Archive for the ‘Sewing’ Category

Sewing ideas for mother’s day

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

There are so many different things that you can do for your mom on mothers day. One thing that you can do for your mom is buy her flowers. But it seems like that is a big thing that a lot of mom’s get every year for mothers day. If you want to do something different for mother’s day why not sew her something. If you want to sew your mom something for mother’s day but don’t know what, here are some sewing ideas for mother’s day.

The first sewing idea for mother’s day is t sew a quilt. If your mother has wanted a new quilt for either her bedroom or just a quilt to put on display in her living room this is a great opportunity to make her one. Here are different levels of quilt making. If you are a beginner in sewing then you might want to think about picking a simple pattern where you do not have to piece different pieces together. Pick a pattern where you might only have to bind the edges together.

The second sewing idea for mother’s day is to make an apron. Of your mother is into cooking and is always complaining about her aprons, start taking notes. Find out what she doesn’t like about her aprons and what she is looking for in an apron. This will help you to find the right pattern and find out exactly what you want to put into the apron. For example maybe your mom wishes she could find an apron in a certain print, or one that has pockets in a certain place. This will be helpful to know so you can make her that apron that she has been looking for.

The third sewing idea for mother’s day is to make you mom a dress. If your skills are up to par and you know what you are doing try your luck with making your mom that skirt or dress she has been looking for. There are certain things that different moms like in clothes. The key is finding the right pattern in the right color of fabric in their size. The best way to find out exactly what you mom is looking for is to ask her specific things when you are out dress shopping with her. If she is complaining that she can never find what she is looking for start probing her on all of the different things she is looking for. Then you can go to the fabric store and see what you can find as far as certain patterns go.

The fourth sewing idea for mother’s day is to make you mom something simple like a bag to put all of her plastic grocery bags in. If your mom is always complaining that she doesn’t have any places to put her empty plastic grocery sacs but she likes to keep them for other uses. Find a pattern that you can use to make a sac that has a handle where you can hang it from somewhere and then a hole at the bottom where she can pull them out one at a time. You can find these patterns a lot of places.

There are so many different sewing ideas for mother’s day. You just have to pin point what exactly your mother is looking for. Each mother is different so each mother will be looking for something different. There are so many different sewing ideas for mother’s day that you can look into doing. You just need to decide what sewing ideas are perfect for your mother on mother’s day.

Sewing ideas for father’s day

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007

There are so many different things that you can do for your father on father’s day. One thing that fathers like is when they get things that they want but don’t necessarily need. If you are tight on money but want to get your father something that he has needed. There are some different things you can try to sew. Here are some sewing ideas for father’s day.

The first sewing idea for father’s day is if your father is a carpenter. If your dad is into carpentry and needs a tool belt apron that he can hold different odds and ends in this would be a great gift. Start by finding out how many pockets your father wants in his apron. Then find out if he wants is to tie with strings in the back or if he wants it to clip together. There is a lot of different things that you can implement into a tool belt. You can try to put different pockets that you can put different things like a drill or a pencil.

The second sewing idea for father’s day is if your father wants a fishing vest. There are so many different types of patterns out there that you can get that have different pockets and different options. You will want to do some research and find out what material is best for fishing vests. You also might want to put some eyelets in the pockets so if water gets in them it will have a place to drain out of.

The third sewing idea for father’s day is if your father is into cooking. If your father is into cooking you can make him his own personal apron. Most aprons are really girly looking. Sewing your father an apron is a great thing because you can make it as manly as you want. You can do a apron that has an army pattern or fishing pattern.

The fourth sewing idea for father’s day is if your father is into relaxing. You can make your father a pair of pajamas. PJ’s are a great thing to give your father if he likes to lounge around the house. Sometimes it is hard to find PJ’s that fit men right. Sometimes the PJ’s are to short or way to long. If you make your father a pair of PJ’s you can make sure that they fit him just perfect. If your father likes pockets this is something you can add.

