A small hole in your sweat pants or yoga pants doesn’t mean you have to throw them away! Over time, even the best-quality pants can develop some damage. I will show you the different methods you can mend a hole in pants by sewing.
The most easiest method of mending holes in all kinds of clothes is using a no-sew patch, and darning (by hand sewing and machine stitching) is the most ‘effective’. For stretch fabrics like track pants, sweatpants and yoga pants, which develop small holes, seam breakage etc, you can hand sew with delicate stitches and trim it neat and attach fusible interfacing on the back for strength.
Before fixing a hole in stretch pants, check the fabric type. Stretch pants are made of spandex blends, jersey, or other knit fabrics that require flexible stitching. Then check the size of the hole. If it is a large rip, the method will be different from repairing a small tear. Sometimes the sorrounding area may be chaffed and worn out. Then, decide on whether you want invisible mending or very visible mending.
And check if it is worth repairing. Elastane (spandex) in activewear eventually breaks down. If the pants are losing elasticity, repairs may be temporary.
Mending Methods
✔ Hand sewing the hole
This method works great for small holes.
Here is a video of the stitch in action:
Make small delicate stitches across the hole, with a very thin needle. Use matching thread and a delicate hand to keep the repair unnoticeable.
You will be stitching on the face of the fabric but making the stitches across the hole so that the edges turn to the inside.
After the whole hole is stitched, turn the pants to the back and trim the edges inside and press the edges open. Apply fusible interfacing on the inside to seal the whole area and secure the stitching.
Press to make the stitches integrate to the fabric.
The hole has almost disappeared.
✔ Patching Method
This method is ok for small and medium holes and quick fixes.
You need a patch slightly larger than the hole. Cut out fabric from inside the pocket or somewhere inconspicous. This ensures that you have a patch with the same stretch as the pants. If you cant get this, Fleece material is good for patching.
Just place it on the outside of the fabric, turn the edges inside and use small whip stitches to attach it.
Watch the video to know how it is done:
❌ Do not use a non stretch patch material.
✔ Hand sewing Method for large rips
When the fabric has ripped into a long hole, you have to bring the fabric edges together and stitch them together flat. For this a baseball stitch is the best hand stitch.
For this, you have to thread a needle with a matching thread if you want some invisibleness, but if you want visible mending go for a startling color or choose pastels like I have done.
The baseball stitch or a parachute stitch sitches across the hole to close it. Keep a patch or interfacing on the inside for reinforcement, as you make the stitch.
Start from one edge of the hole, even before the hole and make close stitches (dense) for maximum coverage.
Secure the stitching with a knot and trim excess thread.
Here is a video of how it is made:
✔ Machine Darning Method
I use this method for large holes and for reinforcing large worn out areas. The stitching is done over patch kept under the hole and then the patch becomes a part of the pant material. You can also use interfacing material underneath.
🔹 Materials Needed: Sewing machine, darning foot, matching thread
Place the fabric under the presser foot. Set the machine to a zigzag or better triple zigzag, lightning bolt stitch, or stretch darning stitch -whatever is in your sewing machine – a stitch that stretches, that is the criteria. Sew over the hole in a back-and-forth motion. You have to engage the reverse lever of your sewing machine for this. Also consider using a darning foot, which does free-motion sewing – but you have to practise this.
Trim any loose threads and press with an iron.
✔ Best for: Reinforcing worn-out areas like knees & seat.
✔ Seam damage
Keep a patch of similarly stretchy fabric behind the tear. Set your sewing machine to sew a stretchy stitch and sew the seam back up.
Preventing Future Damage
Stretch fabrics and ones with elastane or spandex degrades with time. But some precautions can postpone this damage.
- Wash in cold water – Heat degrades spandex over time.
- Line dry (preferably in the shade) – Avoid the dryer to prevent fabric breakdown.
- Reinforce weak seams or small holes early – If you notice stress points, reinforce them before they split.
Related posts: How to fix holes in jeans
