4 Simple and Easy Ways to Repair Ripped Jeans

Ripped jeans may be the fashion rage these days for some, but for the rest of us, ripped jeans signal a need for a fix. And that fix needs to be simple and easy.

By choosing one of the quick repair techniques listed below, those jeans can be ready to wear in no time.

Before getting started, though, consider adding the following supplies to your sewing kit for whenever ripped jeans need repair.

matching thread
scraps of fabric
various patches (both sew-on and iron-on)
scissors (or a pair of pinking shears)
Heat ‘n Bond
Fabric glue

For quick and easy repairs to ripped jeans, give the following a try.

Use No-Sew Iron-on Patches

The simplest way to repair that rip in your jeans is to use a no-sew iron-on patch. These can easily be purchased at various retail outlets or online. You simply turn your jeans inside out, place the patch over the rip or hole, and iron.

If you have a little more time, though, why not make your own iron-on patch. Follow these simple steps.

After measuring the size of the rip, cut a piece of fabric, preferably blue jean fabric, slightly larger than the rip. (This is a good reason to keep those old jeans around. They can be used for various patching and craft making.)
Use a piece of Heat ‘n Bond that is slightly larger than your patch. (Heat ‘n bond can be found online and at craft stores)
Overlay the patch and Heat ‘n Bond and iron for two seconds. Once this cools, remove the paper backing and trim away any extra Heat ‘n Bond.
Place the fused patch over the rip in your jeans and iron for 4-6 seconds. Once it cools, test the patch to be sure it has adhered to the jeans.

Iron-on patches aren’t meant to last forever. But with such a quick method available, and the required items now stocked in your sewing kit, you’ll be able to make another quick repair anytime it’s needed.

Use Fabric Glue

Another way you can approach your patching is with the use of fabric glue. With your jeans turned inside-out, spread the fabric glue around the ripped edges. Add your patch and press down firmly.

Use Sew-on Patches

A sew-on patch is simply a piece of fabric that is sewn onto another fabric. These can be store-bought patches, decorative clothing patches, or homemade patches.

The choice is yours as to whether the color of the patch matches your jeans or contrasts it for a more artsy approach. It’s also your choice whether to attach the patch from underneath the rip or attach it to the top of the jeans.

If you decide to add a little character, you may want to consider adding a unique patch design of your own making. Ideas for this include a flannel or brightly colored patch.

You can also stylize your jeans by adding decorative patches that speak to your passions or interests, such as a peace sign. To really stand out, add these unique patches to the outside of your jeans.

Here are simple steps to take to sew on whichever patch you prefer:

Remove the frayed edges of the ripped area. Using a pair of scissors, cut the excess threads around the rip, leaving a clean hole.
Turn the jeans inside out and place your patch over the rip.
With needle and thread, make your sewing as tight as possible as you make your way around.
Iron over the patch.

You can also sew on patches using your sewing machine if that is more convenient for you.

Try Hand-Sewing

Taking a simple needle and thread to the rip, particularly if it isn’t too large, is an easy way to repair rips in jeans. As for thread color, try to match it to the color of your jeans as closely as possible.

Steps to take:

Remove any frayed edges. Cut excess threads that stick out, without cutting the fabric itself.
Turn jeans inside out.
With your sewing needle and thread, stitch in a back and forth motion until the rip is mended. Keep the stitches as tightly together as you can. If possible, use a vertical blind stitch, going across the ripped section from the top to the bottom. After a few stitches, you will want to pull the thread taught. This should make your stitches invisible. Continue on past the rip at least one-half an inch before tying off your thread.
Afterward, run your iron over your jeans, sealing the stitching.

Whether you need a quick fix for a rip in those jeans or see a rip as an opportunity to add art and character, there are easy ways to get the task done. As long as you keep your sewing kit stocked with the different supplies, you’ll never have to fret over ripped jeans again.