Give your jeans a makeover with DIY fabric patches
What's the story
Revamping old denim with fabric patches is an easy and cost-effective way of breathing new life into your wardrobe.
This DIY approach lets you personalize your jeans, jackets or skirts with unique designs and patterns.
Be it to cover up a tear or just adding some flair to your outfit, fabric patches offer a creative solution.
With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can transform your denim pieces effortlessly.
Fabric selection
Choosing the right fabric
Selecting the right fabric is the key to making durable and stylish patches.
Go for sturdy materials like cotton or canvas that can withstand wear and tear.
You may even use contrasting colors or patterns to make the patches stand out from the denim background.
If you're aiming for a cohesive look, opt for fabrics that complement the existing color scheme of the denim piece.
Essential tools
Tools you will need
Before you start your denim makeover, make sure you have all the tools required to make the patch-making process a breeze.
They include scissors to cut fabric, needles to sew, thread matching/complimenting your patches, and iron-on adhesive for a no-sew option.
An iron is also important to set the adhesive properly. Having these things handy will make your project smooth, without any interruptions.
Layout planning
Designing your patch layout
Before you go ahead and attach any patches, plan out their placement on your denim item.
Lay out different shapes and sizes of fabric pieces until you come up with an arrangement that appeals to you.
You can even consider symmetry or the other way depending on your personal preference.
This step helps you visualize how the end product will look like once all patches are sewn or adhered in place.
Attachment techniques
Attaching patches securely
There are a number of ways to securely attach fabric patches onto denim surfaces:
Sew them on by hand with a simple running stitch around the edge of each patch,
Use a sewing machine if you have one,
Apply iron-on adhesive according to the package's instructions,
Or use both methods for additional durability, particularly in high-stress areas like knees or elbows where you need more reinforcement.