My jeans always rip in the exact same place. Right in the crotch area.
In the past, I have had my grandmother patch them up for me. Sometimes the same pair would get repaired several times like the one below.
While folding my laundry last week, I noticed my newest pair of jeans (over a year and a half old) have finally achieved the dreaded crotch rip. I was not shocked or surprised. This was bound to happen eventually.
Besides this tiny hole in a not so noticeable spot, the jeans are just fine. There was no need to fret, I was going to patch them myself!
My sewing skills are even more sub-par than my knitting skills. I can sew buttons and seams together, but nothing this extensive (is this considered extensive?).
Now was my chance to learn a new skill that I could continue to use for years to come!
First, I needed some supplies I did not currently have in my possession.
- pinking shears
- fusible
I looked up what pinking shears cost and they aren’t too expensive, but so far I have gone my entire life not needing them, so there is no point in making that purchase now. Instead, I chose to borrow a pair from my grandmother. #vintage
After a quick trip to Jo-Anne’s for fusible, I gathered all my supplies and was ready to go.
First things first, I cut out a patch of denim from my now scrap pair of jeans. My plan was basically just to reinforce the crotch/thigh rub area so it would not rip any further.
I figured sewing the patch straight into the seam would help keep the fabric strong. To help, I used fusible, which basically turns your patch into an iron-on. I have never used fusible before and figured it could not hurt my pants any further.
Once the patches were ironed on, it was time to start sewing and this took a much longer time than I had thought! If I had a sewing machine this definitely would have been done sooner, but alas I do not. A used sewing machine is on my wish list (hint hint).
Sewing the patches too frustratingly long. I started this Friday afternoon and did not finish until Sunday evening, but hey, at least I can wear my jeans on Monday!
They aren’t perfect, but I think I did a pretty decent job for my first try and I know I have more to learn.
Have you ever tried to patch your favorite pair of jeans before? Do you have any better suggestions for the next time this happens to me?
waste not want not 