The fifth sewing idea for father’s day is if your father wants a new blanket. If your father is looking for a blanket that he can use for relaxing this is a great opportunity to make him one. Depending on what your father is into will depend on what you will want to make his blanket out of. For example you can make him a blanket with the logo of his favorite sports team, or you can find fabric that represents one of his favorite hobbies.

There are so many different sewing ideas for father’s day that you can choose from. You just need to find what you think your father would like and then decide how you are going to sew it. Depending on the material you use and what type of pattern you use will depend on how you will sew it. If you need some sewing ideas for father’s day you can ask around. People at the fabric store are usually very helpful when you have questions. They will also be able to tell you what different skill levels are needed for different sewing ideas. This will also help you find the perfect sewing ideas for father’s day.

Choosing a sewing machine based on your ability

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007

There are different types of sewing machines that are available. Depending on what type of project you want to do will depend on the type of sewing machine you will want to buy. There are also different sewing machines based on your ability. Here are some things you will want to look into when choosing a sewing machine based on your ability.

The first thing you will want to look into when choosing a sewing machine based on your ability is to decide what you are going to be using it for. If you are a beginner and are just wanting to learn some of the basics of sewing so you can patch up holes in clothing. You will not need to buy that expensive of a machine. The more expensive the machine the more features it will have. If you are a beginner the more features the sewing machine has the more confused you might be.
The second thing you will want to look into when choosing a sewing machine based on your ability is to make sure that the sewing machine can handle the type of fabric you are going to be sewing with. For example if you are going to be sewing with naugahyde you will want a sewing machine that is made for it. This type of sewing machine will have a stronger needle so that it will not break as easy when going through the tougher materials.

The third thing you will want to look into when choosing a sewing machine based on your ability is to make sure that you learn how to use a sewing machine. There are classes you can take that can teach you how to do some of the basic when it comes to sewing. This is a useful thing because then you can learn how to thread the bobbin and the needle. Depending on the sewing machine will depend on how you will thread the sewing machine but taking sewing classes will help you to know what to look for when you decide to thread a sewing machine on your own.
The fourth thing you will want to look into when choosing a sewing machine based on your ability is to find out what your abilities are. If you are going to be a quilter you will want a different sewing machine that might have a computer built into them. You will want to make sure that you have the ability to learn how to use the computer.

The fifth thing you will want to look into when choosing a sewing machine based on your ability is sewing workshops. There are different workshops that you can go to that you will have the opportunity to try a couple of different sewing machines that will have different functions. This will give you an idea of what your abilities are and what sewing machine will be the best for your abilities.

There are a lot of different things that you can do to choose a sewing machine based on your ability. You need to make sure that you don’t buy something because it is more money than the other one. You need to make sure that you buy the sewing machine that isn’t going to be too complicated. If you buy a sewing machine you want to make sure that you can use it. If your ability is not up to par with the sewing machine you will no enjoy sewing and will probably end up not using the sewing machine. This is why it is very important that you choose a sewing machine based on your ability.

A look at various sewing techniques

Monday, November 5th, 2007

There are a lot of different hobbies that some one can get into. One hobby that some people enjoy is sewing. If sewing is one of your hobbies, or you are looking into getting into sewing as a hobby there are some techniques that you may want to learn. Here is a look at various dewing techniques that might help you.

When deciding on various sewing techniques you will first want to decide what you are going to use your sewing techniques on. If you are sewing with your children you will want to use various sewing techniques that will be easy for them. Some techniques that you can use are the basics like back stitching. Back stitching is very simple but also is one of the most important techniques because it will help what ever you are sewing not to come undone.

Another look at various sewing techniques includes sewing on a button. Different people sew on buttons different ways. One technique for sewing on a button is to go criss cross through the button. While others techniques include going side to side and then making sure that they secure the button in the back after they are completely done sewing it on.

