technique 5

mending and patching jeanswith designer style

sweet pea patches

by Nancy Minskyfor more jean ideas see N

ancy’s book:

Denim Revolution: Dozens of Ways toTurn Denim Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves

http://jeanrepair.blogspot.com

sweet pea patches

a technique to sweetly patch jeans with printed cotton florals

the sewing materials

Printed cotton floral fabrics for patches and liningSewing thread

–

match thread to a medium shade of your denim

note: choose a shade that blends with the worn area you will be mending. Jeans vary broadly incolors and shades, and well matched thread is important for the look.

general sewing materials including: embroidery scissors; seam ripper, shears; straight pins; iron andironing board; sewing machine; tape measure; denim sewing machine needle; hand sewing needle.

step-by-step tutorial

Wash and press jeans.With a seam ripper, open the side seam, from a couple inches above the hem to a couple inches belowthe pocket. In this way, you will be able to easily maneuver and sew the patches.

note: When you havebig holes on the knees,generally thesurrounding area is alsovery worn. Mend thewhole area to make your mending durable.

In the photo on the left,four areas are marked topatch. Three holes thatare shredding with whiteweft threads about toburst into full fledgedholes - will be mended inthe

“cat and mouse”

technique. For all detailsfollow the

“cat and mouse”

tutorial.

The big hole, is the onethat will be patched withthe printed cotton floral

“sweet pea”

method.

Cut the printed cotton patch

about 2” larger

than the hole.Pin the patch under your hole. Baste and remove pins.

Machine stitch ½” from the edge all around the

perimeter.For the lining, cut a piece of medium weight, cotton floral(left) the full length of the legarea you will be patching.

note: when mending make theinside as charming and durable as the outside

.Pin the lining in place. Basteand remove pins. Machinestitch ½

”

from the edge, allaround the perimeter.Stitch back andforth, an inchor two beyondthe patch. Thepatch needs tobe stitchedsecurely towithstand lotsof wear andwashings.Back stitch,and knotsecurely allthread ends.Clip any loosethreads.Sew sidesseams closed.Finished.