FAQ's

Denim Repair FAQ's

Can denim be repaired?

Denim is a durable and versatile fabric making it well-suited for repair, hereare some typical examples ofdenim repair.

1.Patching: Patching is a common repair technique used to fix holes or worn-outareas in denim. It involves sewing a fabric patch onto the damaged area, eitheron the inside or outside of the jeans, to reinforce and cover the affected area

2.Darning: Darning is a specialized technique used to repair holes or thinningareas in denim. It involves weaving new threads into the fabric, either by handor using a sewing machine, to create a seamless repair that reinforces thedamaged area. We use a vintage Singer 47w70 darning machine to carry out allrepairs at URAHARA.

3.Reinforcing Weak Areas: Over time, certain areas of jeans, such as thecrotch, pockets, or belt loops, may become weakened or prone to tearingReinforcing these areas with additional stitching or fabric patches can helpprevent further damage and extend the life of the jeans.

4. Fixing Ripped Seams: Seams can sometimes come undone or rip in denim jeans.Repairing ripped seams involves re-stitching the seam using a sewing machine orhand-sewing techniques to restore the integrity of the jeans.

4.Fixing Ripped Seams:Seams can sometimes come undone or rip in denim jeans.Repairing ripped seams involves re-stitching the seam using a sewing machine orhand-sewing techniques to restore the integrity of the jeans.

5.Button and Rivet Replacement: Buttons and rivets on jeans can become loose orbreak over time.Replacing these hardware components involves removing the oldbutton or rivet and attaching a new one securely to ensure the functionality andaesthetics of the jeans.

6.Hemming:Hemming is a common alteration in denim where the length of thejeans is adjusted, It can be done through various methods, including traditionalhemming,chain stitch hemming,or original hemming, depending on the desiredlook and the equipment available. We use a vintage Union Special 43200g chainstitch hemming machine at URAHARA.

It's important to note that the success and outcome of denim repairs depend onfactors such as the extent of damage, the condition of the fabric, and theskills of the person performing the repairs. For complex repairs or when indoubt, it's advisable to seek the expertise of professional denim repairservices or tailors experienced in working with denim.

What is darning?

Darning is a sewing technique used to repair holes or worn areas in fabric. Indenim repair, darning is a specialized technique used to reinforce and repairdamaged areas in the fabric. The process involves weaving new threads into theexisting fabric using a darning sewing machine, creating a seamless repair thatblends in with the surrounding fabric.

A darning sewing machine, also known as a free-motion embroidery machine or adarning foot,is a specialized sewing machine that allows the operator to movethe fabric freely while sewing. This makes it possible to create intricatepatterns and weaves in the fabric, allowing for a seamless and visuallyappealing repair.

To carry out darning repairs on denim, the damaged area can be stabilized with apatch or stabilizer to prevent further tearing or damage althought it is notnecessary. The darning machine operator then threads the machine with a threadthat matches the color and thickness of the existing fabric and starts weavingthe new threads into the damaged area.

The weaving pattern depends on the extent and location of the damage, and thedesired outcome. For example, in the case of a small hole, the operator may usea simple back-and-forth stitch to fill in the hole, while for a larger worn-outarea, a more complex weave pattern may be used to reinforce the fabric andcreate a seamless repair.

Darning can be a time-consuming process that requires a high level of skill andattention to detail, However, when done correctly, it can be an effective way torepair damaged denim and extend the life of your favorite jeans.

How do you repair denim with a sewing machine?

We use a super rare, vintage Singer 47W70 darning machine to carry out allrepairs at URAHARA. It is a specialized sewing machine designed specifically fordarning and repairing fabrics,including denim.

The Singer 47W70 is a single-needle, drop-feed machine that operates with afree-motion embroidery mechanism. It allows the operator to move the fabricfreely in any direction while stitching,enabling precise control andflexibility in darning and other repair work.

This also means that repairs can be made without the use of a patch. Essentially'recreating' the fabric by emulating the warp and weft weave. The resultingrepair is typically stronger, more comfortable for the wearer and is as close toinvisible as possible by matching the thread colour to the worn area of thejeans.

The Singer 47W70 is known for its durability and reliability, making it asought-after machine among sewing enthusiasts and professionals specializing infabric repair,including denim darning.

What is hemming?

