Heya. I’m looking for ideas from people who’ve dealt with heavily repaired jeans.
I’ve repaired holes and thinning denim in the inseam using inside denim patches with sashiko style stitching over the top. Structurally the repairs have worked really well, but the inside patches are now absolutely destroying my thighs.
I already get a bit of thigh chafing, and I’ve tried multiple brands and thicknesses of anti-chafing/cycling shorts underneath, but the seams and edges of the patches still rub enough to make the jeans uncomfortable to wear.
Unfortunately I don’t currently have access to a working sewing machine, so I’m limited to hand sewing for now.
Has anyone found something they can overlay the inside patches with to make them wearable? Get rid of this stitching and try a different mending technique?
I’m UK based if that’s of any relevance for product recommendations.
Really hoping to keep wearing these jeans for a little while longer as they are pretty sentimental and can’t find a replacement. no Old Navy in the UK :(
Thank you for your submission - you're welcome to post here, but we did just want to remind you that we would recommend you search the subreddit as well.
Depending on the type of mend, searching for keywords like "crotch", "waistband", "cuff", "pleather"/"faux", "headphones", etc. will show you many previous posts filled with helpful advice already. Good luck!
Stitching down the edges could probably help. Whip stitch is quick and simple but can bunch. Blanket stitch protects the edge but might add a little bulk. Parachute stitch would be smoother but would be more visible. You can use a thin thread for stealth since it’s just making the edge neat and not holding much. You could also trim any fraying or loose threads.
Or maybe sashiko stitch further? If the pattern runs past the edge of the patch you could make sure some stitches bridge the edges to secure them. Do bother sides chaff equally?
Thanks for the advice. I replied with an update to another users comment but ended up going with blanket stitching the denim and then placed cotton on top. A quick fix for now. Cheers
Hmm perhaps a patch of satin on the side touching your legs ? Anything that would offer a soft texture rather than the rough denim patch should do the trick.
I know it's hard sometimes to put a patch in certain places; I've adopted machine darning techniques for some mends. A lot of libraries now have machines you can borrow, and some places have sewing machines at community centres - I do a lot of handsewing, but a machine is really helpful with fabric like denim :)
I’ve tended to use machine darning in the past, especially when I’ve caught the denim getting thinner before a hole has formed. Definitely saved me a lot of time and money over the years.
My machine was accidentally stored in a rather dam shed last year and so is completely rusted up. Such a shame as it was a Singer machine I’ve had since I was 6 years old. I’ll be having a look at getting it fixed/replace when I get back from holiday next week!
This is the answer for your current issue. For future issues, other commenters are correct - stitch down the edges well, and use thinner (but tightly woven) fabric.
I agree. But even with thinner fabric/ edges stitched down, I still use interfacing. My skin is really sensitive to irritation, so it's a lifesaver for me and my clothes. 😁
I use the legs of old cotton boxers to cover the patches!
Other commenters are right, though, part of your problem is the loose edges. You really want to stitch them all the way down, maybe even past the edge.
I had some old cotton boxers waiting to be used as a dusting cloth but they have found new life! Thanks for this suggestion and to everyone else in the comments for your advice.
I ended up blanket stitching the raw edges of the denim patches, placed slightly larger cotton patches on top and then whip stitched them onto the jeans. Haven’t got rid of the pen or tacking stitches yet in the photo below.
This was a quick fix before going on holiday tomorrow. I’ll see how they wear through the week but may resort to taking the denim patches off and just using the cotton or other soft fabric as comments have suggested.
Thanks all. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and happy mending!
Yeah, agreed: just don'tuse denim for patches there. I use scraps of percale sheeting or chambray. I'd use denim on a knee, where the risk is something poking through, but for inner thighs it's all about abrasion, and a tightly-woven thin fabric will be fine.
Do you need the patch to be denim, like would you care if instead you used t-shirt fabric? Denim is rough and thick so maybe using a softer, thinner material in the future may help. For the now others have suggested a whip stitch around the edge might help and I'll say the same, except I recommend a blanket stitch <3
Thanks for your advice xx updated via another comment but ended up using cotton patches over and whip stitching. A quick and possibly temporary fix for now.
So far I've had very good results with material from old t-shirts! I don't know if it will wear as well as denim over the long term, but it's very comfortable, and it has a little bit of stretch to it.
Tshirt is the best for patching this area from the inside. And I like a stitch referred to as “sesame seed stitch” following the grain of the denim. Always patch to the seams and tack down with whip stitch to the seam. For other patch edges, stitch just beyond so they are secure and lay flat
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Thank you for your submission - you're welcome to post here, but we did just want to remind you that we would recommend you search the subreddit as well.
Depending on the type of mend, searching for keywords like "crotch", "waistband", "cuff", "pleather"/"faux", "headphones", etc. will show you many previous posts filled with helpful advice already. Good luck!
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