Are you looking to extend the life of your leggings by sewing on a patch? Today I am going to share with you my top tips for adding a patch to leggings.
I get how frustrating it is when your favorite leggings with the most comfortable fit fail, small holes are somewhat frustrating. Leggings are a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe these days. They’re comfortable, versatile, and can be worn for various occasions. However, like any well-loved clothing item, leggings can experience wear and tear over time. Instead of letting your favorite pair go to waste, why not learn how to patch leggings and give them a stylish new life?

Personally, I love repairing and alerting clothes, to extend the life of a garment gives me great satisfaction. Do check out my other how-to tutorials for repairs and alterations.
Leggings frequently fail at the knee or inner thigh with small holes – areas of the leggings that require the most stretch. The good news is that we can quickly and easily add a patch, I think it took me about ten minutes to repair this pair of leggings.
Table of Contents
Fabric Choice for Leggings Patch
Stretchy fabric is a must, if you have an old pair of leggings you could use this legging’s fabric. Alternative fabrics include the stretch fabric from a t shirt, or jersey underwear.
Materials to Patch Leggings
Before you dive into the patching process, gather the following materials:
- Leggings: The pair you want to repair!! Ideally machine washed.
- Fabric for the Patches: Stretchy fabric, in whatever designs and colors which appeal to you.
- Thread and Jersey Sewing Machine Needle: If you’re using sew-on patches, you’ll need matching thread and a needle.
- Sewing Machine: For sewing on the patch of fabric
- Fabric Scissors: To trim excess threads and fabric.
- Needle: To hand baste patches in place while sewing.
How to patch leggings

Consider the hole of your leggings – as you can see I have a collection of holes with frayed edges. If left this would easily be a place for your toes to catch whilst putting the leggings on. Consider neatening the torn edges.

Cut a piece of knit fabric (stretchy fabric) larger than the hole to be repaired, my fabric piece is 1/4″ wider than the hole. It helps to use sharp fabric scissors.

Hold the patch in place temporarily with baste stitches or use a glue stick, this helps gain a good finish. I have basted with hand stitches.
Using a stretch needle and a zig zag stitch machine stitch along the edges of the patch, being careful not to catch the wrong side of the leggings. I practiced first with a piece of fabric to check the tension settings on my machine.


Once your patches are securely attached, use fabric scissors to trim any excess threads or fabric for a neat finish. Lastly give your patch a good press with a hot iron, one quick and easy repair complete.

If you prefer video tutorials I have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use special fabric glues instead of machine stitching? While fabric glue can be used to attach patches to leggings, it’s important to consider the longevity and flexibility of the bond. Fabric glue may not withstand frequent washing or stretching as well as sewing. However, if you’re aiming for a temporary fix or want to experiment with placement before committing, fabric glue can be a quick and easy solution.
Can I hand-sew knee patches? There is no question that a machine zig-zag stitch with a patch of stretch fabric is the best way to repair pairs of leggings. Hand stitching will hold the patch in place but will not have the same stretch qualities as zig zag machine stitch, it’s therefore not as durable.
Patching leggings is an excellent way to breathe new life into your wardrobe while showcasing your creativity. With a few patches and some basic materials, you can easily repair, refresh, or even customize your leggings to reflect your personal style. Whether you’re mending a hole or adding a touch of flair, this simple DIY project is sure to make your leggings stand out in all the right ways. So, gather your materials, get creative, and start patching your way to a more fashionable and sustainable wardrobe!
