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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: blackie
Date: 10-25-2004, 08:03 PM (1 of 4)
A friend of a friend just dropped off three pair of work jeans to patch. The holes are in a variety of areas like the side-seams and back pocket (no crotch patches needed, which would be a waste of time IMHO). I am wondering what works best when patching jeans. I am thinking of sandwiching the holes in between two denim patches and then doing a tight satin-stitch along the border of the front patch (thereby "sealing" the back patch too). This is what I will do if I don't get any bright ideas. I know that iron-on patches won't hold at all.

These jeans do NOT need to look pretty -- I'm hoping for a long-lasting solution. Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any help you ladies may be able to give me!!

(also posted in Sewing/Quilting Business forum)
see the mundane life of a housewife.
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004
Total posts: 594
From: paroper
Date: 10-26-2004, 08:50 AM (2 of 4)
I prefer to use denium. If the area is around a pocket, I may use two layers, but I usually use one. If you are using newer fabric, the patch will be stronger than the jeans, so I don't worry that the patch will give way; the jeans are more likely to tear than the patch. I keep pieces of old denium in different colors around just for this. (I get them from low-wear places on jeans that finally wore out or from jeans I've shortened). I serge the edges of my patch. My machine has a stretch stitch that is two forward and one back. I use that stitch to apply my patch, sewing far enough back that I am sewing on material that has not weakened. If I didn't have this stitch, I would sew at least twice around the patched area. Since ragged jeans are in, I put my patches on the bottom. Often I will make a zig zag around the edges of the torn area to try and reinforce the actual tear too. If I want a neat edge, I will trim the edge before the zig zag. If I use a color under the jeans instead of the denium, I use at least two layers of patch serged together. If I can't find a good fabric to use, I have been known to use the iron on patches which I iron on and then sew into place the same way that I do a patch that is not ironed on.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: dlbcpa2b
Date: 10-26-2004, 09:21 AM (3 of 4)
I've patched jeans for my husband's work pants. If the back pockets are not being used (one or both), sew the top of the pocket closed, and use the fabric from behind the pocket. I put my patches on the inside of the jeans, then used a heavy jeans thread that sort of matches the jeans (also use a heavy jeans needle). Then all I did was sew back and forth over the patch and around the hole...so you are "scribbling" over the hole and patch with your thread. The patch, if using a matching thread, actually almost disappears. :smile: And, if you cover the edges with a lot of "scribbling," it doesn't fray. :up:

Hope this helps!

Dee :bg:
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins--not through strength, but through perserverance.
User: dlbcpa2b
Member since: 10-20-2004
Total posts: 14
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-26-2004, 01:21 PM (4 of 4)
I answered on the other thread you posted this on..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
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