Debate: Is patching your own jeans worth it or just a waste of time?

Last week I spent about 4 hours patching a hole in my favorite pair of Levi's 501s using an iron-on patch and some denim scraps. They held up for three days then ripped again right next to the patch. But my buddy swears by sashiko stitching and says his patched jeans have lasted two years now. Has anyone actually had good luck with DIY denim repairs or is it better to just buy new ones?

2 comments

2 Comments

emery87920d ago

Did you try using a thicker needle and waxed thread? I had the same issue with iron-on patches failing fast, but I switched to using denim thread and did a simple cross-stitch patch on a pair of old Carhartts. That was two years ago and they are still holding up through weekly wear. The trick for me was putting the patch on the inside of the pants and stitching around the hole, not just slapping it on top. Sashiko looks neat but honestly a basic running stitch with the right thread does the same job without needing to learn a whole new craft.

lucas_perez20d ago

Honestly I used to think patching was a waste of time too, but now you got me curious about that sashiko stitch lol. Might have to try it myself.