Hemming is a sewing technique used to finish the edge of a fabric, typically thebottom edge of a garment or a fabric panel. It involves folding the raw edge ofthe fabric and securing it in place with stitching to create a neat and finishedappearance.

In the context of jeans and denim, hemming refers specifically to adjusting thelength of the jeans by shortening or lengthening the bottom edge. Hemming isdone to ensure the jeans are the desired length for the wearer.

What is chainstitch?

Chainstitch is a type of stitching used in sewing, particularly in the contextof denim garments like jeans. It is characterized by a distinctive chain-likeappearance created by interlocking loops of thread.

In chainstitching,the needle passes through the fabric, creating a loop ofthread on the underside. As the needle is pulled through the fabric, the loop isinterlocked with the previous stitch, forming a chain-like pattern on thefabric's surface.

Chainstitching can be done using a regular sewing machine or a specializedchainstitch machine, In the case of denim jeans, chainstitching is often usedfor hemming the bottom edge of the jeans, creating a unique roping effect at thehem.

What is a union special chainstitch machine?

A Union Special chainstitch machine is a type of sewing machine manufactured bythe Union Special company whos history dates back to 1881 operating out ofChicago, Illinois, Union Special is highly regarded for producing high-qualitymachines, including those specifically designed for chainstitching.

The Union Special 43200G is highly regarded by denim enthusiasts andmanufacturers for its ability to create the distinctive chainstitch used inhemming jeans and has been used by iconic denim brands such as Levi's, LeeWrangler &Carhartt since the early 20th century.

With the Japanese denim industry boom in the early 80's the Union Special 43200gbecame highly sortafter as the Japanese went to extreme lengths to create theperfect pair of jeans with extreme attention to detail and the heritage ofLevi's etc.

The Union Special 43200g is an extremely rare machine with only a handfuloperating around the world in denim manufacturing facilities and specialty denimretail stores. A well maintained, original machine can sell for anywhere above$5000USD.

What are the sustainability benefits of repairing jeans?Every 10 minutes, about 6,000kg of textiles are dumped in landfill in Australia.Experts agree that a circular economy, in which textiles are repaired, reused orrecycled,is criticalto combat the issue.

At URAHARA,our denim repair service has been operating since day one and isessential to our business,We offer free repairs for life on all jeans purchasedat the store to encourage customers to make smarter purchasing decisions aroundwell made jeans. All of the jeans at our store are made from 100% cotton and assuch are easier to repair due to the rigidness and softness of cotton.

Globally,companies such as Patagonia and Nudie are also on board the campaignto repair,recycle and re-use their clothing.

Is stretch denim bad for the environment?

The synthetic materials used in the production of stretch garments, such aselastane(Spandex,Lycra etc)as well as polyester and other synthetic blends,have significant negative environmental impacts

These materials are derived from fossil fuels, which depletes finite resourcesand contributes to environmental strain. The production process of these fibersreleases harmful gases into the atmosphere, further exacerbating environmentalissues.

In general, it is estimated that these synthetic materials can persist in theenvironment for hundreds of years or even longer

Additionally, the washing of garments made from these synthetic fabrics poses athreat. Microfibers, minuscule pieces of plastic, are released into waterstreams during washing, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems.

The recycling of synthetic blended fabrics is also challenging due to thelimited technologies available in textile recycling plants. As a result,garments made from these materials often end up in landfills where theycontribute to the emission of methane gases as plastic-based fabrics break downAlternatively,unsold stock may be incinerated, releasing toxic fumes.

In summary, the use of synthetic materials in stretch garments presents multipleenvironmental concerns, including resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions,microfiber pollution, and limited recycling options. Addressing these issues iscrucial for the sustainable future of the fashion industry.

What is the typical turnaround on a denim repair?

We are currently repairing jeans in-store at URAHARA on Monday's and Thursday's.This means that jeans received at the store before those days will be ready topick up or deliver by the close of business on those days.

This is the fastest denim repair turnaround in Australia and as such we areoften repairing jeans for other companies.

As the demand increases we will operate the denim repair service on more days.

All denim repair is carried out by either Nanaka or Martin who have over 15years of collective experience specializing in denim repair.

What thread is used for denim repair?

We use 100% cotton thread for all repairs carried out and typically source ourthread from Japanese or German thread companies such as Gutermann or UJY0.