide enough to slip the tube of fabric in place for sewing. Hand sewing is the only alternative if this feature is not available. Blanket stitching edges can prevent further fraying and add strength to the final seam. Look for denim thread, available at most fabric stores, to make an invisible repair.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Sewing a Small Hole

      Sewing a Patch Over a Large Hole

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      References

      1. ↑ https://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/3-ways-to-mend-holes-in-blue-jeans/
      2. ↑ https://www.seamwork.com/articles/a-guide-to-sewing-denim
      3. ↑ https://www.seamwork.com/articles/a-guide-to-sewing-denim
      4. ↑ https://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/3-ways-to-mend-holes-in-blue-jeans/
      5. ↑ https://www.gathered.how/sewing-and-quilting/sewing/how-to-sew-a-hole
      6. ↑ https://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/3-ways-to-mend-holes-in-blue-jeans/
      7. ↑ https://cyberseams.com/sewing/sewing-basics/how-to-sew-by-hand-basic-stitches/
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/bc16SQ8YqwY?t=116
      9. ↑ https://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/3-ways-to-mend-holes-in-blue-jeans/
      1. ↑ https://www.americanpatch.com/about/do-it-yourself/sew-on-patches/how-to-sew-a-patch-on-jeans/
      2. ↑ David Pew. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.
      3. ↑ David Pew. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.
      4. ↑ David Pew. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.
      5. ↑ David Pew. Professional Tailor. Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/RHO3qdujMcw?t=41

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To sew a hole in your jeans, start by trimming away the frayed edges. Then, thread a needle with thread that’s as close as possible to the color of your jeans and tie a knot at the 18-inch mark. Use the threaded needle to sew stitches into the denim around the edge of the hole, taking care to sew 0.5 inches away from the edge so it holds together. Tuck the thread inside your jeans as you go, and tie the thread off on the inside of your jeans when you've sewn all the way around the hole. To learn more, including how to sew a patch over a large hole, keep reading!

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