Blue jeans are by far the most popular clothing item in most people’s wardrobes. After all, they can be dressed up or down and work for just about any occasion save for a completely formal affair. However, like all well-loved clothing, they’re prone to ripping, holes, and general wear. Luckily, if you have a sewing machine, you can extend the life of your denim and get more use out of each pair. Below, the team at Kramer’s Sew & Vac Center in Cincinnati, OH, explains how you can take repairs into your own hands.

3 Steps to Fixing Your Own Jeans

1. Set Up Your Workstation

Find a sturdy table with enough area to hold the sewing machine and your jeans. This way, you won’t have to worry about fabric slipping off the machine while you work. Then, thread your bobbin and spindle with denim thread. Make sure the thread matches the color of your jeans as closely as possible to ensure your repairs are invisible to the eye.

2. Arrange the Denim

Before you start sewing, you’ll need to carefully stretch the fibers around the hole to ensure that the repair area is as flat and smooth as possible. IF there’s tons of loose thread or pilled up fabric around the tear, carefully trim it away with a sharp pair of sewing scissors. Once the tear is tidied up and laid flat, you’re ready to start sewing.

3. Build Up the Fabric

Denim repair is all about building up the fabric and replacing the threads that have worn or ripped away. This means you’ll need to go over the torn area multiple times, in multiple directions. Sew over the tear completely, starting from one side of the rip and going all the way to the other side. If the fabric on either side of the tear is weak, stitch over it. This will reduce the risk of further tears and help extend the life of your denim even more.

Whether you’re a DIY clothing repair expert or are just getting started with needlework, the team at Kramer’s Sew & Vac Center will help you find the best sewing machine for your needs. Their dedicated staff can help you with everything from sewing machine repair to guiding you to the best thread for your project. Learn more about the brands they work with by visiting their website and call (513) 891-5005 for more information.