The next look at various sewing techniques is putting a zipper on something. Sewing a zipper on can be a very tricky thing. You need to make sure that when you are sewing it on that you do it correctly so the zipper will work correctly. You will also want to make sure that you sew it in securely o it will not rip out.

The next look at various sewing techniques is when it comes to knitting. Knitting can be a tricky thing to do. There are different techniques that you can learn to make sure that your knitting projects easier. Depending on\what you are knitting will depend on what techniques you will want to use. If you are new at knitting and are want to learn some new techniques, see if you can join a club or some sort of new letter.

The next look at various sewing techniques is how you unpick. No one likes to unpick but when it comes to sewing there is going to be a time when you are going to have to unpick something. Different people have different techniques for unpicking. Decide what techniques works best for you and stick to it. Some unpicking techniques are quicker to do than others. If you need help on finding the right way to unpick something ask around and see what you can come up with.

There are so many various sewing techniques out there depending on what type of sewing you are into. For example if you are cross stitching you are going to want to have various sewing techniques so that your different threads don’t get all tangled and construed. While when you are knitting you will not want to use the same sewing techniques because knitting is completely different. Also when you are using a sewing machine you are going to want to use various sewing techniques for the way you hold the material so you don’t over lap and get the material jammed in the sewing machine. While if you are hand sewing something you won’t have to use the same various sewing techniques. There are no right or wrong sewing techniques out there. Some people might prefer various sewing techniques over others but it doesn’t mean the others are wrong. You need to take a look at various sewing techniques and see which ones are going to work the best for you.

Where to go for free sewing ideas and crafts

Monday, August 6th, 2007

Sewing is one a very old practice, and it has been a popular pastime (an occupation!) for many centuries.  There are always new sewing ideas and suggestions that are being distributed throughout the sewing community.  In some cases, you need to pay money to become familiar with these sewing ideas and crafts.  However, there are many free sewing ideas and crafts which are also available for anyone to find!  Here are a couple of places where you can go for free sewing ideas and crafts:

 Local sewing store:  If you are trying to hear about the latest sewing tips and ideas, you might want to try going to your local sewing store.  Many sewing store employees are very helpful and are more than willing to explain different dewing ideas and crafts to people who visit the store.  It is a good idea to go to the store with a specific question or idea of what you are interested in.  This way, the store employee will know how to help you and will be able to inform you of the latest sewing ideas and crafts that he/she is aware of.  Granted, the advice and ideas that these people discuss with you is going to be free, but you might want to prepare yourself to buy something at the store as well!  Sewing store employees generally know exactly what products and things you will need to purchase in order to try these new sewing ideas and crafts, and their suggestions might be too difficult to resist!

 Online websites:  There are a lot of websites which are dedicated to providing free sewing ideas and crafts to the visitors of their website!  You can find out a lot about free sewing projects and crafts by visiting sewing.about.com.  These free sewing ideas and crafts are categorized so that you can pick exactly what type of sewing project that you would like to tackle!  In addition, other sewing projects and patterns can be found on bellaonline.com.  This is another website which has sewing patterns and projects, which range from beginner to more advanced!  There are also free sewing projects from a website called pfaffusa.com.  These sewing projects are free to download.

 Sewing blogs and forums:  With the popularity of sewing, there are many different types of forums and blogs where sewers can get together and discuss their ideas.  This is one of the best resources to look for when you are interested in getting free sewing ideas and crafts.  Sewing bloggers and forum visitors share their sewing ideas and crafts in great numbers – they are always willing to discuss the best (and worst!) ideas that they have found.  If you are looking for the most up-to-date and revolutionary sewing ideas, then this is one of the best places to check first.  Some of the best sewing crafts and ideas can be found within blog and forum pages!

 Sewing club:  Many local and college communities have sewing clubs or organizations.  Sometimes there is a fee to join these sewing clubs, but this is not always the case.  By joining a sewing club, you will be able to communicate with fellow seamstresses or tailors which share your interest in sewing.  Club meetings often revolve around sharing sewing ideas and crafts.  By joining one of these clubs, you are placing yourself in a position to get a lot of free sewing ideas and crafts!

