How to Repair Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (2024)

Repair & Rewear: How to Repair Jeans.

Jeans are made to be worn. A lot. So it’s only natural that you might find a hole or an open seam somewhere in your favourite pair. Denim is a pretty tough material, but it’s easy to patch back together, so don’t be afraid of repairing your own jeans at home. Repairing your jeans should always be the first option before buying new.

Can you repair your jeans?

Yes! Some of the most common places for jeans to show wear and tear are on the knees or crotch, or anywhere the denim naturally creases. Whether you want to patch up a hole, restitch a seam or fix a fray, repairing your jeans will make them last even longer and save you money on a new pair.

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    How to repair holes in jeans

    To repair a hole, all you need is a needle and thread. Start stitching from the inside of the jeans, then up and down along the width of the gap. Then, sew along the length of the hole to firmly secure it. Done!

    Love adding unique touches to your denim? A hole is a perfect opportunity to dive in with patches and creative needlework. Cover the hole with a patch of your choice for a bespoke design on your jeans. If you’re feeling extra creative, go for thicker thread in a bright colour to stitch the hole closed. Or, use Sashiko Stitching to fix holes that look so good that you’ll wish your jeans needed more repairs.

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      How to repair frayed jeans

      Repairing frayed jeans is a little more complicated because the frayed threads show more signs of wear. First, you need to trim away the loose threads to clean up the area you want to fix. Next, decide whether to stitch the jeans back together or, for larger holes, insert a patch of denim. You already know how to stitch a gap closed, but if you’re using a patch, you need to sew it in from the inside to create a seamless, smooth repair.

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      What to do if you can’t repair jeans

      If you can’t repair jeans, there are plenty of other options. If your jeans need a repair below the knee, you could cut off the material and turn your jeans into DIY shorts. Or, you can take the denim from your jeans and turn it into anything you want, from accessories to homewares.

      But sometimes, it’s just time for a new pair of jeans. Investing in well-made, high-quality jeans is the next best thing after repairing your jeans yourself. Shop our collection of men’s jeans and women’s jeans and find the perfect pair.

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      How to upcycle your old jeans

      There are plenty of easy DIY options for upcycling your jeans rather than buying a new pair. Upcycling jeans is a great way to save money and shop sustainably. Plus, you’ll end up with an entirely unique wardrobe staple! If you need more inspo, head to Make it Yours for ideas about how to give your jeans a revamp for a new lease of life.

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        DIY Distressed Denim

        One of the simplest ways to upcycle your jeans is to distress them. Distressing jeans is all about creating careful rips and tears to make your denim look like it’s been worn out naturally. Grab chalk, fabric scissors and tweezers and check out our tips for Distressing Denim to give your old jeans a whole new look.

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          Bleach

          If you want to give your jeans a new look by altering the wash, the easiest way is to make a bleach splatter. Make a mixture of water, cornstarch and bleach, and then it’s up to you how you want your jeans to look. For the full lowdown on upcycling your jeans with bits from the kitchen cupboard, read our guide on how to bleach denim.

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            Tailor Shop

            Breathe some new life into your Levi’s® jeans by taking them down to your nearest Levi’s® Tailor Shop. We’ll help you add patches, pins, studs or anything else you want to your denim or give your pieces an update with tailoring. Not only will it feel like you’ve got a brand new pair, but all your customisations will make them unique to you.

            Repairing your jeans is the first thing you can do to keep them in your wardrobe rotation. Repairs save you from buying new, and it’s an easy, sustainable habit to get into for the price of a needle and thread.

            How to Repair Jeans | Off the Cuff - Levi’s (2024)

            FAQs

            How do you repair holes in Levis? ›

            To repair a hole, all you need is a needle and thread. Start stitching from the inside of the jeans, then up and down along the width of the gap. Then, sew along the length of the hole to firmly secure it. Done!

            Does Levi's fix ripped jeans? ›

            'Repair' is for the services that refresh a beloved piece of yours, more or less just professional patchwork or stitching that will extend the life of your favorite pair of jeans.

            How to patch up ripped jeans? ›

            Fabric mending tape offers a quick fabric fix for those ripped jeans without the need for in-depth sewing skills. You simply place the tape under the damaged area and apply heat, usually with an iron. This heat-activated patch bonds the fabric together, creating a durable repair that holds up well to wear and tear.

            Why do my Levis keep ripping? ›

            Why it happens: Fabric is worn down by friction, and the friction of your thighs rubbing together as you move throughout the day is slowly wearing on the fibers of your jeans. Over time, this makes your jeans thinner and weaker in these high friction areas.

            How do you fix a loop hole in jeans? ›

            Using thread that matches the pants (or highly contrasting thread if you prefer), stitch around the hole, avoiding the pins, then back and forth across the torn area. Use the sewing machine's reverse function, angling the line slightly each pass, so that each line of stitching is a millimeter or two apart.

            Do Levi jeans have a lifetime guarantee? ›

            All Levi's® brand products have a limited 2 year warranty against manufacturing and material defects. This warranty does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, improper care, or the natural breakdown of materials over an extended period of time.

            What to do with ripped Levi's jeans? ›

            REPAIR: GIVE YOUR JEANS A SECOND LIFE.

            Jeans only get better with time, so keep yours for as long as possible. Think twice about throwing out damaged denim: Levi's® Tailor Shops and DIY tutorials can extend the life of your jeans by patching up rips, mending hems, replacing buttons and more.

            Do Levi's alter jeans for free? ›

            At any Levi's® store with a Tailor Shop, get up to two free alterations a year, discounts on custom embroidery, direct-to-garment printing, and more. Offer is available to registered Red Tab™ members only. Offer valid on any jeans purchases made same-day at a Mainline store.

            What is the best stitch to repair jeans? ›

            Using a zig-zag stitch or straight stitch (whichever best matches your denim fabric), stitch across the patch to bond the joining edges of the hole together. Make sure to stitch in the same direction as your jean's fabric weave. Once completed, cut off any tack stitching.

            How to sew a jeans hole? ›

            Grab one edge of the hole with the needle and straight stitch across the hole to the other edge. Move the needle below the new stitch to create another vertical stitch. Repeat this process, working from side to side until the length of the hole is stitched. Tug on the thread after every few stitches to close the hole.

            How do I stop my ripped jeans from ripping? ›

            Just simply turn the jeans inside-out, dispense a small amount of Tear Mender onto your table, and (with your finger) paint a thin layer around the holes and rips that you'd like to lock in place. Then allow 3 minutes to dry. That's it!

            How do you fix ripped jeans without a sewing machine? ›

            It might actually be easier without a sewing machine, especially if the hole is in the leg. You can find a piece of denim or another fabric you like, and stitch in on with hand stitches in matching or coordinating thread. For even more security, you can use double-sided iron-on adhesive to stick it on before stitching.

            Are Levi's guaranteed for life? ›

            At Levi's®, we stand behind the quality of our products and want you to love every purchase. A 2-year warranty backs all Levi's® products against manufacturing and material defects (excluding normal wear and tear). Our warranty specifically applies to items purchased within the United States and its territories.

            Can you fix a hole in jeans without a patch? ›

            Best Way to Stitch a Hole in Jeans

            Thread a heavy-duty needle with all-purpose polyester thread and tie a knot. Turn your garment inside-out and insert the needle below the hole. Weave vertical straight stitches across the hole until you reach the end. Tie off the thread inside your jeans to secure it.

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