DIY Project

Fabric and sewing

Visible mending patch

A ripped knee or worn elbow patched with contrast fabric and running stitches, so the fix becomes the best part.

Visible mending patch
LevelIntermediate
AgesAges 12 and up
Time1 hour
Cost$5 to $10

What you'll need

Materials

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Tools

How to make it

  1. Step 1: Trim the hole
    1

    Trim the hole

    Snip off loose threads around the hole. Don't make it bigger.

  2. Step 2: Pin the patch inside
    2

    Pin the patch inside

    Turn the clothes inside out. Pin the scrap over the hole.

  3. Step 3: Draw guide lines
    3

    Draw guide lines

    Turn it back. Chalk straight lines 1/4 in apart across the patch area.

  4. Step 4: Stitch the lines
    4

    Stitch the lines

    Sew small running stitches along each line. Load 4 or 5 stitches on the needle before pulling through.

  5. Step 5: Cross stitch it
    5

    Cross stitch it

    Add a second set of lines going the other way for a grid. Knot inside.

Edie's tip

Leave the thread a little loose at each turn. Tight thread puckers the fabric.

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