Four Easy Jean Repair Hacks
Mending! That’s a sewing topic that I usually try to avoid. I’ve never thought, Oh goodie, today I get to replace a zipper! Can you relate?
Then one day, I decided that mending doesn’t need to be a trial. You can cheat! No demerits, rather legitimate—although unconventional—sewing repairs with minimal effort. You’ll find four common mending repairs in the first episode of Quick Stitch to Wear Again, a new Sewing With Nancy video. Watch online, on Public TV, or on DVD. Or, follow all the details in the book. Here’s what you’ll learn!
Fool’em Jeans Hem
Here’s the first cheater’s way to mend, the Fool’em Jeans Hem! I’ll show you how to shorten a pair of jeans, yet keep the original hemline stitching—you might be surprised at the solution. Click to watch online.
No-Bump Jeans Hem
When tapered or flared jeans must be shortened, another fix-it approach is needed. Usually, it’s tricky to sew over the thick seams. Not so with the No-Bumps Jeans Hem approach. No steamroller needed, just a quick-stitch tip!
Snug-up the Waist Fix
When pants or jeans fit around your hips, but gape at the waist, you can “Snug-up the Waist” without a second thought. Grab a seam ripper and some elastic and I’ll show you how to create a snug fit in mere minutes.
Cover-Up Zipper Fix
Sew True! You’ll never see zippers the same way! The Cover-Up is Exposed. Okay, we’re having fun with a topic that can be dry. The Cover-Up Zipper technique, replacing zippers in jeans and pants, is truly sensational. Don’t look for the latest edition of Sew True at the grocery checkout—just watch online!
Special thanks to Philip Ashby, graphic artist at Wisconsin Public TV for the clever illustrations.
19 Cheater’s Sewing Repairs in My New Book!
There wasn’t time to demonstrate all the mending tips and tricks on TV—you know, only a half-hour show–so my staff and I gathered additional easy ideas to add to the tips shown on TV. All 19 tips with illustrations are in the full-color book, Quick Stitch to Wear Again.
Watch Quick Stitch to Wear Again on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of the Quick Stitch to Wear Again book from Nancy’s Notions, simply leave a comment sharing which of these mending tips you need the most.
The randomly selected winner of a copy of Grandmother’s One Patch Template Collection from Clover is Michael J. Elinski.
His comment was, “My next hexagon-style project will be an autumnal-colored, long, dining table runner for Thanksgiving using you faux-hexagon technique. Grandmother’s one patch template collection has the perfect tool to to sew this project that might look difficult, but is really quite manageable.”
The randomly selected winner of a Florida Bag Template Set from Clover is Jan Sedivy.
Her comment was,”I love the look of the cinched tote for spring. I have a wildflower spring fabric that would be great for this pattern. Thank you.”
Bye for now,
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Kaye Walker
Nancy, I love your show and your website where I can buy the best products! I have gained weight and need to expand my jeans at the waist. Placing the wedge piece in the waist is the most helpful one for me.
Kelly
As a woman with a smaller waist, I have real problems getting the jeans of today to fit properly. The cinching of the waistband trick is something I really want to try. I have seen it before, but I really trust it now that I’ve seen it here. Thanks for all your wonderful tips.
Julie Kill
AS a mom with two growing active farm girls, my life includes ALOT of mending! One it taller and leggy, while the other is long bodied small on top, small waisted and bigger in the hips, and shorter legged. I can use all of the tips in your book and in the show to fix those items. Thank you for giving practical ways to fix what we have as well as recycling!
Debbie
Love the tips on how to shortened jeans. This is something I will always need to do. Thanks so much
Traci Y
I’ve been pushing around a coat of my husbands, for a year now, which needs a new zipper. I need to quit procrastinating and get it done! It is always in the way and bothersome to look at every time I sit down to have my “therapy” sewing session. It takes the joy out of sewing.
Marlys Cocozzoli
I love these tips. I’m always having to add elastic to the back of my jeans and pants. Have never attempted the zipper replacement idea though. Maybe I will now.
