The DIY Denim Project (patching up my jeans): Part II

Nearly two months later, my flare jeans have finally been patched up. Having worn through the material back in April and bought the spare denim in June, I'd say it's about time, don't you think? But although it has taken so long, I am still pleased with the final result. What do you reckon?

Okay, so it's not the most exciting alteration, but since I love my flares so much, I'm happy knowing I can now get an extra few years from them. When the hole first appeared in the right knee, I thought I could simply mend it and that would be that, but despite my efforts at sewing, the hole only grew wider. The answer was to patch up the jeans.

In "Part I", I explained how I bought a 25cm length of denim from a small haberdashery on the Winton high street. The colour was a deep blue, but the underside was much lighter, matching the colour of my flares more closely. As you can see from the photos, I chose to patch my jeans with the lighter side of the denim, since the darker blue looked too out of place.

Some of the equipment I borrowed from my sister

Although my sister has a sewing machine I could have used, my inexperience with it meant I opted to hand-stitch the patches. The first attempt was naturally a failure, accidentally sewing the thread through both sides of the leg. But after I corrected my mistake, the process was much smoother. Admittedly, it's not the best stitching in the world, but I don't think it's the worst either.

So for anyone else who has worn a hole in the knee of their jeans... Sure, the ripped or distressed look is popular, but that hole is only going to get bigger. So why not have a go at patching up your jeans, just like I have? And of course, you don't have to do exactly what I've done. Depending on the style you're trying to create, you can use different materials, different thread, different stitching and different shapes.

And if you don't know how to sew, learn! In all seriousness, even a basic knowledge of sewing up holes and sewing on buttons will help you with any snag or tear your clothes may experience. If it can be mended, mend it!

My cat, Bailey, not being particularly helpful

As for myself and my flare jeans, I'm just glad I can wear them again. It has been far too long without them, though I guess that's my own silly fault. Keep an eye out for the next #TodayImWearing photo, in which they'll proudly be featured.