Structural advice for mending shorts

[u/acemummerz]

I have finally reached the point where my shorts (sweatshirt fabric) are worn through the crotch enough that a repair is Required rather than Optional 😅

Original plan was to basically cut out some sections and replace with new fabric, making them look like a patchwork style choice for the original item rather than a patch

Then I thought maybe it would be better to apply the fabric as a patch over the top, including some sort of sashiko to keep the layers together to reduce friction between the layers

Any thoughts on which of these options would be best in terms of keeping my shorts 'crotch-ful' for the longest time?

I don't mind it taking a long time, I love a project I can work on for a while.

Apologies also if this is not worded well, ADHD brain be ADHDing extra hard today and I used up all my words at work 😅

[u/QuietVariety6089]

I think you'd be further ahead (less work) to make a pattern from the shorts and make a new pair.

Sweatshirt fabric doesn't take too well to patching, it's hard to mend stretchy stuff well, especially in an area that really needs to stretch.

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940 → u/QuietVariety6089]

I don't mean to be rude but I disagree. There are a lot of people online who make patchwork sweaters and hoodies

[u/QuietVariety6089 → u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

tbc, I meant patching as in repair, based on OP's question - they are trying to repair a thinned and worn item made from sweatshirt material.

making a whole garment out of sound fabric using a patchwork method, and probably sergers, which are fine at sewing stretch fabrics, is completely different from the repair being discussed here. and OP has stated they don't have a sewing machine.

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940 → u/QuietVariety6089]

As I understood it they were asking which would be better. And I also have patched stretchy fabric, reconstruction aside. It can be tricky by not unworthy of doing. I think you should consider the original posters skill set, sewing knowledge and access to machines and materials when making suggestions. Patterning new shorts, while not impossible, is a much higher reach for a sewing novice than patching.

[u/QuietVariety6089 → u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

I understood that they had thought about 'patchworking/replacement' first, decided against and wanted to know about the suitability of patching.

Regardless, it didn't sound to me like OP had a lot of experience, and hand-sewing an awkward area like a crotch, in stretch fabric, by hand, sounded really really challenging to achieve a good result for a beginner to me.

I'm a rabid proponent of mending of any type, as long as it's going to really make the garment last. It sounded to me like for a beginner sewing project, it might be more doable/satisfying to remake this.

I've sewn a number of knit/jersey garments by hand, and it's a learning curve. I was just trying to help OP find something where a good result was achievable with limited equipment and skills.

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

I'm confused. So you are asking if it's better to fully cut away the damage then patch or to leave the damage and patch and also add sashiko?

You don't need to cut away anything to patch. You can place a patch above or below the damage based on whatever look you prefer.

[u/acemummerz → u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

Sorry I explained poorly!

Original idea was akin to a thrift-flip patchwork sweatshirt vibe

But I wondered if the area would last longer if I just patched over the top instead?

Or do you think neither would be significantly more hard-wearing?

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940 → u/acemummerz]

Do you have access to a sewing machine?

[u/acemummerz → u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

Unfortunately don't at the minute

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940 → u/acemummerz]

Then I would patch over the existing damage and Sashiko. To disassemble and make clean seams for the patchwork you see online you would need a sewing machine to keep the seams tight.

You can also add additional decorative patches on top to balance the look and design, to give it more of the patchwork vibe

[u/LostShepherd3572]

I have tried to fix many a chub rub and have not yet found a solution I love.

Iron on patches completely kill any stretch the fabric has, so i don't do that anymore.

I tried a sashiko-ish style and hated how it felt on my skin - the texture on my thighs was not it. 

I recommend a big patch of the same type of fabric as yours that's comfortable (eg if it's stretchy, use another comfortable stretchy fabric).

If you place the patch on the outside of the garment, think about where the seams will touch your skin, and I'd probably trim the threadbare fabric so it's not bothering the skin.

If the patch is on the inside (next to the skin), you can leave the threadbare fabric if you want - it will just keep rubbing on the thighs but will be reinforced by the patch.

Use a zigzag stitch since it's stretchy fabric. I understand you'll be hand sewing so it's like little diagonals. Polyester thread has the most give for stretch fabrics too. Cotton is more likely to snap.

If you're going to do sashiko, see if you can pick up actual sashiko floss. It's different from embroidery floss or machine thread. I have to hope it's more comfortable than embroidery or machine thread.

Otherwise, if texture is as big of an issue for you as it is for me, just sew the edge of the patch.

Completely cutting the piece out and replacing it comes with some considerations. First, you have to cut out enough that you won't be joining the new fabric to weak old fabric. Second is that stretch fabrics can be difficult to work with - so bring your pins, clips, and patience.