How to Sew a Hole in Jeans

Co-authored by David Pew

Last Updated: January 26, 2021

Sewing a hole in jeans is an easy process. You can sew up a small hole using a needle and thread or you can sew up a larger hole using a patch, some matching thread, and a sewing machine. If you have some jeans that could use a minor repair, sew up the hole and they will be almost as good as new!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Sewing a Small Hole

1
Trim away the frayed edges. Before sewing over the hole, trim away some of the excess thread around the edges of the hole. This will make it easier to sew the hole closed and reduce the visibility of the seam. Don’t cut into the fabric surrounding the hole. Only cut the frayed denim.^{[1]
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2
Thread a needle. Use thread that closely matches the color of your denim. This will help to make the seam less visible. A heavy duty thread also works best for sewing denim. Insert the end of your thread through the eye of the needle, and then pull the thread through until you have about 18 inches (46 cm) of thread extending from each side of the needle’s eye.

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3
Tie a knot in the thread. Cut both strands of the thread at the 18 inches (46 cm) mark. The, tie a knot in the ends of the thread strands. This will help to anchor your thread to the inside of the jeans as you sew.
4
Insert the needle 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the side of hole. Start by insert your needle from the inside of your jeans about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the hole. This will ensure that you can fully cover the hole with the thread and it will anchor the thread at a strong point in the denim.^{[2]
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- If the denim is weak at the 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), then insert it 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge of the hole instead.
5
Weave through the denim on the edges of the hole. Start weaving stitches across the area right beside the hole and work towards it. Insert your needle about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the top of the hole to 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the bottom of the hole. After the needle comes out at the bottom of the hole, bring it back up and through the area above the hole again.^{[3]
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6
Work all the way across and beyond the hole. Continue to weave in and out of the denim beside the edges of the hole. Tug on the thread after every few stitches to close the hole. Keep going until you reach the point 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the other side of the hole.^{[4]
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7
Tie off the thread inside of your jeans. When you finish sewing up the hole, insert the needle through the denim at the 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) mark. Then, tie off the thread inside of the jeans to secure your stitches.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sewing a Patch On a Large Hole

1
Trim away the frayed edges. A patched hole will look cleaner if you trim away the frayed edges first. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut away any frayed edges, but do not cut into the fabric. Leave the denim surrounding the jeans intact.^{[5]
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2
Cut a piece of matching denim fabric to cover the hole. You can either buy some denim patch material that matches your jeans or you can buy some matching denim fabric. Either way, you will need to cut the material to the size you need to cover the hole. Measure across the hole and add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to each measurement. This will ensure that you have about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of fabric going past the edge of the hole.^{[6]
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- For example, if the hole you are covering measures 3 inches (7.6 cm) by 4 inches (10 cm), then make a patch that is 4 inches (10 cm) by 5 inches (13 cm).
- If the fabric is weak on the edges of the hole, then add more length to your measurements to ensure that you will be sewing into strong areas of the denim fabric.
- Finish the edges of the patch with a serger or pinking shears so the patch won't fray.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  David Pew
  Professional Tailor
  Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
3
Put fabric glue around the very outside edges of the patch. Put a thin line of bonding web—or iron-on fabric glue—all the way around the edges of the patch. Make sure you don't put the glue further in than 0.5 in (1.3 cm) inside the edges or it will show inside the hole.^{[8]
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Expert Source

David Pew
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
- You can also pin the patch in place, if you prefer, but you'll need to remove each pin as you sew.
- If you're going to put the patch under the hole, put the glue on the top of the patch. If you're going to put the patch on top of the hole, put the glue on the bottom of the patch.
4
Place the patch under the hole. For the most subtle fix, carefully slide the patch inside the leg jeans. Press the edges of the hole onto the glue on the edges of the patch.^{[9]
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Expert Source

David Pew
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
- If you prefer, you can put the glue on the top of the patch.
5
Sew around the edges of the patch. A sewing machine works best for sewing a patch into place. Set your sewing machine to the zigzag setting, and sew around the outer edges of the patch to secure it.
- You can also hand sew your patch in place with a heavy duty needle. Use very small stitches so they won't be visible.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  David Pew
  Professional Tailor
  Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
- Be careful not to sew across the pins because this may damage your machine.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What do you use to patch jeans?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

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If you want the patch to be hard to see, use denim that's just a little lighter than the jeans. Usually, holes end up in areas that have seen a lot of wear, like the thighs, and these areas tend to be lighter in color. Also, if the jeans have threads that are two different colors, choose a thread that matches the lighter color.
Question

Do you need to use glue if you sew on the patch?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

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Use bonding web, or iron-on fabric glue, to hold the patch in place. However, since that isn't a permanent solution, you still need to stitch the patch down.
Question

Won't the sewing machine go through the back?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Most modern sewing machines have an arm feature. You will have an area just wide enough to slip the tube of fabric in place for sewing. Hand sewing is the only alternative if this feature is not available. Blanket stitching edges can prevent further fraying and add strength to the final seam. Look for denim thread, available at most fabric stores, to make an invisible repair.