Expertly repair the buttonhole (keyhole) on the waistband of jeans
By Kayla Chan & Maurice Malone Published June 27, 2023
If you’ve ever worn jeans, you’ve undoubtedly experienced this: your favorite jeans have finally worn out and developed a hole. After everything they’ve experienced with you, they have succumbed to some wear and tear.
The buttonhole, correctly known as a "keyhole," is one of the ways denim displays how much it has been cherished. It may shred or loosen, causing your jeans to become unbuttoned all the time. Rather than attempting to replace your beloved and already perfect jeans (because, let’s be honest, nothing will feel quite the same), you might repair the keyhole. In this post, we will discuss the benefits, the process of how we repair keyholes, and how to use our repair service.
There are a multitude of reasons to repair a keyhole rather than replace the jean in its entirety. First and foremost, the most significant benefit of repairing your jean's keyhole is that you can continue wearing them rather than embarking on that impossible hunt to find another pair that you love as much. It is also the more cost-effective solution of the two options. Similarly, it is the far more eco-friendly option; by choosing to repair and reuse, you reduce your carbon footprint.
Denim also has the benefit of being one of the few materials that ages beautifully. Each wear, tear, and repair is an important part of the jean's story and character. The mended areas continue to add to the garment’s unique identity and serve as reminders of its extended life and stories.
How we fix waistband keyholes on jeans
1. Remove the Damaged Keyhole: The first step involves delicately removing the original keyhole that has been damaged or worn out.
2. Select a Matching Denim Patch: We then choose a patch of denim that closely matches the jeans' color and texture (stretch or rigid). This patch should be slightly larger than the original keyhole to ensure it covers the entire damaged area.
3. Position the Patch: The selected patch is then inserted through the hole and placed inside the waistband of the jeans, positioned precisely to cover the open area where the original keyhole was located.
4. Stitch the Patch: The open area on the waistband is then stitched meticulously using our repair stitch technique. This method is renowned for providing strength and flexibility, ensuring that the repaired area will withstand regular use and stress.
5. Create a New Keyhole: The final step involves creating a new keyhole. This new keyhole matches the original in terms of placement, thread color, and size, ensuring that the jeans retain their original look while also gaining enhanced durability.
By following these steps, we can give a new lease of life to your favorite pair of jeans, letting them continue their story with you.