(I actually wrote it yesterday, just never got to posting :)
OK, this is a DIY post for moms!:) My 6-year old started Kindergarten in September, and since then he went through 4 (!!!) pairs of jeans. This is our latest:
Aaahhh!!! It absolutely brakes my frugal heart! What is he, crawling on his knees at school?? It's almost a pair a month. Looks like we will not need to buy any shorts this summer...
So yesterday I went shopping for yet another pair. I got a nice pair of Old Navy jeans in good condition at the thrift store for only $3.99. Believe me, it's just as hard to find nice-looking boy jeans at thrift stores as it is in my house...But I was lucky:
This time I wanted them to last for...3 month at least? :)...Let's say until shorts season begins...So I decided to "strengthen" those knees. I used this great, soft but strong fabric that I already had in my stash:
I cut out wide patches and simply finished the edges with zig zag stitch. Nothing fancy:
Then I used this little trick:
It works great and it's washable. I just attached my patches on the inside of the pants with the soft side up:
Let it dry for 24 hours and done! The picture on the top (of these jeans) is actually "the finished product". You can't see the patches, you can hardly feel them but, hopefully, this time his pants will last a little bit longer.
PS- If you decide to do it with your kid's jeans, be sure you wash fabric before using. You don't want it to shrink later...:)
And that's how I fix something that is not broken yet :)
Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAh yes, I remember those days! I used to buy my son jeans from Sears with the reinforced knees just so his jeans would last longer.
ReplyDeleteWow, I wonder if Sears still sell jeans with reinforced knees. I need to check it out! !
DeleteVery smart!
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie!
DeleteGreat idea Lena. When my boys were little Sears used to sell boys pants with double knees in them; always a good idea with boys.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I need to check it out. I wonder if they still sell jeans like this!
DeleteWonderful idea Lena!!! Our DD finally gave in and bought jeans from Gymboree that are still just fine, and she got them before school started!! They do cost more but so worth the $$ The other ones she was buying didn't last more than a month. I too remeber the Sears jeans, they were GREAT!!
ReplyDeleteThe jeans with holes on the top picture were OshKosh, and I was hoping they would last :( I don't know much about Gymboree but if they last much longer, it's probably worth it because I personally spent sweet money on his jeans this year!
DeleteI'll have to try your method. I usually do the iron-on patches, but they show from the other side. One of the problems I've had is that the pants tear right at the edge of the patch. Still, they seem to last longer with the patch than without.
ReplyDeleteThese patches are softer than iron-on, so I hope they will a little more gentle on the edges too. LMK if you need any fabric, I still have plenty left :)
DeleteHi Lena
ReplyDeleteGood Idea. When you cut down the jeans to make shorts, why not save the denim to patch future jeans.
I've seen boys run along and throw themselves onto their knees and slide along the floor. L did that in her dance pants once and melted a hole into the knees.
Carolx
I bet that's exactly what my Kid does!! I save pieces of jeans just in case :)
DeleteHope it helps! With 3 rough and tumble boys you'd think we'd have this problem... but we haven't... yet. I did see this cute idea on pinterest, http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2012/03/monster-patch-tutorial.html
ReplyDeleteI showed him this and he said monsters are for babies :) He thinks he's at least 20, I guess! That's awesome that you don't have this problem with your little guys!
DeleteI think this is where the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound or cure." applies.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right :)
DeleteYOu are clever - and they look fashionable too! Hope you are having a good week.
ReplyDeleteThat's the inside out side :) They actually look like normal jeans, just hopefully will last us a bit longer :)
DeleteGet used to the kids wearing out the knees - with as many pants as I have to patch (and socks I throw away), you would think the teachers require the kids to crawl on the cement sidewalks on their hands and knees and walk in just their socks!
ReplyDeleteExactly!! I fix socks until they can't be fixed any more :) I'm that cheap :) I learned it from my Grandma how to fix them the right way. Doesn't work as well on jeans though.
DeleteGreat idea, Lena! I love it--I'll be sure to share this with my friends who have little ones :)
ReplyDeleteThis is super smart! I always wear out the crotch/butt area on my pants. A little embarrassing but it's true. I wonder if this would help. Maybe I'm buying crap jeans. I have no idea how it happens.
ReplyDeleteWhen my oldest was in second grade, I had a saying. You know he had a good day when his knees are grass stained; you know he had a great day when his knees are gone. He is headed to college in the fall and I miss those ruined jeans. Old Navy has boys jeans for $10 right now online. I just bought some for the youngest :)
ReplyDeleteJust a thought, but how about using the contrast fabric on the outside and either replacing or decorating the back pockets with the same fabric so the patches look intended.
ReplyDeleteOh, that was my original idea but he refused! He didn't want to have visible patches (picky little guy :). That's why I had to come up with something that will work and not attract attention :)
DeleteThank you for stopping by :)