How to mend shorts with sentimental value?

[u/thepen-ismightier]

These shorts belonged to my mother in law who we lost unexpectedly last year. I miss her dearly and wear these when I’m crafting and tinkering, just as she did. Today they caught on the edge of my toolbox and to tatters they went. They’re made of a very thin lightweight denim. Tags are long gone so I can’t get the fabric type/mix. The rip is large, the size of my hand and I’m unsure how to mend something this big and I am desperately seeking advice. She would love that I mended these and I’d like to choose a fun fabric since it will show. She was an artist and would get the biggest kick out of this. Thank you in advance!

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[u/maki0100]

You could patch them, either on the right side or from the inside of the pants. They do seem to become threadbare so you could also consider  cutting it up in large patches and using them on other items or framing them.

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

I would do a denim patch on the inside and Sashiko embroidery. Personally would pick a lighter blue denim and use white thread so the the colors are blended but the pattern will bring texture and interest

[u/sezit → u/Shoddy_Matter_4940]

Denim is too heavy. The shorts material is older, thinner, and weaker. They will just tear again at the edge of the patch, where the denim pulls against the material.

These look like thin cotton. I suggest patching from the inside with cotton from a sheet or pillowcase. Even tshirt material will work.

Use a lightweight iron on fusing in-between the two materials. (Iron the torn area first, to get it to lay as neatly as possible.)

Once you have the layers laid out well, put a parchment paper or a very thin cotton cloth over everything - you don't want the glue of the fusing to get on your iron. Follow the fusing instructions - press down with the iron, then lift and move to another area before pressing down again. Don't swipe the iron back and forth. Press hard and hold. You really want every bit of the fusing to melt between the layers.

Then you can stitch with your preferred meaning stitch - sashiko or just straight stitch around all the torn areas and the edge of the patch. The fusing won't last very long if you don't stitch.

[u/Most-Currency1882 → u/sezit]

This and then embroider the same flower pattern back on. You may want to reinforce each front/back panel while you are fixing this. I would do that and embroider all the flowers again. Maybe add colour on some others just outline the flowers and do a light (same colour blue) sashiko for longevity of the panel reinforcements. Eta: grammar

[u/Low-Dinner-1614]

Whatever method you choose, get some interfacing on the inside to stabilize since they’re thin. I like the idea of a denim patch as someone else recommended

[u/bonerpalooza]

In addition the patching advice already here, snip off some ripped threads and do the burn test to try and match materials

[u/Gilladian]

I would put a colorful 100% cotton patch on top, neatly hemmed, and sashiko stitch it in place. Probably also do a featherweight fusible backing on the underside. You could leave the patch unhemmed for a more boro look, or even use a couple different fabrics for fun.

[u/YOUSHOUTEDTHIS]

An island-themed iron-on embroidered patch would look super cute and reinforce that thread-bare fabric. Maybe white sea shells, or a hibiscus flower?

[u/Marciamallowfluff → u/YOUSHOUTEDTHIS]

The trouble with iron on patches is stiffness and edges not holding up. They would likely tear out the old thin fabric. Use patches with similar weight and drape.