this post was submitted on 10 May 2026
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Title. I have thread and needles that belonged to my grandma, I'm assuming they don't go bad? Anyway I'm looking to repair my jeans that got a hole in the crotch. I've literally never sewed in my life, help!

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[–] Arahnya@hexbear.net 13 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

here is an example of some visible mending; running stitches used to mend holes in jeans near the crotch with a patch.

What I want to point out is how you can see that the mend area extends far beyond the hole and encompasses the material around it.

in this photo I want to point out how the hole has been sewn up like a button hole. I think that this is an important step, otherwise the fraying fabric isnt secured as well

[–] hellinkilla@hexbear.net 10 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Thread goes bad. Try to pull and see if it breaks. There are a lot of kinds of thread and needle, the former might not even fit into the latter. Needles also get blunt, like any blade. Many kinds of thread, many kinds of needle.

Ive never managed to repair jean crotches on a more than temporary basis. Maybe if they were really good quality in the first place, you'll have better luck. Your best bet might be iron on patches. If you figure it out, let me know how. Not a novice level project. Lots of stress, thats why they are always getting holes. An easier fix is a hole that resulted from a snag or tear that won't be subject to pervasive structural issues.

[–] Arahnya@hexbear.net 10 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I do sashiko mending or visible mending. Using a piece of fabric if the holes are big. The stitches I use the most are parachute stitch, blanket stitch, whip stitch, backstich, running stitch (for sashiko style mending)

[–] SorosFootSoldier@hexbear.net 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Thank you! Going to star this post for tomorrow.

[–] Arahnya@hexbear.net 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

no problem, if you have any questions my dms are open. Here's a few more things to help get you started:

video about threading a needle with double stand thread + tying the knot : https://youtu.be/5-T7jvqQ6Mw

ending knot : https://youtu.be/3d3wgmqfZrE

an example of sashiko and whip stitching : https://youtu.be/HtsC7emyg90

you dont have to use embroidery thread. you can use regular double thread. Jeans can be thick, if you have a thicker needle it might work better for that material

[–] HexReplyBot@hexbear.net 1 points 2 days ago

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[–] KnilAdlez@hexbear.net 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

I don't sew but I do watch a content creator who does sewing content, here is one where he is making a fancy looking patch on some pants small content warning: he recently went through chemotherapy so there is some content related to that on his channel.


[–] HexReplyBot@hexbear.net 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy: