Tear & Wear
Having a pair of jeans that you really like and suddenly they rip or wear down? Noticing signs of wear and tear on your favorite pair of jeans can be upsetting, but spending a lot of money buying a new pair may not be the only option. This article aims to provide tips and tricks on how to patch jeans with a sewing machine.
To begin with, patching your jeans does not always have to be a difficult task. With the right materials and supplies on hand, coupled with some time and patience, a quick and easy patch job can be done to make your jeans look like new again. First, the materials you need to patch jeans with a sewing machine are fairly straight forward. Common items such as fabric and needle and thread are all that is required.
For fabric, choose material that is color coordinated to your jeans. If you have an old pair of jeans that do not fit anymore, consider using that material as a patch.Next, a needle and thread are essential to stitching the patch onto your jeans. Having a few different colors of thread may come in handy depending on the color of your jeans or patch fabric. You are now ready to start the process of patching.
Lay your jeans flat on a table. Put the patch in the desired spot on the jeans. Using the needle and thread, begin stitching the patch onto your jeans. Starting at the corner of the patch, stitch around the edges. Be sure to keep the stitches close together, so the patch will be secure and not easily come off.For a stronger hold, you can add a few stitches in between sections of the patch. After you finish stitching, tie a knot with the thread to ensure it is secure.
After the patch is finished, you may want to iron your jeans with a warm iron to press the patch down and make sure it is secured. Now your jeans should be good as new, with an added patch to show-off.
Iron-On Patches
Another method of patching jeans is to use iron-on patches. These patches come in a wide range of sizes and usually have adhesive on the back. The process for patching jeans with an iron-on patch is simpler than stitching.
First, remove any extra material from the patch that is not adhesive. Lay the patch on the desired spot on the jeans and make sure it is centered. Put a thin cloth on top of the patch and press with a warm iron for about 15 seconds. The heat from the iron will activate the adhesive from the back of the patch, bonding the material of the patch to the jeans. To ensure the patch is secure, it is recommended to flip the jeans over and iron the backside at least once.
The only caveat with iron-on patches is that they may not last as long as patches stitched with a needle and thread. To increase the longevity of iron-on patch, running a few stitches around the edges of the patch will help to keep it secured longer.
Reinforce and Disguise
For holes or rips in jeans, there are a few things that can be done to help reinforce the area and make sure the patch is secure. First, switching the wrong side of the jeans towards the inside, making the fabric of the jeans the new outside, is a way to help reinforce and strengthen the patch.
Another option is to use thin strips of material to help disguise the hole or rip. Cut a thin strip of the desired fabric and lay it over the hole or rip. After that, using the needle and thread, stitch the thin strips over the hole or rip, being sure to secure the edges. This technique helps to not only cover up the hole, but also secure and reinforce the integrity of the fit jeans.
Decorative Patches
One of the good things about patching jeans, is that it can provide a medium for self-expression. Decorative patches come in a range of colors, shapes, sizes and designs. For a little extra fun, applying one of these patches to the jeans in a place of your choice can add some personality.
It is also possible to make a patch from scratch. All that is required is fabric and a needle and thread. Then, draw out a simple shape for the patch, cut it out and then proceed to follow the same instructions for stitching a patch onto the jeans.
Embroidery
For a really special look, embroidering patches onto the jeans is another fun and creative way to add personal flair to your patch-up job. Embroidering patches involves a few more specialized supplies, such as an embroidery needle and embroidery thread. After your patch is stitched on,begin threading the needle with the embroidery thread. Depending on the design, different colors of thread can be used. Then, using the needle and thread, stitch in a design of your choice onto the patch.
Embroidery patches tend to last longer than regular patches due to the extra thread used in the stitch. This extra stitch work is what helps to keep the patch in place.
Stencils
If you are a fan of art, stenciling onto patches or even directly onto the jeans is another option. With a little creativity, this technique can be used to create some very eye-catching designs. It is recommended to use fabric or acrylic stencil paint for the best results.
You can also use a stamp for custom designed patches. Ink stamps are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. This provides an additional layer of detail to your patching job.
Creative Patterns
Adding creative patterns to patches is a great way to make a unique design. Place a patch piece down on your jeans and with a fabric marker or pen, draw out the design of your choice. Then, using a needle and thread, stitch over the drawn lines with a colored thread. Simple zig zag and cross-stitch patterns are two examples of creative patterns that can be used.
Leather Patches
Leather patches can add a subtle and classic touch to your jeans. To apply the leather patch, use a fabric adhesive or run a few stitches through the patch. Depending on the look and feel you prefer, you can choose from a range of leather patches in different colors, textures or sizes.
Have Fun
Patching jeans is not a difficult task and can be an enjoyable experience. Instead of having to buy a new pair of jeans, patching can be done to give your jeans a new life. With some practice, patching your jeans with a sewing machine can be a fun and easy process. And lastly, remember to be creative with this!
