How to mend tears in jeans by hand
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Follow this sewing tutorial to mend the crotch of worn-out jeans - no sewing machine is needed! This mend also works on jeans with a thigh split and reinforces the worn area to prevent future damage. If you're looking to repair ripped jeans by hand then look no further!
Moth holes are another common mending problem - find out how to repair small holes in jumpers here: • How to mend small hole...
Looking for a more creative way to repair your jeans? Take a look at our jeans-mending playlist here: bit.ly/44pzXaU
New tutorials every week - hit subscribe so you never miss a mend!
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Repair What You Wear is a unique, free-to-access website that teaches and inspires anyone to easily mend their own clothes - at a time when people are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing waste as well as saving money. Founded by a trained Textiles teacher and former retail buyer, its mission is to spread the word that repairing is crucial to sustainability.
My mom would always sew a patch on problem area of jeans like the crotch and knees, to give it more strength with the added layer and so that area isn't as stretched out so it helps it last longer. She'd use old jeans that don't fit anymore for the patch panels, and it would extend the life of jeans by years which is significant if you do manual labor and go through jeans quickly.
That's a great idea - and if you're patching with old jeans material, I'd recommend doing it after several washes so that the shrinkage of the jeans and the patches are equal, otherwise the new material will shrink more than the old, causing puckering.
Out of all the videos I've seen for patching denim, this is by far the best result. I think you already have to have knowledge of the stitches you're using, but that result is amazing.
Nice feedback - we have a website with absolute basic tuition, left and right handed, so it is possible to learn from there if you've never tried it before. We are, so far, the only website to teach hand mending from scratch for free, hope it helps people!
This is a great channel! Proper, well spoken lady who doesn't do all the fluff other youtubers do (ie big loud intro, stupid on screen tat, begging for likes and subscribers). It's basically like you've asked your mum or aunt how to fix your jeans, wonderful.
That's great feedback, it's exactly what it is supposed to be. Filling the big gap in education for new generations! Really appreciated. Tell your mates!
This was very helpful thank you, I wish the companies that make jeans do something about it to stop jeans tearing in this particular place
Any Jean's from America eagle you can exchange if something happens to them. If they don't have the exact they will replace with something similar
@@JessicaRodriguez-bc1oo ... I don't believe it but that sounds like a dream.
@@cutecats532 unless they recently changed their policy. But I have done that with their Jean's they didn't have the exact size I needed so they have me some that were Similar. My Jean's ripped from the inner part of the leg and they had no problem replacing.
That the exact reason why they income 😂😂😂😂
Things aren't made to last forever.
Thank you so much, looking forward to preserving mine (and my boyfriends) favorite jeans! Not only was your video was ever so helpful, I appreciated that your demonstration was detailed when needed and sped up when not. Not to mention, informative all the way till the end. Also, you pointing out when a stitch-uation is beyond repair, from the start will undoubtedly save me (and likely others) much unnecessary effort in the future!
Thank you for really positive feedback and well done for keeping mending.
Extremely helpful! I asked my grandmother how to sew the jeans in my holes a few years ago and, bless her heart, taught me the darning method... not exactly long lasting around the crotch, rear, or knee area, and I ended up with bigger holes. I've lost 5 pairs of my favourite jeans, but at least I had the sense to preserve the material. (Also I was using acrylic thread, so big oops there)
Love that story! Hope you have more success now you know a different method. We have loads of videos on our website repairwhatyouwear.com so any other mending challenges, head there first!
Such a helpful video! I tend to wear my jeans out in that area and this is the first hand-sewing tutorial I've found that actually uses hand-sewing instead of a sewing machine. You're very informative while keeping a good pace. I'll be coming back here for more tutorials for sure!
This is exactly how my m-i-l taught me to patch jeans, but I never remember. She's gone now, so I really appreciate your video. Thank you!
So pleased to help.
you are the bob ross of sewing!
Well that would be great!
The woes of having hips, thighs and a booty: all my jeans are torn in the crotch area fml. Lol 😆
Try hot gluing a large patch there. Works great for me in high stress areas around the seat and crotch. Of course I don't dry my jeans in a dryer.With stretchy jeans though, I don't know.
Girrrrrrrrrrrrrrllll! I feel your pain, it's already hard to find ones that actually fit all the curves 😕😅
easy access parking
Wonderful tutorial! There is much better explanation than other videos or shorts out there, who omit the most important parts in most cases.
Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for this praise, we try to teach properly and not just whizz, as it's tricky to learn that way. Glad it was helpful.
I've now repaired 2 jeans for my partner with this technique. Thank you so much for making this video! It's very helpful and makes a really sturdy patch!
Sorry for the late reply. This message was great. It is true that patches have to be sturdy - you can sew a rip together, it just rips again. If ever you have mending queries, do take a look on the website or TH-cam channel and scan through the many videos...hopefully helpful. Best wishes.
Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for an amazing explanation with all the necessary information to make my jeans last so much longer. Would leave two thumbs-up if I could.
Thats great feedback, and just glad it has been helpful. We have a heap of mending videos so use them when you need and tell others... Thanks
Noooooo not gut
😡😡😡😡😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
Noooot nays you ar not profesional o my Got dis work noo gut😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
Thank you so much Ma'am❤
Glad it was helpful. Don't forget we have a heap of mending videos if you need to fix other stuff @ repairwhatyouwear.
This is such a great resource, and i really found it very useful! I saw some of your videos and then repaired some of my clothes. It still impress me how quickly i can learn new things, living in the digital age, but also others willingness to share knowledge that way. Thanks!!
Thank you and well done mending!
Oh the joys of having no thigh gap haha, even if you do, it still happens! Thank you for this helpful video, it was very straight forward and easy to follow, not all over the place. Much appreciated!
That is great. We have loads of mending videos so take a look on our channel when you need ideas or help. R
"thigh gap" is a construct of people trying to make us feel badly about our bodies...don't buy into it
This got me through my first time ever patching a hole in denim! Thanks for explaining it so well!
Great video! I have been mending for years, but pretty terribly. Today I did proper mends on my husband's jeans thanks to you!
Thank you for great feedback and so glad to be of help. If you need to mend anything else, always look us up and tell your friends too. We try to make everything accessible, practical and it has to work!
Such a great tutorial! This mending technique looks very durable. Thank you so much!
Thank you! So glad it was helpful.
Great video. You explained this process very well and I was able to repair my jeans.
Thats great news and thank you. If you have any other mending challenges then take a look through the range of videos on the channel - same style of teaching.....
Thank you so much for the clear, real time explanations. Very well done!
Being 19 living alone this is SUPER helpful! Thank you so much!
That is great feedback. If you have any mending challenges then please skim through all our videos, we are there to help you.
This video was very well done. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. Thank you.
Thanks. If you ever want ideas on mending just skim through the rest of the channel and if you think we are missing something then email repairwhatyouwear.com!
I think your method is the nicest and strongest looking of the different methods I've seen on here. I've got a huge tear in my bedsheets I was looking to mend. I don't have a patch big enough, but maybe this with a zigzag stitch might work. It'll at least stop ripping and will be usable, even if I end up needing to replace them anyways.
Thank you so much for this, it’s saved my favourite jeans
That is just SOOO good, well done.
Wow! This was EXACTLY what I was looking for! I've just moved from the US to Costa Rica. I gave away ALL of my sewing things and haven't yet had a chance to build up my stash of threads and fabrics up. I also gave my sewing machine to my mom. before I left so everything is being done by hand. I have two pairs of jeans to mend and had NO idea how to go about it. Can't wait to see how mine turn out AND to check out your other tutorials! New subscriber!! 😎
what a lovely message. Big move but you will be OK with a needle and thread for the time being. Hoping that the tutorial helps you and you get good tips from the other. Welcome to the repairwhatyouwear family - you are doing good for your purse and for the planet!
Listen, you are the "stitching machine"...
Amazing job you done, Congratulations...!
Thanks for the suggestion...
I will do my best...
Cheers...
THANK YOU this is exactly what i needed! very clear explanation and good camera work, really easy to see what's going on!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for the video! Nice clear instructions and now I finally know how to mend jeans with weakened fabric around the tear. Funny you mentioned a job interview, the reason I'm looking up how to mend my jeans is because I have a job interview tomorrow and only have jeans to wear 😂
I'm glad the video was helpful and hope the interview goes well - despite my comment (I feel bad now!). Good Luck...
thank you for this, my favorite pair of jeans that i've worn for 5 years JUST got a hole in the crotch. ive been having a hard time finding a pair to replace them so mending it is my only option.