If you are interested in getting free sewing tips and crafts, it is obvious that there is not only one place that you can look!  Many different organizations and places offer great free sewing ideas  and crafts for people who are interested! Don’t delay looking for some of these free sewing ideas – start looking now!

What are the ideal tools to have for sewing?

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Are you interested in learning how to sew?  When a person is getting an interest in sewing, they can get a lot of different opinions on what you need to sew.  In actuality, the tools that you need for sewing will greatly depend on what exactly you want to sew!  For example, the precise sewing tools that you need for sewing outdoor backpacks and tents will be quite different from what you need to sew a prom dress.  However, there is a list of basic and ideal tools to have for sewing, which can really extend to various different types of sewing projects.  Here is a list of the ideal tools to have for sewing:

1) Needle – A needle is one of the most important tools, because it is what penetrates the cloth that you are sewing with.  If you have trouble threading the eye of the needle, there are special needles where you can push the actual thread into the eye of the needle through a small hole that is at the top of the eye.  These types of special needles are an ideal tool for people who have shaky hands or poor eyesight.

2) Thread – Next to the needle, the thread is the next most important tool to help you sew fabric together.  Thread is the binding factor which interweaves between the fabric and causes the fabric to keep in the place where you want it to go!  The thickness and color of the thread you use will depend on the type of fabric that you want to sew!  You also can use a clear thread, if you are interested in not having the stitches appear through the fabric!

3) Thread ripper – Every seamstress or tailor will discover that he or she has made a mistake during some sewing project.  A thread ripper is one of the ideal tools to have on hand at this moment, because it can take the thread and rip away the place of error, without destroying the fabric!  In addition, it can be hard rip out the tiny stitches with your fingers, and the thread ripper can quickly and easily get underneath the stitches in order to remove them.

4) Thimble – Many people who like to sew prefer to use a thimble.  With the help of a thimble, sewers can avoid getting their thumb (or finger) pricked with the needle! If you are a serious sewer, and if you sew by hand often, then this is an ideal tool for you to have!

5) Sewing machine – Today, many sewers would argue that the sewing machine is the most ideal sewing tool to have!  With the help of a sewing machine, you can sew small, exact stitches in a quick and efficient manner.  Automatic sewing machines are some of the most popular sewing machines today.  There are machines available where you can move the sewing machine needle with your feet or hand, but these are not as popular today.  If you will be sewing with heavy-duty fabric or material, then you might want to look into getting an industrial sewing machine.  However, most sewers who are interested in making clothes and curtains generally use a regular sewing machine.
These are some of the ideal, basic tools to have for sewing.  Most sewing projects can be performed with these tools, in addition to fabric (of course!)  However, each sewing project can require other special tools.  It is a good idea to consult an employee at a local sewing or fabric store if you are not sure what tools you will need for your specific sewing project!

How to thread a Bernina sewing machine.

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

Threading a Bernina sewing machine is not as difficult as you might think it is.  Simply looking at a sewing machine can be intimidating; the idea of figuring out where the thread goes can be enough to turn an amateur sewer off from the craft of sewing entirely.  However, it really is not difficult at all to thread a Bernina sewing machine.

Every single make and model of sewing machine has different specific instructions.  For instructions on how to thread your particular Bernina sewing machine, you should consult the owner’s manual.  If you don’t have an owner’s manual, contact the company www.berninausa.com and ask for a replacement.  Otherwise, follow these general guidelines.

General guidelines on how to thread a Bernina sewing machine

1.  The spool holder is the metal rod that is vertically placed on the top of the sewing machine.  Place a spool of thread in the proper color on the spool holder.

2. Next, look across the top of the sewing machine, away from the spool holder.  There should be at least one thread guide on top of the sewing machine, perhaps more.

3. Begin to unwind the thread from the spool.  Just a little bit!  Insert the thread in the thread guide, or the thread guides if there is more than one thread guide.

