How to Fix a Ripped Pocket

By: Shae Hazelton

Updated On: September 28, 2017

Having a hole in your pocket is frustrating and can cost you lost valuables if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, pockets are easily repaired if you know the basics of hand stitching. Both inside pockets -- made of separate fabric in the front of pants and inside coats -- and patch pockets -- commonly found on the back of jeans and the front of shirts -- can be discretely repaired so no one will notice your garment was ripped.

Front Pants Pockets

Turn the garment inside out so the pocket of fabric is visible. Examine the pocket fabric for a tear. Check the seams closely for any other signs of wear that could lead to another hole.

Cut away any excess threads springing from the tear. Dab the ends of the tear with fabric glue to help firm them up for extra security.

Cut a piece of thread twice the length of your forearm. Thread a needle onto it and place it at the center of the thread. Tie the loose ends of the thread together.

Connect the two ripped sides of the pocket together. Sew the tear together using a straight stitch -- making a straight, perforated line across the fabric with thread. Use small stitches and start stitching 1/2 inch before the edge of the hole and end it 1/2 inch beyond the other edge of the hole, holding the sides together effectively.

Tie the loose thread close to the fabric of the pocket. Cut off the excess thread.

Patch Pockets

Run your finger along the inside of the tear gently to determine where it starts and ends. Cut away the excess strings on the side of the tear.

Portion out a piece of thread twice the size of your forearm. Thread a sewing needle onto the center of the thread and tie the ends of the thread together.

Lay the garment down with the pocket facing upward. Reach inside the garment and pierce the fabric with the needle from the back so the tip protrudes from the front. Begin 1/2 inch to the side of the tear, along the previous stitching.

Stitch the top layer of fabric onto the bottom layer using a simple straight stitch. End your stitches 1/2 inch beyond the other end of the hole. Tie the thread on the inside of the garment and cut off the excess thread.