Me, a noob at sewing over here, seeing her pull the needle up so close to her thumb is making me nervous lol. I already poked myself earlier today
Sorry you've stabbed yourself! It gets better with practice, promise!
Thank you ever so much. Learned to sew young, but not to mend or darn. I've bungled a few mends in teaching myself!!! Now I know what to correct!!! Including what fabric type to use!!! Again, can't thank you enough!
Thats a very nice note, thank you. We have a range of videos to cover most mending situation and add to them regularly. So if you need to fix something, then just pull up all the videos on our TH-cam channel and scan down to see what might be right. Happy Mending!
Oh wow that turned out great! This might be a bit outside my skill level but it's worth attempting given the results. Cheers!
I enjoyed this video. You explained the process in a thorough and clear manner. And I am going to go buy new jeans now.
This is so great. I want to get more efficient at mending my clothes. It’s such a hassle right now
Glad it is helpful. All the tutorials are practical and should help with most things, knitwear holes etc. Great that you are mending.
Brilliant vid! I've got two pairs of jeans that have worn at the knee. I think I can repair them now.
Thats great and if you want to do some simple stitch decoration on top then look at the sashiko style mend, the tutorial is on kids jeans but technique is good for any size.
Thank you!! Straight to the point and very helpful.
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for the feedback!
Great job. Well done. Demonstration is clear.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!
very nice demonstration. Thank you.
Spot on, thank you, love the tutorial. I have to do a lot of mending and wanted to see some variety to employ.
Great, we have loads of tutorials and all practical, so hope you can "employ" many of them!
Thanks for this....... giving it a try on my torn jean
Super helpful... I like this technique you demonstrated. Has me thinking about repairing some of my good Jean's that have a fade that is beginning to show hole's. Thank you for your showing your Awesome tips.
Thank you for the great feedback and it is a good idea to get fixing done before it's too late.
Wow you are amazing! This video is super helpful. Thanks.
So glad! And if you need other ideas then look at our website and TH-cam channel, we have almost everything covered - from knitwear to jackets.
Such a helpful vid , learned a lot from this. Thanks ❤
So glad!
Excellent tutorial and great job. Thank you very much.
Thank you for positive feedback and glad you found it helpful.
Great tutorial! Thanks!
a pleasure to watch. fantastic reparation.
Muy bien cosido saludos megusta. 👍😘😘❤
Mi Placer.
Thank you! What I needed, and I think even I can repair my favorite pair of jeans.
Perfect! Hope you can give them a new life.
How brilliant! I throw away so many pairs of jeans because they wear away just like the pair here. I’ll see if I can patch as well as you! Thanks!
Thank you for the lovely feedback and good luck with the mending. All we say is good on you for trying, and you will get better and better!
Very nice work!
Thank you for this tutorial. I'm curious why you didn't clip the white fabric fibers first prior to stitching the hole?
If you clip away too many threads there is a hole which is very obvious, those long threads could be woven back into the mend to create a texture and blend over the (inevitably) different colour of the under patch. Hope that makes sense.
@@RepairWhatYouWear Yes! That makes sense! I teach sewing and I want to learn more how to repair without a sewing machine in addition to learning more creative ways of mending. Thank you again and I look forward to watching more of your videos!
@@Alaskaraised Thats great because it is such an essential skill for finance and the environment. Have you seen our website, repairwhatyouwear.com? It has a big range of tutorials and core instructions that you can download, right and left handed. It also has educational resources too, including information on Fashion and the Environment. It needs updating and I have some great powerpoint I can share, email repairwhatyouwear@gmail.com and I'll send them.
Brilliant video with extremely helpful explanations. Thank you 😃
Wow! I am awful when it comes to sewing anything. (Not an exaggeration 😞) That said, with great effort, and a LONG amount of time, i actually repaired my favorite jeans!!😁 Your detailed example, with explanations, are phenomenal!🤗😍 Thank you!!
What as pleasure to read this note - although I lost it again so apologies for the very long delay in responding. Now you have started mending, you will become more confident and if you need other mending techniques then please use our website or TH-cam channel any time. It's free and focussed on teaching....we hope.
Oh! I love the whipstitch finish at the end. Will have to incorporate that into my hubby’s jean mending. He will wear them till they are dead. Then he’ll still try to wear them and I have to bargain with him to let me throw them out.
