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? For sewists or repairers

kkards

Veteran

I put these pants on yesterday and discovered the seam connecting the waist band and the pants had a hole. I don’t know enough about sewing or repairing but I’m wondering if this is something that can be fixed or are these pants done. I hope these pictures so the issue well enough
These are my go to pants for when I don’t know what else to wear, and I’ll probably replace them if they can’t be fixed.

Thanks so much for you help

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

RobinF

Veteran

Hmm, when it frays like that I don't think it is repairable. You could pull that part in and sew it but it wouldn't be even.

Jamie

A defect in the elastic is probably not repairable. You could possibly patch it from the inside with another piece of elastic, but it would show. I would replace them if you are able….because they are too cute!

Indigoprint

Veteran

A repair would probably be somewhat visible, but a small indiscretion for sure and if it does show how much would that bother you? 99.9% of the pants are still useable. Do you always tuck in or would a semi-tuck hide the repair? Or how about a cute visible mending option, like a coin pocket in to cover the mend? It looks to me like you could pull the frayed edge down to the seam with a hand stitch. You could stop there or as I mentioned above cover with a cute patch or some kind of.
You could search online for visible mending ideas it is quite amazing what can be done.

Indigoprint

Veteran

This is a fun detail from Henriette Steffenson.
It could not only cover a mend, but also reinforce the area.
I like how it looks and have copied onto some of my clothing.
It is gross grain ribbon.

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avicennia

Veteran

I’m not a sewist but I do hope you repair these! My tailor has always been able to find clever solutions, she’s currently working on a tissue weight sweater that has similar pulls at the seams. Indigoprint’s idea is a lot of fun.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I think you could cover it with a ribbon patch as shown, or even just zigzag patch, especially if the waistband isn’t really seen. Here’s an example of how I would zigzag patch, but I wouldn’t bother with fraycheck.

https://homesteadingdreams.com/tear-repair/

It’s probably more related to patching a hole than repairing a seam opening at this point. You’d need to stretch out the area while mending so as not to lose the stretch in the waistband for that small span.

Good luck!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh dear

Like others, I was thinking that some type of patch could word. Good luck!

Roberta

Veteran

The ribbon patch is the most delightful idea! It would make those pants uniquely yours.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think it's reparable, though the repair might show. I like the ideas offered above!

kkards

Veteran

thanks everyone
while i love the idea of a unique and sort of arty solution, what i love about these pants is that they are good for times when i do need something leaning towards business casual. and i'm concerned that they would not be quite that any more....
i'll think on this some more. but leaning towards replace.

Val

If they were mine, I would repair them with a patch on the inside and some discreet color-matched stitching on the outside. I don’t see any reason why a tailor couldn’t do the same, unless they say it’s too labor-intensive. Seems worth asking.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I would bring to a tailor and ask. Visible repairs are in I hear .

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I often just mend by hand with a similar colour cotton and don’t worry if the mend is not perfect. But then I am not generally a tucker so in this case the mend would not show when I was wearing the pants.
I did have to mend a sleeve hole in a relatively new top, only 9 wears, which was very annoying. It’s a loose knit fabric and probably my fault for machine washing The mend is not very noticeable so I will still wear the top.

Joy

Veteran

I like the color and hope you can get them repaired.

GlenMaxwel

Member

You can likely repair the seam connecting the waistband and pants. A skilled sewer can mend it for you, extending the life of your favorite pants. paybyplate

JAileen

Veteran

For business casual, get a new pair. But then patch these (I love the ribbon idea) for casual/at home wear.

Joy

Veteran

If you can’t repair them look for the same color or pink. That may be best for tops you are used to wearing pairing with them.

henry cloud

Member

I love this color and likely repair the seam connecting the waistband and pants.

benefitscal.com login

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I agree with J'Aileen--all business casual looks need to be smart and confident, and a visible (maybe only to you) repair will not make you feel confident. New pair for that, and at-home for these...just discipline yourself to keep them only at home.

I recently started an open box inside my dresser for shirts that are "at-home only..." cute, comfy, but don't fit well enough for work. The visual boundary with my other shirts helps me keep them at home.

I also got a couple hand-me-down pants from a friend recently. One has a tear like this. I am not going to bother, because it is a lightweight, silky material--hard to repair.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

A patch is the best solution. You could try pulling it down with a needle and thread, but it might still fray or tear more. Whatever you do it will show, but if you don’t tuck your shirt it won’t matter.