4. The fourth step to threading a Bernina sewing machine is to find a tension mechanism on your sewing machine.

5. Bring the thread down from the thread guides towards the tension mechanism.  Then simply slip the thread between the metal disks of the tension mechanism.  You now will take the thread back upwards.

6. The next mechanism to find is the take up mechanism.  The take up mechanism on your Bernina sewing machine is the area that you see on the front of the machine that goes down and up, up and down when the hand wheel is turned.

7. Insert the thread through the take up lever.  The type of machine that you have will determine how this step is done.  Some machines have a take up lever that you simply slide the thread into.  Other machines have a take up lever where you have to thread the thread itself through a hole in the lever.

8. Bring the thread downwards on the left side of the take up lever.

9. Are there any thread guides that will lead your thread down to the actual needle of the sewing machine?  If there are, find them

10. Thread the thread through any more thread guides that you find.

11. Thread the thread through the sewing machine needle, just as you would thread any normal needle.

12. Take the thread into your left hand.  Hold the thread loosely and turn the hand wheel.

13. If any of the thread moves around on the sewing machine, this means that you have missed one of the thread guides.  Unthread the thread from the needle and look over the sewing machine to see what you’ve missed.

So now you have the thread in the needle, and everything seems to be running smoothly.  You’re ready to sew, right?  Wrong.  Part of threading a Bernina sewing machine is threading the bobbin, as well.

The bobbin is the thread that comes from the bottom of the sewing machine.  Bobbins are flatter, smaller thread holders.  Here’s how to thread the bobbin on your Bernina sewing machine.

1.  Thread the upper thread of your machine through the thread guides.  You will use this thread to wind your bobbin.

2. Put an empty bobbin on the bobbin winding spindle.  You can find the bobbin winding spindle in a number of potential places: the front right, the top right, or a side of the Bernina sewing machine.

3. Take the thread and place the end of the thread through one hole in the upper part of the bobbin.  Pull just a few inches of thread through the hole.

4. Make sure that you disengage the sewing machine.  Though it depends on your model, you can probably do this by pushing in the center of the handwheel or by rotating that center part of the handwheel towards you.

5. Pull the thread outwards so that it is pretty taut.  Keep a firm hold in the thread.

6. Push on the machine’s presser foot.  This will begin winding the bobbin.  Make sure that you hold on to the end of the thread the entire time.  Only wind the bobbin up to the guideline that is marked on the bobbin.

7. Cut off the excess thread, and cut the thread that is attaching the bobbin and the thread spool.

8. Place the bobbin in the bobbin compartment.  Bring the thread through the slots indicated, and then hold the thread out to the right just a few inches.

9. Put the slide plate over the thread.

10. Finishing threading your Bernina sewing machine.

How to choose a sewing machine.

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

So you’ve decided that you want to start to sew.  This means that you have to go out and choose a sewing machine.  Or perhaps you’ve been sewing for quite a while now, and it’s time for you to finally chuck that old faithful sewing machine that you’ve had for years, who is finally refusing to sew that next stitch.

No matter where you are in your sewing expertise or your sewing needs and projects, one of the most daunting aspects of sewing is actually picking a sewing machine.  There are so many different brands, so many different models, and so many different types of sewing machines that are out there!  The decision can be terrifying—what if you choose the wrong one?  What if you pay too much?  What if it breaks in a year?

Here are some guidelines that will help you choose the right sewing machine for you.  Following these tips will help you navigate the often confusing and overwhelming world of sewing machine options.  So read through these sewing machine rules, and happy sewing!

1.  Ask yourself some questions.

Before you even head to the nearest store, there are a few questions that you need to ask yourself.  By answering these following questions, you will be able to narrow down what kind of sewing machine is best for your particular needs.

