One of my favorite mending patterns is a dark, solid-color fabric that contrasts with the garment. A light denim jacket becomes elevated with a dark blue patch. I think many decisions in design and color can be made before considering value.
This stripey high-contrast patch is perfect for fixing up a worn cuff. But even if the damaged area isn’t in a highly visible spot like at the knee, elbow, or collar, you can still add some design features by playing with the contrast and colors.
Materials
Materials are anything needed for patching or mending a garment. Iron, a tape measure, scissors, tape, fabric, and markable fabric are all options. Sashiko thread is used for repairing and mending. Sashiko needles are used to make stitches in the fabric. Thimbles are used for protecting your finger from any pricks while working on the garment. Needle nose pliers are used for holding the thread while sewing. Embroidery scissors are used for cutting the thread and fabric.
9 Stpes to Sew High Contrast Cuff Patches
1。Iron the garment flat on your ironing board. If there is a hole or tear, measure the size of the hole or tear. Add ½ to 1 inch (13–2.5 cm), depending on the size of the hole. Fold the patch under the pants leg and cover the damaged spot with tape. Trace around the perimeter of the patch.
2。Fold the tape away from the cuff. With a tape measure, tape along the marked line. Mark the center line of the patch.
3。Cut the patch to size. Cut on the center line and make sure to leave an opening for turning. Fold the patch in half on the center line. Place the patch and iron it on to the inside of the leg of the pants.
4。Place the cuff on the inside of the pants. Make sure the patch overlaps the edges of the pants and is centered on the cuff. Iron the patch to the cuff. Iron the edges of the pants together.
5。Put on the ironing board to stretch the fabric. Using the tape mark as a guide, fold the pants up to the mark.
6。With the ironing board facing down, trace the cuff of the pant leg down the fabric from the center line. Use your scissors to cut along the marked line.
7。Using a threaded needle and the contrast thread of your choice, sew the patch on the inside of the cuff.
8。Turn the pants right side out. Turn the patch right side out. Fold the edge of the patch under the edge of the pants. Press with an iron.
9。For durability, you may want to do a zigzag stitch next to the outer edges of the patch. Sew on a row of zigzag stitches next to the edge.
If you love this high-contrast cuff patch idea, but would like more information, you can read about my mending techniques in my blog posts.
