How to sew a hole in jeans using a sewing machine?

Question

My sister bought me a sewing machine for my birthday and I want to use it to sew the holes in my jeans (I have a lot of jeans with holes in them just sitting around) and I'm tired of buying new pairs that just keep ripping. Does anyone know the best way to use the machine to make sure that the stich stays nice and tight and not become loose? I have tried sewing by hand and I just can't get the stitching to stay tight, even when I use a patch to sew and iron it on. It always falls apart. I was also thinking about sewing the patch on with the sewing machine. Does anyone think that if I did this it would last for a couple of months worth of wear?

Answer 1

I don't know the size of the holes.  if they are somewhat large, I suggest a patch.  The patch can be decorative, ie. sewn from the right side with a zig zag stitch, or from the wrong side using just a straight stitch.  If the holes are smaller, just zig zag using thread the same color as your jeans.  If you prefer, use an iron-on patch.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't mess with the tension on the sewing machine. That's the biggest problem with the stitches being loose. Also you may be putting them too close to the edge of the hole and the stitching pulls loose. Go to a book store and get yourself a book on basic sewing and if you have anything on hand you can cut up practice on that. The best way to learn is to practice. Also your local sewing machine store could be offering sewing lessons once in a while. Also there are free sewing lessons on the internet. Just do a search on them.

However you decide to patch your jeans the first thing to do is trim the loose strings off around the hole.

Answer 3

I would suggest a patch also, I've had trouble with iron on patches so I wouldn't suggest those. You can use a decorated patch or solid one. My boyfriends mom fixed my pants that ripped while I was at their house using her sewing machine and a patch. This was atleast 3 months ago, if not more, and I've washed them alot and nothing has come apart yet.

Answer 4

In addition, if your jeans are ripping frequently, and you're not doing stuff like hopping barbed wire fences, you're not wearing jeans that fit you properly.  I know the current fad is for skin-tight jeans, but when you put extra stress on a seam, you're asking for it (or the fabric) to rip out.  This is a particular problem with "stretch denim", as there's a lot of "seam slippage" in many stretch denims -- it's a fabric flaw.

So in addition to getting caught up with your mending, you might try a different brand or style of jeans, or a different size.

Answer 5

I think a sewing machine will definitely help your jeans stay mended.  If you have patches you  like, you can iron them into place first and then use a good zig-zag stitch to follow the entire way around the hole.  Or if your machine only does straight line stitches, try making a couple of concentric rings around the hole.  Try making the patch about an inch larger than the hole and applying it inside.  When you have finished sewing it into place, you can trim it down if necessary.

I don't really like to buy patches, but rather I have an old pair of jeans (which were retired long ago) from which I cut custom patches.  That way I can get the exact right size I need in any shape necessary.  Also, I find the prewashed, genuine denim more comfortable to wear.

Happy sewing!