I love patched jeans.
Every time I see a pair of torn jeans, I feel it’s an opportunity waiting to for me to give them new life. In the past I’ve shown you the best way to patch skinny jeans, but what do you do when you have loose fitting jeans that need fixing? Let me introduce to you two beautiful ways to add multi patches to your jeans.
Why patch?
“Repair is completely about slowing it down. It’s about saying, ‘I’m going to have this item for 20, 30 years, and we’re enabling you to do that.” This quote comes from a market leader during a round table at Copenhagen Fashion Week 2023 which was hosted by the Business Of Fashion magazine.
This quote sums up perfectly my motivation why I mend my family’s and my client’s wardrobe. Yes it’s time consuming and should be seen as an investment. It adds years to clothes that might otherwise be discarded because they are no longer wearable.
Over the past few years, patching has become an art form in itself. I’m happy to share with you a few of my favourite tips to create a successful upcycle so you can artfully repair your jeans, or know what your preferred look is when you come to me with your mending needs.
Option 1: Multi Patches over Jeans
Some of my favourite inspirations comes from designers who have used various types of textiles as patches. I love combining denim with other patterned textiles for a more eclectic look. Here’s an example of a pair of jeans I patched for my son using the following fabrics: 2 tones of denim, polka dot blouse, stripe from a bed skirt, and floral jacquard from upholstery swatch.
I love unpicking and using the hem of jeans as patches. The colour fading always makes for interesting textures.
Option 2: Multi Patches Under Holes
The second option keeps the holes of the jeans visible yet adds depth by using various types of fabric under the jeans. Below is an example of this type of patch, using various shades of denim and printed linen.
For a different look, you can also use the same colour denim to cover all the holes.
If you look closely, I topstitched the larger fabric panel around the edges to keep the fabric secure and also to add a beautiful stylish detail to the front. I like using a combination of straight stitch around the holes, as well a large zigzag stitching over frayed holes in order to keep the threads in place.
Materials to use for Multi Patches
When it comes to choosing the best types of materials for patches, I strongly recommend going with your personal tastes. That said, I love using a few colors of denim as the base patches and then giving a pop of color with two or tree different textures such as stripes, florals or plaids.
If you’re a thrifter, keep an eye out for upholstery fabric, and especially sample squares. There’s just enough fabric in a sample square to make at least 4 to 6 patches. Upholstery fabrics are sturdy and usually are either a textured jacquard or brocade which adds a beautiful contrast with the denim. Here’s an example of a few swatches I found in my local thrift store which I’m keeping for future repairs.
If you have a favourite pair of jeans that could do with being creatively patched, contact me for a quote.