How to Repair Ripped Leggings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ripped leggings can be a frustrating problem, but with the right techniques, you can easily fix them and extend their lifespan. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair tears in your leggings, whether you have a serger or a sewing machine.

Repairing Leggings with a Serger

The most efficient way to repair ripped leggings is by using a serger. Here’s how:

Turn the leggings inside out.
Assuming the inside seam is the one that needs mending, serge up from the bottom of one leg, through the crotch, and down the other leg.
Pull the fabric straight and sew right through the crotch seam.
Sew down the other leg and past the foot hole.
When you reach the area with frayed fabric, make sure to serge inward enough to reach intact fabric and cut out the worn part.

Repairing Leggings with a Sewing Machine

If you don’t have a serger, you can still repair your leggings using a sewing machine. Here’s how:

Use a zigzag stitch or a triple straight stitch to allow the fabric to move without busting through the stitches.
Sew along the seam, starting about an inch before the worn area and sewing about 1/4″ beyond the worn area into the body of the leggings.
Sew back down to meet the seam again.

Hiding the Serger Tails

If you used a serger, you’ll have some tails hanging off your leggings at each foot. Here’s how to secure them:

Knot the tail close to the edge of the fabric.
Thread the tail into a large-eyed needle and sew it back through the serger stitches for an inch or two.
Trim off the remaining tail.
You can also add a bit of Fray Check to ensure the tail stays in place.