Seamsters...help!

[Iggo]

I've got a 20-yr-old pair of Levi's 517 Boot Cut jeans with a two-inch vertical tear at the bottom of one of the legs, starting just above the hem and going upward right next to and behind and right up against the inseam. I also just noticed the tear is along the faded fold line from how I fold and store them.

I was going to just toss them, but I ordered me up a replacement pair and apparently they don't make them like they used to.

So instead of throwing them away, and before the tear gets any worse, I thought I'd reach out to people who might know what to do.

Maybe they can be saved.

Is there a fix? Is there hope?

Thoughts? Prayers?

[violetpastille]

1. How about sashiko mending?

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/318489004888185639/?lp=true

https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/fix-it/repair-holes-in-pants-with-sashiko-mending

[Iggo]

3. You think that'll work across a seam?

I've got zero room on one side of the tear, unless I go across the seam.

[violetpastille]

5. Yes, you'd want to go across the seam

and if you went with this style of hand mending denim you'd want to use a thimble.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+use+a+thimble&oq=how+to+use+a+thimble&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4108j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=1

[Iggo]

7. Thanks.

I'll do a little more research, but I have no real sewing skills other than sewing on a button.

I may have to do the Helpless Bachelor routine at work and around the neighborhood.

[procon]

2. If the split is in a crease it's because the threads

became weakened over time due to the fold and friction. A quick solution would be to buy an iron on patch to repair you jeans. Available in the sewing notions aisle at Wal-Mart, Amazon or any yardage shop.

Trim the patch to fit the tear so it has enough of an edge (1/2 to 1 inch) to adhere to the undamaged jean fabric beyond the area you need to repair. Eventually the patch will need to be replaced so save the extras.

Follow the package directions and apply the patch to the wrong side of your jeans, not the front. You will still see the tear on the outside but as long as the patch stays on it shouldn't get any worse. With old jeans that little damaged area will look like normal wear and tear.

There are other methods but they take more time and perhaps a higher level of skills with a needle and thread.

[Iggo]

4. I'm not sure if an iron-on patch that goes across the seam will be effective, but it's worth a shot.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[procon]

10. It will work.

After patching jeans for 5 people for decades, those patches were my go to solution. Make sure your iron is really hot. You need the high heat to melt the adhesive backing so it bonds to the fabric. Use the curved edge of your iron to press into the seam line to get a good fit, that's why it's shaped that way.

[Iggo]

11. I hear my Dad saying "If you do it right, it'll work."

I think if I fail with the needle and thread (which is where the smart money is), this'll be next.

[fierywoman]

6. Do you sew at all?

It would be an easy repair, and if I understood what you so carefully wrote, not terribly noticeable.
(I'm assuming you don't sew, so please don't be insulted by my directions.) You want to make a seam of the tear. That means you want to sew on what we call the "wrong" side of the fabric (which is the fabric of the inside of the pant leg.)
So turn the pant leg inside out. Match up the two ragged edges of the tear (which in sewing means you will be putting the two "right" (=outside) sides of the fabric together. Thread a needle (I assume you don't have a sewing machine) and knot the ends (so what you're sewing with is a double thread.) As long as you have even a 1/4" seam you'll be fine. Use stitches as small as you can manage. At the hem edge, reinforce the very end of the seam to keep it from ripping again.

I'm sure you'll be victorious!

[Iggo]

8. You assume correctly and I'm not offended.

"You want to make a seam of the tear."

Wow.

That makes so much sense!

Thank you!

[fierywoman]

9. You can do it!

And since it's on the inseam I bet it won't even be seen.

[tblue37]

12. I used to do this sort of thing in my dressmaking shop. I don't sew anymore

(arthritis), but to do a mend like this, I would want to examine the item first to decide on the best approach. (If I thought the garment could not be salvaged, I would say so.)

My recommendation: Go to a professional seamstress or a tailor. Someone has a sewing shop in your area, I bet. Let an actual sewing expert take a look at your jeans, make a recommendation, and give you a price estimate.

[pansypoo53219]

13. my grandma would just put it thru her sewing machine & go over the tear. keeping the edges next to

each other & keep repeating til it was sturdy. could use a color yo ulike. make it a feature. or blue to match. i like making funky repairs.

[catrose]

14. I'd sew a decorative trim over it

Either the kind that comes on rolls like ribbon that you can buy by the yard or appliques that come in a package. (Pro tip: sew them on, not iron them on) It could be as simple as twill or decorative as sequins. ]https://www.joann.com/simplicity-large-flower-iron-on-applique-with-gems/15989247.html#q=Appliques&start=1

[dem in texas]

15. Sounds Like the fabric is worn too weak.

Go to the vintage shop or thrift store and find yourself another pair.

I have two pair of my husbands old jeans in the washer right now. After they are washed and dried, I am cutting them up. I love old faded denim, such a variety of faded blue colors. Here are things I have done with old denim. Made a picnic quilt, used log cab strips to make place mats and pillow covers - so many things to do with old denim.