Mending Denim

Mending Denim

IMG_9236.jpg

As part of our series on mending, we felt it was just right to start with denim—the need to patch a knee is just about as common as it gets with hardworking adults and hard-playing kids. We are by no means professionals in mending, but have the desire to learn WITH you and share what we learn about making loved clothes last!

In hopes of combating the often wasteful fashion culture to toss clothes when they are stained or have holes, we want to take steps towards teaching the art of giving garments a longer lifespan. Part of this journey for us has been learning from others—there are so many makers who make patching beautiful and artistic, with embroidery and other design work. Right out the gate, we want to acknowledge Katrina Rodabaugh—the writer of Mending Matters. She inspired some of the creative stitching you’ll see here, and her IG is full of her beautiful patching & inspiration for slow fashion.

A reminder that our Maker’s Boxes are full of wonderful colorful fabric scraps and will be a helpful tool for your mending & making journey.

IMG_9250.jpg

Step 1 : Gather everything you need! For us this includes_ scissors, straight or safety pins, a strong needle and thread, the garment being patched, and the patching material.

IMG_9235.jpg

Step 2 : Cut patch piece to size - big enough to cover the entire hole plus some to keep the stitching in place.

IMG_9225.jpg

Step 3 : For larger patches that will go OVER the top of the hole (on the outside rather than the inside of the garment), you’ll want to iron or pin the edges so they don’t fray with washing. Remember to take these pins out as you stitch :)

IMG_9227.jpg

Step 4 : Whether the patch is going under or over the hole, you’ll want to secure it prior to sewing. You can use safety pins (shown) or straight pins. Patches have a tendency to move about on their own if you don’t do this. If you don’t have pins, you can simply put a small basting stitch in a few places to keep it from moving and take them out afterwards.

IMG_9234.jpg
IMG_9229.jpg

Step 5 : Knot the thread, and begin your stitching! There are so many ways to do your stitches…we tend to like the patterns that wrap the edges and secure the patch! Remember to keep the stitching snug and as consistent as possible. You also may need a thimble to get the needle through some thick areas, especially if you’re patching with denim (Rose also uses pliers to pull the needle through!)

*Enjoy the journey with the stitching - we like to put on some favorite music or a podcast while we mend. It is a meditative way to slow down, one stitch at a time, and show some love to our well-worn jeans.

IMG_9236.jpg
IMG_9231.jpg

Step 6 : After the patch is secure, you can easily add some character to your patches! This pattern is a simple under-over that you can try, or you can go both directions and make little “+” signs, too!

If you’re in the market to add some color or embroidery, check this out.

IMG_9228.jpg

Another quick mend we love_ wrapping the well-worn pocket in thread to keep the fraying at bay! You can easily blend by choosing a neutral thread, or make an accent with a pop of color, too!

Ready, set, MEND!


To see our sustainable life post on non-toxic laundry, go here!

← Older Post Newer Post →

Leave a comment

Read More

The Language of Color

The Language of Color

Reclaiming Joy & Power Through Decolonizing Clothing with Mariela Perez-Simons   Color was stolen from you. I’m serious! Colonization didn’t only take land, language, and...

Read more
Dopamine Dressing for Dummies as written by our friend LJ

Dopamine Dressing for Dummies as written by our friend LJ

i’ve recently been introduced to the idea of dopamine dressing; of allowing our clothes to spark joy in our hearts. i’ve been obsessed with clothing...

Read more
Garanimals: Conscious Clothing Edition

Garanimals: Conscious Clothing Edition

As we've been planning for the future of Conscious Clothing, one of the things I wanted to focus on is making our colors and styles...

Read more
Comfort is our Birthright

Comfort is our Birthright

When planning the campaign for this collection, I sat down and thought long and hard about what folks really need right now. Personally, I am...

Read more
My husbands unexpected love affair with the Cinema Pants

My husbands unexpected love affair with the Cinema Pants

A few months ago, Liz, Audra, and I were brainstorming ideas for a mini January collection. It had been a while since we'd done anything...

Read more
2024 Holiday Gift Guide

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Every year we put together individual Gift Guides to further our support and advocacy for all the small but mighty makers out there. This year...

Read more