Visible mending supplies for two denim knees

Who this list is for

This list is for anyone wanting to hand-mend a single pair of jeans with two worn or torn knees, especially if you want the repair to stand out as a creative feature. It’s practical for home crafters, visible mending beginners, or anyone with a favorite pair of denim that needs thoughtful reinforcement.

How to use this list

Start by gathering your jeans and laying them flat. Use the fabric marking pencil to outline the worn areas on both knees. Cut two cotton fabric patches, each about 5 x 5 inches, to cover the knees. Secure the patches with straight pins and a pin cushion, and insert a piece of cardboard behind each knee to avoid stitching through both layers. Iron the patches if needed, and use iron-on mending tape for extra hold. Thread either sashiko or embroidery needles with sashiko thread or embroidery floss in your chosen colors. Stitch decorative patterns by hand, reinforcing the fabric. Use a thimble to protect your fingers and small embroidery scissors to trim threads as you go.

Common mistakes

Don’t skip the cardboard insert—without it, you risk sewing the knee shut. Avoid using patches that are too small; they won’t fully cover or reinforce the worn area. Don’t forget to iron the patch and jeans before applying mending tape, or it may not adhere well. Don’t use dull needles, as they make hand-stitching much harder and less precise.

What is on this list

You’ll need your jeans, two cotton patches, four colors of embroidery floss, sashiko thread, two sashiko needles, a pack of hand-sewing needles, a thimble, small embroidery scissors, a fabric marking pencil, iron-on mending tape, straight pins, a pin cushion, an iron and ironing board, and a cardboard insert. Cross off anything you already own before you start shopping or assembling your kit.

When you are done

After you finish stitching, check the inside of each knee for loose threads and trim them. Remove any pins and the cardboard insert. Press the mended knees with the iron for a neat finish. Store leftover supplies, like extra floss or pins, in a small box for your next repair project.