Good man! 😆
This is exactly the information i needed :>, I did a dumb and damaged a perfect jean jacket with bleach and some rust when i tried to fade it to white and used some metal rubbish lying about to weigh it down into the mix, it's still a baby blue, but several spots have worn away and torn open all over, some are small and can just be sewn back, but some spots need a back piece, thank you for the video! :>
Sorry to hear about the jacket but glad this video has helped. Thank you for the feedback and enjoy fixing it and wearing it again!
@@RepairWhatYouWear thank you! At least I won't make the same mistake again :>, and i can always use a Frankenstein monsters jacket :p
Bless your sweet soul, this was so helpful. Thank you.
Thank you so much!! This will save me so much money since I won't have to abandon my jeans once they start falling apart lol
Also thank you for showing us how to do this by hand!
So glad. By hand is actually better for most mending as you have control, machines need skill. And they cost! We only do hand mending for this reason and take a look at our other videos on the channel if you want help at any time. R
Thank you so much for this video!! im finally gonna be able to fix my favorite jeans
That's great. Good job - keeping them going is the main thing!
This was helpful! Thank you! I have thrown away so many with holes in the crotch area because I cycle a lot (commuting as opposed to proper cycling) and it is the first area to go. However, they are good, often expensive branded jeans that I have to throw away that are otherwise OK everywhere else.
So sorry for the late reply. Very glad you have been able to fix your jeans and can stop having to throw them so frequently. Now you can mend these you can fix almost anything! We have a heap of mending videos in case anything else crops up... peak at our website, it's all free and to skill everyone up..~Best wishes.
Fantastic repair, thanks for sharing
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you found it helpful and if you need more mending ideas and help then scan down our channel - there are a heap of tutorials!
Thank you so much for this…
How I. The world did I get to be 62 without knowing how to do this?! Bless you.
As a drummer in a metal band, I end up tearing this exact bit every few months. It’s time to gain a new skill and start sewing! Aha
Meant to reply straight away. Loved this message! Keep going with your sewing skills, it will save you money and you will be a bit of an eco warrior too. That's needed now! Look through all our videos when you have something to fix and tell your mates. Cheers!
omg, what are they making you sit on?
@@yva1118yva hahaha
Such a great job! will try on mine..
Please do!
This was great! Very informative. Lovely accent too!
Thank you for the lovely feedback, so glad you found it helpful!
@@RepairWhatYouWear You’re welcome.
All I had was red thread lol, but it still worked perfectly! Thank you :)
That's brilliant, it shows that fixing stuff works with what you have! Do look at other other videos any time you need to mend clothes and tell your friends....
Good job. Thank you so much. 😊😊😊😊😊
I am thoroughly impressed by how well you do the repair work, capture the video and explain every step. brilliant video.
Noooooo😡😡😡😡😡😡😡brliant diz noooo gut work oke
Enjoyed your video!
Hope it's helpful too. Thanks.
thankful for your tutorial!
Thank you for the tutorial. I ripped my favorite jeans pretty bad running away from the police. I’m glad there’s something I can do about it
Thank you so very much for this video 😊.
Just saw your note. Thank you for the feedback. We do have loads of videos for mending so come back to the channel anytime.
Thank you!
Glad it was useful.
Well done
A pleasure!
I got big thigh so my jean get rip while regularly, so before wearing it 1st time i mend a support cloth to stop it from tearing apart … it exactly like martial art pant , it get an extra space between … and it prevent from beginning any destruction from my whale leg !
Thats great, reinforcement before you start wearing them
This is genius! I will try concentric mesh though I am curious if it works :D
Great video thank you!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for the useful video! Any reco for twill with glue on the back? Thanks!
Sorry for the late reply. Can you email repairwhatyouwear@gmail.com with a bit more information and we will give advice. Cheers.
So helpful!
Fica melhor do que o feito a máquina pq a costura fica invisível.
A pleasure.
Amazing tip, thanks!
Happy to help!
Literally the first example is what I was looking to mend. I watched 22 seconds to hear "get f'd".
Ah well, the truth is that you need more than basic skills to mend something that is that far gone...It is worth watching the rest because then you can spot the split emerging and fix it cheaply right then. Apologies.
This is my first time picking up a needle and thread but my jeans need repair. Please pray for me 😅
Best of luck! You'll do great.
