I'd probably do something like the link shown in sewmuchmore's post. :thumbsup:
I back the damage with cotton fabric...a similar weight to p&q fabric. Just ordinary woven cotton fabric. I'd only try to match the denim if there's a chunk of the fabric missing and you need to fill the hole up, otherwise it'll make the repair a bit thick.
As Brenda says, open up the leg seam so you can lay the damaged area flat. I'm assuming this is a tear on the knee? Only undo as much as you need to be able to work on the damaged area.
Yes, it's a @^%$@ to sew up again if you have felled seams on inner and outer leg but most jeans don't have that problem. Fingers crossed.
Tack your patch to the reverse of the hole. If you need to, straighten up and tack the ragged edges of the hole down onto the patch.
Then machine, up and down over the damage, covering about half inch maybe, beyond the actual rip. I don't use an especially small stitch...2 or 3 on my machine, and I don't stitch the lines too close together...there's no need. It'll just make the repair more stiff and inflexible.
Sometimes I go both vertical and horizontal with the stitching but it isn't always needed. It depends on the damage.
If you're done, remove the tacking and give it a little steam press.
Blimey!! Too many words.
I've no idea if this makes any sense. I can show people much easier than write it down.
I did a couple of darn repairs on some jeans a couple of weeks ago. They have, of course, been collected now so I can't take a quick picture to show you.
Don't worry about stitch type. I never have.
I've only ever used a straight stitch for this type of work.
Just sew your leg seam back up and zig zag to replace the overlocking.
Sandra.
xxx