Common visible mending mistakes and fixes

Patches too small, puckering and new holes.

• New hole at the edge: the patch didn't reach past the thin area. Extend it.
• Patch shifting: pin or baste it first.
• Stiff, ridged repair: rows too close or thread too heavy.
• Wrong method for the size: darn small holes, patch big ones, embroider tiny ones.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. SewMendStitch: Visible mending styles, materials and how to choose
2. SewMendStitch: Mend a hole in denim from the inside
3. William Gee: Repair your jeans with sashiko embroidery