@@RepairWhatYouWear I bombed it 😅 time to buy new
Good video, Thanks!! But for me pinning the fabric patch with pins resulted in quite a few pricks to my fingers so I tacked the fabric with so contrasting thread colour which made the sewing process much faster as I didn't have to worry about my fingers, LoL!!!
Sorry, only just seen this. What works for you is important - so a great tip that others may follow. Thanks
Well done.
Hope it was helpful.
Thankyou, this really helped.
So sorry for the late reply but glad it helped.
Thank you so much. I would have quite the wardrobe if my chunky thighs didn't eventually do this to every pair of pants after a few months. I used to try wearing compression bike shorts under my jeans to make them last longer, but it's so hot where I live that I just couldn't take it.
Hopefully you can use this to reduce the problem - reinforcing the jeans before they wear in particular areas. I'm sure you can't wear too many layers in a hot place! Best wishes.
Good vid. Do you know any visible darn techniques for jeans? Want to attempt it using silver embroidery thread!
We have a couple of videos with visible stitching that might inspire you.
th-cam.com/video/Mlb2WcsxIJo/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/D3XnHESFth4/w-d-xo.html
If you want to learn the embroidery stitches too then look at the kids versions - basic but effective.
th-cam.com/video/xpliEhKsSSA/w-d-xo.html
Remember, providing you have stitched in a patch underneath the tear and surrounding area, you can be as decorative as you like on top. With the shashimi style running stitch, it holds mends that aren’t under too much pressure but for other decorative stitches it’s best to discretely sew the mend and under patch securely and decorate on top. Get in touch again if this hasn’t answered your questions.
I have a question mam , why didn't you choose ladder stiching for sewing ?
When there is a split in a fabric that is non stretchy, it will need to be patched. Especially if the fabric is worn, otherwise it will split again immediately. Hope this helps.
@@RepairWhatYouWear thankyou mam for clearing my doubts
Thanks for the video =)
Thanks for watching and hope it was helpful.
I am SO happy I caught this video before binning about a dozen pairs with rips in the thigh area. I don't have a car so I walk (a lot) and this has meant the 'death' of many pairs. Especially frustrating when there is nothing wrong otherwise. Thank you! ❤
That is great feedback. These essential repair skills save a lot of money as well as keeping stuff out of landfill. Well done you!
Would it be helpful to use a slitly elastic thread? Also would you recommend an iron on patch along with the stitching?
It's a good question. The only thread that is fine enough and has stretch is multi fibre "wooly nylon" but this is not ideal for a material that is mostly cotton. The back stitch used provides a bit of stretch to the patch and should work OK as well as being the right blend of fibre. We don't recommend an iron on patch for this sort of repair if there is any tear in the fabric as the glue may come through the tear on the outside of the jeans. It can be useful for adhering the patch if this is not a worry but it still needs sewing as well because the glue can start to fail with washing. Hope this is helpful.
Love the beginning LOL
Sorry to take so long to respond. Er, yes, it puts a lot of people off but after I'd said it, couldn't undo it!! Take action earlier was really my message...
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Fixed 2 pairs of jeans. Thank ya
Sorry for the late reply. So glad.
AMAZING!! I AM SAVING ABOUT 300 USD
Be proud - you are showing the way forward for the planet and your wallet!
Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for.
I totally agree with that
Wow, you addressed my situation right at the beginning of the vid so bluntly lol.... I have a crotch hole in my jeans just like that one. Are you sure there's absolutely no way to patch it up with extra denim, maybe sew it shut with a sewing machine, etc?
If you have a sewing machine you can put a patch of denim behind including under the central seam line and machine sew back and forth. The important part is to link it to the stitching line, which may be difficult to get a needle through, so perhaps take the fabric to the other side. Then you probably will have to cut out the damaged top fabric and machine over the raw edges to attach it to the backing. Do you want a video?!
OK, will work on this! Let you know when it's going up.
@@RepairWhatYouWear Thank you, it seems I wasn't notified of your original reply 😅A video would be awesome!!
@@RepairWhatYouWear Yes please. I'm going to attempt this using a sewing machine. I'm going to open the seam and tuck the patch under then re-sew it and do the rest by hand. I'm stitching into a stretch denim so I think I need a ball needle for the hand sewing part and a stretch needle for the sewing machine? 🤞🏻
Thank you.
A pleasure, glad it was useful.