How to Mend with Patches

Use all those embroidery stitches you know to make your patches prettier AND stronger. In the video I show you how and why - but I also wanted to show you some detailed examples of finished patches from a pair of my jeans.

This one is super easy. I used a running stitch around the edge of the patch, and then I used split stitch over every other stripe.

This is just running stitches - lots of running stitches. It's stitched on corduroy so I was able to use the space between the ridges to as a guide to keep my rows of stitching straight and parallel. I used a two different shades of blue thread.

On this one I used the gingham print of the fabric as a grid to make nice, even cross stitches and running stitches. The stitches of my Xs were pretty big - possible to snag on things - so I took tiny little straight stitches in pink at each intersection to strengthen the whole thing and add a fun accent.

This started as a plain black fabric with white polkadots. First I took little straight stitches in the polkadots and made cross stitches in the spaces between them. That didn't make the stitching as close as I wanted so I added a grid of backstitches in green.

And finally - this one was a labor of love. I satin stitched over each drop shape in the fabric print - matching the color of the printed drop. It took a long time but the texture is luscious.

Have fun with some patches! Soon you'll be looking for an excuse to mend!

Best,
Wendi