Karen Jako
I am always mending jeans. My husband and I call them the designer jeans by Karen, envy of all! luckily the zippers don’t break often but when it does I seriously consider using that pair for scraps so I look forward to trying the zipper technique.
Lucille Jones
Wish I had seen the replacing of the jeans zipper, just replaced one last week. I am sure there will be a next time!
Margaet Beaumont
Any suggestions on how to repair a jean’s jacket sleeve with a “ribbed edging?” I too love the information and am asked to repair “small issues” that are actually harder than they look due to the lack of appropriate materials at local fabric stores.
Barbara J Myers
Hemming up and repairing jeans always seems to end up at my house. Great tips to make it easier in the future.
Florence Dupuis
I have used the snug up your jeans on several pairs of jeans and capris. Sew easy to do. Love your show and learn from most of them. Thanks.
Barb Tait
I love these fix jeans tips. Shortening jeans or any thick seamed pant is going to be so easy. I am so looking forward to Nancy’ Sewing weekend to pick up more vital information.
Diana Weston
Your demonstration of replacing zippers is fantastic!! That is one repair I’ve always tried to avoid if possible. (I don’t mind putting zippers in new items, but having to replace them in jeans has always been such a pain!) Your method looks so much easier. I love the other ideas, too.
Cathy Veverka
No Bumps Jeans Hem is my favorite as I am between a petite and an average length. I can also use the “snug-up the waist” fix as my jeans often gap in the back waist. I love your show and have watched it since we first had cable installed in the 80s and am now an avid quilter. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of sewing techniques! 🙂
Beverley Hancox
At 5’2″, have used your tip for shortening jeans many many times. Thanks so much for all your very useful tips.
Deb Wallace
Jean repairs are always challenging…width these tips my stress level wil be down and I will be happier sewing!
Brenda Lee
The zipper fix, oh my goodness how many jeans I could have saved!
Harriet wetherell
I would rather sew a whole new garment rather than repair a zipper . I need some hints on how to approach repairs with less apprehension.
Ilene Abbas
Oh, the jeans hem!
Joyce
I need the waistband fix. Every pair I buy is just too baggy.
Jan Swanson
The zipper fix is so useful!
Sarah Jackson
I need to replace zippers that are broken. Fixing hems are a close second.
Carol Burns
I love this book and use it all the time. I repair clothes for people and lots of them are jeans, fixing zippers, hems, waistband, etc. This book and the video has been a life saver for me. If you don’t win it, it is well worth the money.
Toni Haukom
Nancy you are a God Send- My husband has short legs and I have to shorten nearly every pair of jeans that he wears. I knew about how to shorten the straight leg jeans but your method for the “No Bump” jean Hem was awesome. I have some jeans that needs to be shortened for him and I am going to try this method. How would you hem jeans that have a flared leg that gets smaller at the hem line? Thanks you for any suggestion. Love your programs and all your books and videos, Hugs – Toni
P.Bear
Replacing zippers is not a favorite esp. on jeans. This is my favorite tip.
Peggy Moberg
I need the hemming jeans technique. I hate hemming! Thank you so much!
Pat
The zipper replacement hack is the tip I am most delighted to have. Replacing zippers has always been tricky trying to get them in the same opening as the old zipper. This clever idea cures that problem. Thanks for the tip.
Elizabeth Lewis
Thanks for this collection! In our house, mending gets put off until we have no other options. Your methods actually inspire me to tackle that pile of jeans and rejuvenate my wardrobe at a fraction of the cost of buying new clothes. What a treat to be able to wear an old favorite again!
Cheryl
Hemming jeans was always my bane. My husband was never satisfied with the length when he bought a new pair and always had me re-hem them.
Karen B.
I am always having to shorten my husband’s jeans. To do it faster and still have it look nice would be Great!
Clovis
I really like the tip for taking the zipper out. I have a pair of jeans that has the zipper broken. Now, I can fix them. Don’t know if I could still where them.
Kathryn E
I always thought that once the zipper was broken, the jeans were finished. I could use them for patches but not wear them again. I would love to be able to replace the zipper easily.
