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Zig-zag Patch

What you need

  1. Zig-zag Patch, Zig-zag Patch: step 1, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch, Zig-zag Patch: step 1, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch, Zig-zag Patch: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Examine the damage. Clip any long, loose threads, and remove any debris from the hole.

    • Measure the length and width of the hole.

    • In our case it looks like 2" by 1".

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  2. Zig-zag Patch: step 2, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 2, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Grab a scrap of denim or other heavy-weight fabric and mark your measurements plus one inch in each direction.

    • In our case it will be 3" by 2".

    • Cut the scrap into a rectangle the dimensions of your new measurements.

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  3. Zig-zag Patch: step 3, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the rectangle of fabric into the jean leg and position it under the hole.

    • Be sure that you put the rectangle of fabric in the pant leg and not behind it—you only want to work on one layer of fabric.

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  4. Zig-zag Patch: step 4, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 4, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Thread your sewing machine with your desired thread color.

    • Slide the pant leg onto the arm of the sewing machine.

    • You may need to remove the sewing machine table for the pant leg to fit over the arm.

    • Be sure that the pant leg is around the arm of the sewing machine. If both layers are stacked on one another, you will sew the pant leg shut.

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  5. Zig-zag Patch: step 5, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 5, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Check that the rectangle of fabric is still laying flat, centered beneath the hole.

    • Lower the pressor foot.

    • Sew a straight line over the hole going about five stitches past the damage.

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  6. Zig-zag Patch: step 6, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 6, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the pressor foot.

    • Rotate the jean leg a few degrees toward the center of the hole.

    • Lower the pressor foot.

    • Engage the backstitch function on your sewing machine, and sew a straight line back over the hole, going about five stitches beyond the damage.

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  7. Zig-zag Patch: step 7, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 7, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat steps five and six, continuing to rotate and sew lines of stitching back and forth until you cover the entire hole.

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  8. Zig-zag Patch: step 8, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • When you are satisfied with your stitching, backstitch two or three stitches.

    • Lift the needle and pressor foot.

    • Slide the jean leg off of the sewing machine.

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  9. Zig-zag Patch: step 9, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Clip any dangling threads and admire your work.

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  10. Zig-zag Patch: step 10, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 10, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • Still not satisfied? Alrighty, let's add some decorative stitching the other way.

    • This is completely optional. If you are happy with your work, you can stop here.

    • Slide the pant leg back onto the arm of the sewing machine, making sure that the leg goes around the arm.

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  11. Zig-zag Patch: step 11, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully rotate the jean leg 90 degrees.

    • Be sure that there is only one layer of fabric (plus the rectangle) between the sewing machine and the needle, or else you will sew the pant leg shut.

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  12. Zig-zag Patch: step 12, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Lower the pressor foot.

    • Sew a straight line of stitching over the damaged area.

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  13. Zig-zag Patch: step 13, image 1 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 13, image 2 of 3 Zig-zag Patch: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Just like before, at the end of each line of stitching, lift the pressor foot, rotate the jeans a few degrees, and sew another line of stitching.

    • When you are happy with the way that the stitching looks, backstitch two or three stitches.

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  14. Zig-zag Patch: step 14, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the pressor foot and needle.

    • Slide the pant leg off the arm of the sewing machine.

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  15. Zig-zag Patch: step 15, image 1 of 2 Zig-zag Patch: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Clip any dangling threads.

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Conclusion

Ta-da! Nice work.

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8 other people completed this guide.

Brittany McCrigler

Member since: 03/05/12

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