The distressing on the opposite knee already had a sashiko-style mend pattern on it so I decided to implement something similar to my patch.
"The Conscious Closet" by Elizabeth L. Cline is a great resource for practical sustainable fashion tips including simple mends if you're a beginner! Highly recommend!
At this point you can decide if you're going for a more visible mend or if you'd like the patch to match or blend with the denim you're repairing. You'll see that I opted for a darker blue patch, but used light blue thread so that the overall neutral "denim" blue feeling remained. White, black or red thread or floss would be a great option if you're going for more contrast!
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I am wearing patterned tights under my jeans this winter and they look adorable! But I love this idea whenever I can get to a resale shop.
That is a great way to change up your look Terri! And good for you that you can fit anything under your jeans! 👌
Yes! I’ve been mending my jeans forever bc I can’t do my best work w/out getting on my knees... I’ve never thought about using kid’s stretch jeans, etc which makes sense on knees + elbows... My favorite stitch is the chain, possibly called blanket stitch... I will try mending using stretching material scraps + trying using my stitch in the middle of the patch. My question is about the type of needle you use, since denim is so thick + tuff... Sorry I forgot how to explain how chain stitch is made... When you are bringing the needle up from the inside you take your thread thru the loop to make this beautiful stitch, resembling a chain... Typically I would do this on the sides where the fabrics would fray or ravel, securing them together... I could see a circle design in the middle of the patch, a swirling effect...even a square swirl...
Most of my jeans are work jeans so I wouldn’t take time to design their patches
but occasionally I’m lazy + I might forget or just be too lazy to change into work jeans. So on these occasions, I’ll remember your tips, thanks!
Great question about the needle! I was able to use just a regular sewing needle because the kids' jeans that I created the patch from were VERY soft, almost like a knit. My jeans that I was mending were standard non-stretch cotton but even the stitches on that section of the mend were very manageable. You'll definitely get the best (or easiest) results with a needle that matches your fabric, but this project is definitely doable with almost anything you have!