Pamela McCandless
These techniques are so much easier to use than what I was taught in school!
Louise King
I would love to win the book. Not only do I do my repairs but also for my kids and grandkids. This would help greatly.
Susan Spiers
Snug-up The Waist Fix! I need this on just about all the jeans I buy! Great solution! Thank you, Susan
Virginia Anderton
I definitely could use the waist cinch. I have much larger hips than waist especially now I have gained some weight. They all are great helps but for me that is the best.
Darlene Habanek
I have been confounded by zippers since I first learned about their installation in high school. I still need all the help I can get. Thanks!
Angela Curtis
My favorite is the Cover-Up Zipper Fix, followed closely by the tip about shortening the jeans.
Virginia Anderton
The snug up waist is the fix I can most use. I am much wider in the hips than in the waist so there always is a gap. A belt works well but not all pants have belt loops. Your idea is terrific. Replacing zippers runs a close second. I think all your quick fixes are terrific.
Janet Weirauch
I try to repair lots of Jean but never a zipper. I sure hope this technique helps me. I help out three family’s jeans, selves, kids and grandkids, even my 93yr. old mother. Thank you for all your help over the years. You have taught me a lot.
MonicaAD
Being able to hem my jean skirts with these tips is FIESTA 🙂
Savannagal
Snug up waist. I’m not particularly small, but often times if I buy a size that fits my thighs, then the waist is way too big.
Jodie S
Wow! I was really impressed with not only how easy these techniques are to do, but how well they look when completed. I’ve always dreaded trying to hem jeans, but I won’t anymore! Thanx for sharing, Nancy!
Lisa Vawter
I and other volunteers operate a clothing room for the needy at our local food bank in Aylett, Virginia. We often get donations of clothing, especially coats, with broken zippers. Nancy’s segment on replacing zippers has been a huge help to me. Previously my options were to throw away an otherwise perfectly useable coat, or laboriously remove and insert a new zipper. Nancy’s method of zipper replacement takes a minimum of time, and the new zipper functions well and looks great! Thanks, Nancy!
Nancy
I love the zipper technique. Zippers are so hard to replace and with these instructions, it will make it much easier . Thanks so much!!
Lisa S Felder
Loved seeing how to add the elastic to take up the waist. My granddaughter has a tiny waist. It used to be I could buy her pants with the elastic adjustment in them, but now that she is in the Jr section of clothes, they don’t come like that. I think this might work better than the darts I have put in some of her clothes in the past. Thanks for this great tip.
Rhonda D in KY
I have to hem every pair of jeans that my husband wears. Do you know how hard it is to find 29″ length. Of course he has to have boot cut jeans.
Lucy
To “Rhonda D in KY”, I’m in the same situation where my husband needs 29″ length jeans. It is extremely hard to find these jeans but most oftentimes I have to buy 30″ and hem them, which I hate doing. Nancy’s technique sure make it look easy to hem them so I’m going to give it a try. Thanks, Nancy!
BevM
I need the Exposed Zipper technique. I also dislike repairs, but sometimes do them for friends. When I do, I have THEM rip out the old zippers, especially on jackets. Ripping is so tedious.
Dellene Swast
I have used the Zipper technique. Genius!
Jeannie
I need the waist snug-up
Debbie Yandell
Fool ’em jeans hem. I have to hem most of my husbands jeans, this would really help! Thanks for all your helpful hints!
Sherie Christiansen
I sure could use the “No-Bump Hem” technique. My husband is built on the shortside of things 9for a man). I have always had to cut 2-3 inches off his slacks and jeans so they fit him good., he has passed these “genes” onto one of our sons. I don’t mind doing it for them, but quite often I get “Hon (or Mom) I need you to cut off the pants. Can you do it?”
Sherie Christiansen
I sure could use the “No-Bump Hem” technique. My husband is built on the shortside of things (for a man). I have always had to cut 2-3 inches off his slacks and jeans so they fit him good., he has passed these “genes” onto one of our sons. I don’t mind doing it for them, but quite often I get “Hon (or Mom) I need you to cut off the pants. Can you do it?”
