How to Fix a Hole in Jeans Without a Patch

By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 31, 2023
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After two to five years of loyal service, your favorite pair of jeans has just given up and it’s ripped. And here is your jeans decorated with a pretty, gaping hole. Now, you start to think back to all those good times spent together. You are here torn between taking it to the dumpster or helping it to a little stitch-up surgery. However, you don’t even know how to fix a hole in jeans without a patch. What a pity!

So here you are in great pain, ready to give up all the memories you have experienced together. When we say that jeans last a long time, it’s a safe bet that they have kept their promises. Now, you’ve decided to throw them away because of a little hole. But wait! Jeans with holes are not irreparable, far from it!

There are many techniques to repair your jeans. These include embroidery, customization, interlining, felt, and more. However, we have several fix methods that are better than just applying a patch.

So, take out your sewing box and your creative ideas! And above all, be careful!

Hand stitching

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans Without a PatchOne of the options available to you is of course the oldest technique: hand stitching with a thread and a needle. A ripped button, pocket, or a tear, there are so many problems that can be solved with hand stitching. However, you need to have the right sewing tools and master some basic rules.

Choosing your tools

First, you need hand sewing needles which are designed for making quick repairs.

You can look for small, inexpensive sewing kits that can be slipped easily into the handbag. Very practical, and of more or less big size, they contain the essentials to stitch a jean or sew a garment. You’ll also need some thread, pins, and a small pair of scissors.

The steps

  • Start by preparing the thread by cutting it to the right length. Then pass it through the eye of the needle and tie a knot.
  • Hold the ends of the ripped parts together for stitching.
  • Then just pass the thread under any part of the hole on the denim from front to back, so the torn parts can be held back together.
  • While passing the thread through the needle to hold the ripped parts back together, you have to ensure a regular and fairly tight gap. It is in this way that the repair will be the most effective. The jeans will be more durable, and promise you a bright future, again!
  • While passing the needle and thread, follow up on the edges of the torn part, ensuring the stitch is clean, regular, tight, and secure.
  • Finally, pass the needle through the final loop and tie a knot again before cutting the excess thread.

That’s it! So, was it not that simple learning how to fix ripped jeans without a patch?


Machine stitching

If you are not very good with your ten fingers, the sewing machine may be a solution. However, you have to learn how to operate it before using it to fix your jeans. This is a real working tool, which the seamstresses use to make pieces of fabrics and clothing.

Choosing your tools

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans Without a PatchYou don’t have to buy a sewing machine for a simple hole in your jeans. You can ask your neighbors, friends, family for it if no one has a sewing machine at home. This hole business can become a collective project!

You may also ask that it is set up so that you can avoid hours of preparation trying to understand how it works. In itself, a sewing machine is easy to use, but it requires having things setup. However, the only reason we discourage borrowing is that you may not get the right sewing machine designed for sewing denim and jeans. The machine you use must be able to sew thick fabrics with ease.

So, if you have a sewing machine of this type or can get to borrow them, then the repair job will be simplified. Otherwise, you need to ask if you have the budget and also need your machine for future projects. Would like to give this art a try by starting with Jean and fabric repairs whenever you want? Then you may choose to buy your own sewing machine.

For beginners who are still not finding the machine preparation steps easy to make, you can choose to buy the Janome Sewing Machine. According to user and expert reviews, it is one of the best heavy-duty sewing machines, thanks to its built-in needle threader that is designed for beginners.

Meanwhile, if you would like to go further and maybe add some embroidery to your jean hole or customize your project, the best machine for this is the SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 computerized sewing machine, according to user reviews we’ve read. You’ll find the 600 built-in stitches, embroidery feet, extension table, and other accessories useful for your project as a beginner.

In any case, asides from the sewing machine, you’ll also need some accessories such as a pair of scissors, some threads, as well as pins.

However, if you would like to have some embroidered design replacing the hole, asides the embroidery machine or sewing machine, you’d also need embroidery stabilizers. These are pad-like accessories that help to stabilize your embroidery works. Cheap, made in the USA with 100% polyvinyl alcohol, hundreds of craftsmen and seamstresses recommend the SuperStable Embroidery Stabilizer.

How to stitch up a hole in jeans with a machine

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans Without a PatchSewing up jeans is sometimes a challenge for anyone who dares to look into them. To avoid damaging the sewing machine, here are some steps you can take to sew your jeans back on as well as possible:

The steps

  • Choose a point and its length. You can select the Zigzag stitch, straight stitch, etc. Select the type of stitch you need as well as the length. To sew up a hole, a straight stitch may suffice.
  • Position the jeans under the needle so that the rest of the jeans are towards the left of the machine so as not to get in the way.
  • Lower the presser foot onto the jeans. Once the jeans are positioned, all that remains is to lower the needle towards the jeans.
  • Stretch the two threads. To succeed with the first stitches, it is necessary to keep the threads on the fabric.
  • Use the pedal. The pedal allows you to move forward more or less quickly. Start slowly.
  • Release the jeans. Raise the presser foot to release the jeans from the machine.
  • Cut the thread. The last step is to cut the thread using the machine or a pair of scissors.

Use fabric mending tape

The iron-on mending tape is very useful for repairing jeans when you really don’t know anything about sewing and the desire to learn to sew is not present. You may want to keep wearing your jeans, want to repair them, and not have the soul of a great designer.

Suffice to say that the iron-on patch is ideal for those who do not like DIY or those who would like to repair their jeans in just a few minutes. This is a fast and efficient technique. However, it does not always hold up as well as others in a hole repair.

What is an iron-on tape?

How to Fix a Hole in Jeans Without a PatchThe iron-on tape is a kind of adhesive that can be stuck on fabric, quite simply, fixing a hole.

Imagine for a few moments that you just need to apply a tape inside the jeans to no longer see the hole? You would be happy, right?

So, what is the best iron-on mending tape to choose from? According to most reviews, the most durable iron-on mending tape must be Dritz 55110-9 Mending Tape.  which is made from high-quality paper and fabric.

How to repair the hole with an iron-on tape

    • To use an iron-on adhesive, you need to place it on the tear or the hole to be repaired, press with an iron, and then, viola. Logically, the heat will allow the iron-on adhesive to adhere to the fabric. The glue will gradually melt and become active, for a more or less solid result. It is a good option for anyone who has just ripped their jeans right before a date.
    • To avoid sticking the ironing board or the other side of the jeans, it is recommended to have fabrics on each side. You can never be too sure!
    • Let the iron stay 3 to 4 seconds on the surface so that it sticks well. This is the guarantee of having the most solidly repaired jeans possible.


Go for ripped jeans look

Perhaps you’re not trustful of your skills of using a needle, machine, or mending tape, the most conservative method of all is using the Jean in ripped styles. However, the location of the hole will determine this possibility. This is possible for holes around the knee part and not a possibility for those looking to see how to fix jeans with a hole in the crotch without a patch. If it’s ripped in the position as you have in your conventional ripped jeans, you can even decide to manually rip the other side of the Jean.

Final thoughts

We must first be able to study the source or location of the problem. By doing this, you will be able or not to choose the best stitching method. To know how to fix a hole in jeans without a patch, look carefully at the condition of your jeans. Look at the size of the hole and its position. Based on these answers, it will be easier for you to choose the right solution.

Most commonly, the hole is located in the crotch. This is best solved with a hand stitch. Holes at the knee area can be fixed with embroidery, iron-on mending, or left alone and used in its ripped look.

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