– What type of sewing do you plan on doing?  Are you interesting in making clothes?  Do you need a sewing machine for crafts?  Are you just going to be making repairs to clothes or doing alterations?  Will you be sewing things for your home?  Are you a quilter?  Do you need a sewing machine for lace?
– Where will you be sewing?  Do you have an entire sewing room for yourself, or will you be setting up on the kitchen table?  Will you be sewing in the family room, or in your bedroom?  Consider the space that you have available and the type of space.  If you will be sewing in a place with a number of other people around, like your dining room table, you will want a more compact machine without a number of accessories.  You can go all out if you have an entire sewing room.
– Where are you going to store your sewing machine?  Will it be in a closet with a number of different items, like coats and shoes, or do you have an entire cabinet set aside where you can store it?  Or do you plan on always having it out and available for use?
– What is your budget?  How long do you plan on using this machine?  If you want to have it for years, you will be making larger investment than if you’re just buying something for a few months or a year.

2.  Do your research!

Dust off those research skills of yours.  Go and find the latest Consumer Reports for ratings on different types of sewing machines.  Their ratings are very reliable.  Other sewing machines can also be a help, such as Sew News and Threads.  Check out online discussion groups.  You need a machine that is reliable, that can do what you want, that isn’t finicky.  If you spend a lot of time sewing, you will want one with a lot of options that isn’t too difficult to figure out.  Don’t forget to look carefully at the warranties.
Go visit all of your local dealers, if you have any.  Talk to them about what they recommend.  Be very clear about your needs, your limitations (budgetary and spatial), and your dream machine.  Ask questions.
Visit the dealers again.  Don’t buy from someone who isn’t friendly and helpful.  Make sure that you get a manual, and a hard copy of your sales agreement.

3.  Take some machines for a test drive.

When you go shopping, take some fabric with you so that you can test out the machines.  You will want to test the different presser feet, the stitch length, and reverse.  You might be able to find a dealer who will give some free lessons.  Don’t rush yourself; this is an important decision.

How to sew a button back on a shirt.

Tuesday, July 17th, 2007

7 steps to sewing a button back on

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You: Boy, I hope that I’m ready for that huge meeting together with senior management.  Let’s see, I’ve got my presentation taken care of.  Have all of the information gathered.  Charts have been printed and are safe in the office.  Handouts are all printed and in folders.  Better wear my best suit and shirt today!

You:  Oh no!  How could this happen?  Where did that button go?  How could I lose the button in the very middle of my shirt! Why are all my other shirts at the cleaners?  Well, maybe I can just pin my shirt together with a safety pin.  Nobody is going to notice the gaping hole in the middle of my shirt during my huge, make-it-or-break-it presentation.

After your presentation….

Your secretary:  Hey, did you know that your shirt is wide open and gaping?  Is that a stained undershirt underneath?  How long has it been that way?

While this scenario might seem a little over the top, we have all experienced something very much like this sometime in our lives.  A button has popped off of our cuffs, the front of a button-up shirt, or the button holding your waistband together.  While it might seem alright and unnoticeable if you use a safety pin or cinch your belt extra tight, chances are that your belt will slip and the pin will come unpinned.  It’s much easier to simply learn how to sew buttons onto your shirts all by yourself.  It’s not nearly as difficult a process as you might think it is.  All you need is a few simple tools that you can pick up at your local fabric store, supermarket, or even gas station.

A few easy steps to sewing a button back on that anyone can follow.

1.  Prepare for the operation by having the proper tools ready at hand.

There are several tools that you need in order to sew a button back on your shirt.  These tools are indispensable, but are also inexpensive.  You must have a needle, you must have some thread that is a color that won’t show up on your shirt, you need to have either a straight pin or another needle.  Finally, it is absolutely necessary that you have your button or a replacement button.

2.  Prepare the needle and thread, along with the operating surface.

Thread your needle.  Then knot the thread so that it won’t slip out and so that the button will stay in place.  Now, place the needle in the fabric.  Start so that the knot in the thread will end up on the back side of the fabric so that nobody will be able to see it.