Jennifer
I love learning new techniques to extend the life of a garment. Your techniques are amazingly simple and so creative! Looking forward to seeing what other gems your book contains. Thanks!
Peggy V
I have a zipper in a jacket in that needs to be replaced, it is one of my favorite jackets and would love the book to find out just how to do this easily. Thank you for the chance to win.
Gail Beam
I am split between the zipper fix and the hemming jeans technique.
DebbieW
I’d be replacing the uncooperative zipper in a jacket using grosgrain ribbon.
Cheryl Heavner
I have been dealing with “gaposis” waistlines on my pants all my life. Love this easy fix! What other tricks have I been missing?would love to read the book.
Jane
The fool ‘me hem! It’s a great tip that really works. Thanks!
Nancy Cooper
I purchased the book you are offering. However, I didn’t order the CD/DVD. I am an excellent reader, but need to see or learn by visually doing. I have two spring jackets our associate pastor asked me to replace the zippers as they were not working properly. I have the zippers and two-faced tape/ribbon but am just not sure how to put in the zippers. Also, I have several pairs of pants to shorten for my husband and hopefully your hints will help. Thanks again for your assistance..
Ann Scott
Being just 5′ tall, I must shorten all the pants I buy. Your quick hem technique great! Also the elastic waist band treatment will solve many sagging pants on my grandchildren!
Nell
I always need to hem jeans!
Noreen
Replacing zippers is what I really hate doing!
Linda Brngal
The one thing I can’t stand, is mending. Show me the tricks!
Suzi smith
Always need to shorten jeans for me.
So that was a great hint with the jeans.
Beth Piper
I’ve always wanted to know how to hem jeans with out losing the original look.
Barbara Kissler
Why are we all repairing and altering all these garments? We really should be sharing our skills by teaching our loved ones how to do it themselves. This book should be shared with every person we love.
Alyson Coleman
I always need to snug up the waist, especially as the jeans relax and stretch out over time. Thanks for the useful tips!
Margaret Varga
My problem is a zipper on my favourite winter coat. It needs to be replaced as the teeth keep popping out at the bottom making it difficult to get off.
Eileen Girens, WI
3 girls in our family are on short side. Need to rehem a lot. Also replace zippers is laborsome. Sure could use your book. Eileen
Mary Ellen
The no-bump jeans hem for me. My husband’s jeans ALWAYS need shortening!
Linda E in AZ
I really need the Snug Up the Waist fix – my body isn’t exactly what you’d call proportional, and all my pants tend to gape at the waist unless I’m wearing those [jeans] with an elastic waist.
Thanks!
Bonnye
I alter jeans for my two daughter in laws. I always seem to have several items that need to be altered.
CHRISTINA GINGERICH
I really need the hemming jeans because my husband is short and I almost always have to hem new pants! Thanks
Sharon Sinor
The no-bump hem repair for jeans. I dread it when my sweetie says he needs a new pair of jeans. He’s not short but is long in the torso and has short legs. He’s also very overweight. But I get the job of shortening his jeans. If I don’t win this book, I’m going to watch this video till my eyes bleed and I foam at the mouth.
Karen
I need the zipper replacement tip.
Donna
Anything to do with jeans is a favorite of mine. I love the No Bump Jeans Hem method most of all. It is always a challenge to stitch through the extra thickness in hems. Thanks.
Fran Daoust
It ‘seams’ like many of these tips will fit the bill. I have replaced a fly zipper and was so proud of myself, but wow it does take alot of time. Thanks to you and your team. Fran
Linda Rupe
Friends and family don’t ask for a lot of mending, but when they do it usually involves jeans! I love this zipper method. Thank you!
Judy Allen
My adult son keeps dropping off (usually when he picks up my granddaughter after a sleep-over) jeans with rips and shredded areas. I’ve fixed some and unfortunately they have made it back to my house. I’d love the book so I can stop the
returns and spend my time quilting.
Thanks.