How to patch a hole in jeans from the inside

A backing patch and a grid of machine stitching.

Step by step

1. Turn the jeans inside out. Cut a patch reaching 1 in (2.5 cm) beyond the thin area all round; round the corners.
2. Place it right side to the wrong side of the jeans, pin flat and baste round the edge.
3. Turn right side out. Set straight stitch to 2.5 mm.
4. Sew rows back and forth across the hole, about 2 mm apart, along the lengthwise threads, reaching 12 mm past the hole.
5. Turn 90 degrees and sew rows across the first set to make a grid.
6. Zigzag round the edge of the backing patch, remove basting and press from the wrong side.

Dot's tip
Denim-colour thread blends better than a perfect match.

Sources

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

1. SewMendStitch: Mend a hole in denim from the inside