Learn how to patch jeans inner thigh by hand, it is super easy to fix your ripped jeans.
The inner thigh/crotch area of jeans is subject to wear and tear, over time modern stretch denim can tear or develop holes. It is easy to apply a patch of similarly toned denim to the inside of your jeans to cover the hole and importantly strengthen the denim in the surrounding area.
I was packing my bag Monday morning for a few days away camping, imagine my dismay to realize that one of my mere two pairs of jeans had developed a hole in the inner thigh. As the British summer is somewhat unpredictable, I just didn’t feel I could take the risk and only pack one pair!! So I packed my jeans, along with a denim patch, thread, and needle.
Can you see the repair?
When wearing the jeans the repair is not visible, unless you are looking for it! I asked my son to take pictures to share with you – he thought it a rather strange request!
What thread should I use to repair my jeans?
Traditionally boro repair technique uses sashiko thread. Alternatively, you could use embroidery floss, button thread, or standard sewing machine thread (I would opt to double sewing machine thread for strength). I love to use materials I have to hand so personally I am using Jean Stitch thread I found in a thrift store.
As I am repairing the inner thigh I am choosing a thread to closely match the color of the denim.
I have a hole on either side of the crotch area of jeans, should I use one or two denim patches?
Personally, I recommend two denim patches, one for each side of the denim jeans. This is a difficult place to use just one patch on, you will find a separate piece of denim per side much easier to work with.
As the crotch of your jeans takes a lot of wear it is likely you will in time need to repair both sides, it’s a good idea to repair both sides at once.
Can I use my sewing machine instead of hand stitching?
Yes of course! I recommend using a denim sewing machine needle and a simple straight stitch length of 3.5. Before you start check your thread tension on a scrap of old denim. Follow the instructions below, taking care to gather up the denim and not catch the wrong part of your favorite pair of jeans with the needle as you sew your vertical lines.
Ensure your repair extends comfortably beyond the frayed parts of the holes, I recommend the patch being at least an inch wider than the damaged area all around.
If you are on a make do and mend purge you may like these posts:-
- Sashiko patch to my son’s jeans
- Felt repair to moth holes in a cardigan
- How to repair frayed towels
- How to replace the zipper on a backpack
- How to replace the zipper in jeans
Repairs do not have to be boring!
How to fix ripped jeans inner thigh by hand
Learn how to fix a hole in jeans inner thigh with a denim patch and simple running stitch, a very simple technique. This is an easy repair which will extend the life of your much-loved pair of old jeans.
Materials
- Denim patch of smilarly toned denim
- Thread
Tools
- Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut your denim patch. The patch needs to be a minimum of a good inch wider than the hole. As my favorite jeans has two holes I have cut a large patch to cover the whole weakened area. My patch curves along the crotch seam.
- Place the patch inside the jeans. You may have a bit of rippling from your ripped jeans due to the stretch in many jeans nowadays, lay it out as flat as possible. Pin in place, alternatively you can hold in place with fabric glue, or a temporary glue such as a glue stick.
- Thread your needle, and tie a knot on the end. Using a straight running stitch, stitch down the middle of your patch. To stitch running stitch bring your needle through to the front of the fabric, insert back into the fabric the length of your stitch and pull through. Insert back to the front of the fabric and continue. I like to load my needle with 3- 5 stitches at once.
- Continue with your running stitch until you covered your whole patch.
- Lastly stitch horizontal lines across the same area. The horizontal stitch adds additional strength to your patch repair.
I am delighted to have a good pair of jeans back in service.
If you decide your Jean’s cannot be repaired any further please don’t throw them away, checkout my 30+ ideas for what to do with old jeans.
British weather being as it is I’m grateful for two functioning pairs of jeans!!
Liliana Maino
Thursday 3rd of August 2023
Me encantan tus trabajos! Me ayudan mucho para mi ropa!!! Abrazo con afecto desde Argentina!
Kate
Friday 10th of September 2021
Would you do a single patch across the two inner thigh areas if one had a hole and one felt like it soon would have? Or would you do a separate patch for each side?
Vicky
Monday 20th of September 2021
I think two separate patches would work best
Phyllis Warwick-Smith
Saturday 6th of February 2021
Thanks so much for this, you've saved my favourite jeans from becoming painting clothes!