The elbow patch is a wardrobe staple that can be seen on anything from cardigans to blazers to denim workwear. The academic corduroy patch on a sports coat may be our primary point of reference, but with these practical, attractive patches, the sky is the limit. Through fundamental friction, our elbows and knees wear through our clothing—our bones push hard at the joints and wear through the delicate fibers. However, these patches may be attractive while adding strength and repairing torn and frayed regions. This is another great opportunity to utilize that particular remnant of fabric you’ve been saving. I used leftover Ikat fragments from handcrafted pillow coverings for this project. I knew I’d need a few inches of my treasured fabric at some point. That day finally came with this denim tee.
Jeans with Delicate Elbow Patches
1. Place the garment on your work table flat. If necessary, iron. Add 12 to 1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) to all the edges of the hole or rip. This will enable you to stitch your patch into sturdy fabric and fill the hole as well as the weaker regions surrounding it. You may go as large as you want. When utilizing cherished fragments for such a noticeable repair, be daring.
2. Cut the patch out of the leftover cloth using the dimensions from Step 1.
3. Roughen the edges of your patch: Simply trace around a jar lid or any circular item. Trace the corner, then cut and shape it to produce a smooth, rounded edge.
4. To produce completed edges on your patch, turn the edges at 14 inches (6 mm) and push them under with an iron. Turn corners as you iron to avoid creating too much bulge.
5. Put on the clothing and, with the aid of a buddy or a mirror, mark the center of your elbow on the sleeve with a safety pin or a fabric marker—this will guarantee the patch is centered over your specific elbow. I’ve learnt the hard way not to put my patch in the middle of the sleeve. “Measure twice, cut once,” as the old adage goes. So, let us measure twice and sew once. You’ll be happy you did.
6. Place the patch over the ripped or damaged area. Pin the patch in place, right side up, and tack the edges under. Thread a needle, knot one end, then enter the needle from the bottom of the garment. Stitch approximately 14 inches (6 mm) from the edge of your patch with a running stitch (see this page) until all edges are stitched down. Before you tie off, make sure you’ve captured the folded edge of the patch. Enjoy your fashionable elbow patches.
Do torn jeans have more holes?
The same is true for denim: One day, your jeans’ holes and rips may make you appear like you’re on the cover of Vogue Paris, but then you accidently put your foot in a hole while putting them on, and it doubles in size.
How do you apply patches on jeans?
“There is no correct or incorrect placement as long as you are creating something that feels authentic to you,” “Scott Morrison, the creator and creative director of 3×1 denim, which just began its own patch program, agrees. “This is where you can really express yourself and make your jeans really unique.”
Do iron-on patches adhere to denim?
When you need to repair a hole in a pair of jeans fast and easily, use an iron-on patch. They’re simple to use (like mending a bike inner tube) and long-lasting. Make certain that the patch is clearly identified as an “iron-on.”
How can I repair a hole in my jeans without using patches?
Hand stitching is the most straightforward approach to repairing a clean rip in which no real fabric was lost. First, use an iron to put fabric mending tape beneath the damaged area. Then, using thread that matches the color of your ripped jeans, sew an overcast stitch around the rip’s edges.
