Sewing a Hole in Sweat Pants

Purchase thread and yarn to match the color of the sweat pants. Match thread and yarn colors by holding it over the right side of the cloth. If the thread seems to disappear, it is a correct match.

Trim the hole in the sweat pants if the edges are ragged. Trimming the hole at this point will make for a cleaner and more precise repair. Don't worry about enlarging the hole; it will be filled in when you're finished.

Sew a running stitch on the wrong side of the fabric around the perimeter of the hole with the sewing needle and thread. It isn't necessary to knot the end of the doubled thread, as the yarn used later will hold it in place.

Thread the yarn onto the tapestry needle without doubling it. Do not knot the end of the yarn. Hold something on your lap under the fabric for support; a shallow bowl or a book works well. You want to stretch the fabric taut but not too tightly. This helps you create an even weave.

Sew a straight stitch with the yarn, beginning just beyond the running stitch line, with the wrong side of the fabric facing you. Go across the hole without pulling the edges together. Make the yarn just tight enough to span the hole.

Reinsert the tapestry needle beside the exit spot of the previous stitch. Repeat, keeping the yarn outside the running stitch line, and continuing along the hole's width.

Turn the piece a quarter turn when the hole is filled in by the yarn running in one direction. Begin a straight stitch in a perpendicular direction to the first pass, weaving the needle over and under the yarn already in place. Sew each consecutive row, beginning the weave under and over, and next, over and under. Continue until the hole is completely filled in.

End with the yarn on the inside of the pant. Sew three small loops with the yarn to secure the end.