3.  Make your first stitches.

Find where you are going to place the button.  Make just a couple of stitches in the fabric.

4.  Begin the button-sewing process.

Bring the needle up through the button so that now the button is flush on the material.  Place the straight pin on top of the button.  Now, bring the needle and thread back down through the other hole in the button.  Now the straight pin should be under the thread.

5.  Continue the button-sewing process.

In order to hold the button securely in place, make at least six stitches over the straight pin.  Making too many stitches will make the button too bulky, but too little won’t hold the button in place.

6.  Four hole button instead of two holes?

If you are using a button with four holes, repeat steps 4 and 5 with the other two holes.

7.  Finish off the sewing.

End with the needle and thread on the back side of the fabric.  Then knot the thread in the thread that is already there and that is holding the button in place.

Remove the straight pin from the button.  If you don’t have a straight pin, you can even use a very small toothpick.

 

How to patch a hole in the knee

Tuesday, July 10th, 2007

Stop throwing away any of your jeans or pants that get holes. Instead, patch that hole in the knee of your pants.  It’s not difficult to patch holes in your clothes, as long as you follow these few easy and simple steps.

8 steps for patching a hole in your pants.

Well, it’s happened once again.  You have pulled on your favorite pair of jeans and discovered a massive hole in the knee.  Or perhaps there is a hole in the back, right next to the pocket.  Or your teenager comes in to your room, devastated:  the greatest tragedy has occurred again.  Those perfect jeans that look so great are ripped.  Instead of it being the end of the world for your 14-year-old, or for yourself, pull out a patch and a sewing machine.  You are going to patch those pants, and no one is going to know the difference.

Patching holes doesn’t necessarily end in the most attractive mending job.  However, if you can do the patching well and with skill, the patch will be difficult to see.  The key is patching something well enough that the rip will not occur again, since not even constant patching can save an over-worn garment.

1.  Begin with the sewing machine.

Pick a thread that is close to the color of your pants.  Thread the machine with both the thread and the bobbin.  It is not necessary that the bobbin is the same color, but it is more consistent to simply use the same color.

2.  Measure the hole.

Make a general and rough measurement of the length of the hole or rip and the width of the hole or rip.  You will cut a patch for the size of the hole, so it’s important to know the basic size of it.

3.  Cut the patch.

There are a number of different things that you can use for your patch.  You can cut a piece of some other, sturdier material for the patch.  Or you can purchase a ready-made patch at any local fabric store or Wal-Mart.  Cut the patch out with pinking shears, if you have them.  Cut a patch that is slightly larger than the hole or the rip in the pants.

Round the corners of the patch.  This will prevent unraveling of the material.

4.  Turn the pants inside out and pin the patch.

You have to begin by working on the wrong side of the fabric. 
Pin the patch in the place where you want it.  It doesn’t matter which side you have facing up, since the patch is in the inside of your pants. 

5.  Stitch the patch onto the pants.

Begin by stitching just once all the way around the patch.  Then turn on your sewing machine’s zig-zag stitch and sew around the patch once again.  Using the zig-zag will prevent fraying and will also help stabilize and hold your patch in place.

6.  Turn the pants right side out and stitch from the other side.

Turn your pants right side out.  Now, still using the zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, stitch up and down the patch vertically and horizontally.  You need to do this several times.  The entire hole must be covered in stitching, otherwise it isn’t patched.  But don’t stitch anywhere where the patch is not!  Otherwise you will weaken the fabric.

7.  Double check the patch job.

If you happen to be stitching the back of the pants, you will want to turn them inside out to ensure that you haven’t stitched the back pocket of your pants closed.  Double check the knee to ensure that you have covered the entire hole.

8.  Consider an iron-on patch.

If you don’t sew, then you can use an iron-patch.  These are easy to find at any local fabric store.  However, remember that an iron-patch will not last nearly as long as a sewn patch.  The glue holding the patch onto the material will weaken over time due to your washing machine.