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Got a pair of leggings you love but they’ve decided to sprout a hole right where you don’t want one? Don’t panic – you don’t need to toss them, and you definitely don’t need to fork out for a new pair. With a simple little trick called the braid stitch, you can patch things up and get those trusty leggings back in rotation. Leggings are stretchy by nature (that glorious four-way stretch is why we live in them), which means they need a stitch that can stretch too, otherwise, you’ll just pop your stitches the second you squat! Enter the braid stitch: strong, flexible, and designed to move with your fabric.
What You’ll Need
- A pair of scissors
- Some quality thread
- A needle threader
- A (very fine) needle
- And of course, your holey leggings
Step 1: Thread up
Cut a length of thread about 16–18 inches (long enough to work with, short enough not to tangle). Use your needle threader if needed, then knot the end securely. Don’t skip the knot – it’ll keep everything anchored once you start stitching.
Step 2: Hold it Taut
Slide your hand inside the leggings and pop a finger behind the hole. Gently stretch the fabric over your finger to create a bit of tension. This does two things: it keeps the edges neat and stops them curling in on themselves while you work. Think of it as holding the stage still while you do your performance.
Step 3: Start Small
Begin from inside the leggings so your knot is hidden. Push your needle up through the tiniest sliver of fabric right at the edge of the hole. Small bites = stronger mend. If you take too much fabric at once, the stitch won’t stretch evenly, and if you only grab fluff or frayed bits, the whole thing will unravel. Aim for solid, intact fabric close to the edge.
Step 4: The Braid Stitch
This is where the magic happens.
- Bring your needle up on one side, then go down on the opposite side of the hole.
- Keep stitches tiny and close to the edge, like you’re nipping the sides together bit by bit.
- Each new stitch should slightly overlap the last, creating a kind of braided effect as the thread criss-crosses.
- Keep working from one side to the other, over and under, over and under. Slowly, the gap will close like lacing up a shoe.
Top tip: Pull your thread snug after each stitch – enough to bring the edges closer, but not so tight you pucker the fabric. Smooth and even is the goal.
Step 5: Tie it Off
Once the hole is closed, knot the thread off securely at the edge, trimming any loose ends with your scissors. Give the fabric a gentle stretch to check the repair holds and the stitches move with the fabric.
And you’re done!
Your leggings are now strong, durable, and ready for many more wears. Even better, you’ve added months – maybe years – of life to a piece you already love, kept it out of landfill, and saved yourself the cost of buying new.
Be proud: you’ve just outsmarted fast fashion with a needle and thread.
More of a visual learner? Head to our YouTube for a video walkthrough.
Or if you’re looking for some ‘new-to-you’ pieces, you can explore our collection of pre‑loved clothing.