Visible mending on jeans

When I am repairing a torn area on a pair of denim jeans, I have two choices – one is to make the mending as invisible as possible with same color thread or patch, OR make it stand out as a decorative element. I mostly choose the latter – As do a lot of people all over the world as you can see from the thousands of posts under the hashtag #visiblemending on most of the social media platforms.

 

Here you are making the repair a feature rather than just a fix. The mending stands out on the garment. With these techniques you are not only repairing your jeans but turning it into an expressive and sustainable fashion statement.This type of mending and repair is celebrated in Japanese crafts through concepts like wabi-sabi, where the unique character and story that mending adds to an item are highly appreciated and valued, and Kintsugi (kintsukuroi), or the “golden repair,” where imperfections are welcomed.

Materials needed for visible mending:

  • Usually you will be matching the original colors of the item being mended but in visible mending you will choose yarn that will add character to your mending aesthetic – it will make your repair stand out as a decorative element. Choose red color or similar bright colors for a maximalist look or earthy colors like olive green and beige for a more subtle look.
  • Selecting patches : For a maximalistic or boho look, use multiple bold-patterned fabric patches (e.g., florals, polka dots, animal prints) in different shapes. Outline the mend with beadwork or sequins
  • Using specialized tools, such as a speed weave, will make your repairing process more enjoyable. And you can do this repairing faster.

There are many ways you can do it:

With a darning stitch with contrasting thread

Read the darning tutorial to know how to do this stitching. Darning with a sewing machine with jeans thread can also be good.

With an interlaced stitch over the ripped area

Watch a video of this stitch:

This stitch keeps the fabric flat and has a woven quality, enhancing its durability. I also appreciate how it adds extra detail to the denim. I used embroidery floss for this but you can also use a size 5 perle cotton

To start, I created running stitches on either side to anchor the repair. Then interlaced the thread through the running stitches.

Applique or Reverse applique

Sashiko stitching

Sashiko is perhaps the most popular visible trending technique. You will be stitching geometric patterns (like diamonds or waves) over the torn area (which is reinforced with patching, with running stitches.

Sashiko stitching is done using white sashiko thread, or perle cotton thread. But if you are feeling playful, use multicolored threads for a visible stitching pattern.

Patching with printed material

Patching is another popular technique. You can choose similar weight fabric for patching larger holes or worn areas – for visible mending they just have to be somewhat loud. For an eclectic visible repair, combine multiple fabric patches with varying patterns, colors, and textures—floral, geometric, plaid, and abstract. Add tie-dyed fabric patches for a groovy, psychedelic look.

You can sew decorative trims like fringe, lace, or pompoms around patch edges – it will give the patch some dimension. But the design will be very bold and outstanding so do this only if you like that look.

visible mending

Some points to note when mending jeans:

  • For perfect results you may have to open the leg seams (if the tear is in the leg area) -but do this only if your sewing machine can handle sewing it back.
  • For some mending a hoop helps in easy access to both sides of the material, ensuring the stitching is neat and consistent.
  • After the mending is finished secure the threads and finish off the stitching properly so that your mending will endure the washes and wear.
  • Do not expect perfect results from the start. Perfection comes from practice.


When I take up any sort of mending I feel like I am contributing to the sustainable fashion movement which is so so needed for the earth right now. Let me know your thoughts on this.

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Sarina, author of all sewing, fashion designing articles

Author: Sarina Tariq

Hi, I love sewing, fabric, fashion, embroidery, doing easy DIY projects and then writing about them. Hope you have fun learning from sewguide as much as I do. If you find any mistakes here, please point it out in the comments.
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