Denim Repair & Hemming Service

Darning is a unique type of mending that recreates the look and feel of denim fabric by weaving cotton thread back and forth across the tear or hole.
This is only possible using a special industrial darning machine such as the Singer 47w70.
Instead of placing a patch behind the hole and stitching over or around the patch we are trying to mimic the original woven fabric as close as possible, essentially creating a 'weft' and a 'warp' thread typical of denim fabric.
The unique shape of the Singer 47w70's cylindrical arm means we are able to manouveur garments in a way that gives us the ability to repair areas of that are typically unable to be repaired by a regular flat bed sewing machines.

Chainstitch Hemming is done on our vintage Union Special 43200g with the period correct 3/8" folding attachment found on these coveted machines since as early as 1939. The machine is responsible for the desirable 'roping effect' found on vintage and premium jeans and we are proud to offer this hemming service in Australia.

Darning & Chainstitch Hemming

Step-by-Step Instructions for Denim Repair & Chainstitch Hemming at URAHARA

Our services are available in-store and by mail from anywhere in the world.

Follow the below to get your jeans hemmed or repaired:


Option 1: In-Store Drop-Off (Melbourne)

1. Visit Our Store

URAHARA – 3 Johnston Street, Collingwood, Victoria 3066
Our repair studio is a dedicated space shared with our office above the store.


2. Select Your Service / Payment

• Hemming: Choose your desired inseam length.
• Repairs: Show us the areas of your jeans that need repairs.

Our team will assess your jeans, confirm the price and process your payment.


3. Processing Time & Pickup

• Typical turnaround time for repairs is 3-5 days.
• You will receive a text or email once your jeans are ready for pickup.
• We will hold your jeans until you or an authorised person picks them up.


Option 2: Mail-In Service

1. Prepare Your Jeans for Shipping

* Ensure your jeans are clean before sending them.

• If your jeans require hemming, include a note with the desired in-seam length or measure and mark the desired finished length (e.g., safety pin or chalk line).
• If getting repairs, include a note describing what needs fixing.


2. Choose a Payment Option

• Pre-Purchase Online:
• Purchase the inseam length for hemming or repair service relevant to the repairs needed.

• Pay After the Repair:
• Send your jeans, we will quote you then provide an invoice once the work is complete.


3. Send Your Jeans.
Address:
URAHARA - 3 Johnston Street, Collingwood, Victoria 3066

• We recommend including a return satchel to speed up the return process.


4. We Complete the Work

• Once we receive your jeans, our team will hem or repair them within 3-5 days.
• If there are any questions, we will contact you before proceeding.


5. Payment & Return Shipping

• If you have not prepaid online, we will send you an invoice including the return shipping fee via our online store.
• If you provided a return satchel we will of course use that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'darning' or denim repair?

Darning is a unique type of mending that recreates the look and feel of denim fabric by weaving cotton thread back and forth across the tear or hole.

Instead of placing a patch behind the hole and stitching over or around the patch we are trying to mimic the original woven fabric as close as possible, essentially creating a 'weft' and a 'warp' thread typical of denim fabric.

Are special denim sewing machines used?

With regards to 'darning' or repairing denim, this is only possible using a special industrial darning machine such as the Singer 47w70.

The unique shape of the Singer 47w70's cylindrical arm means we are able to manouveur garments in a way that gives us the ability to repair areas of that are typically unable to be repaired by a regular flat bed sewing machines.

With chainstitch hemming, one of the most coveted sewing machines in the world is used... The Union Special 43200g which dates back to the 1930's and was the original sewing machine used by Levi's. This machine creates a unique chainstitch and 'roping' effect that vintage denim collectors and Japanese denim fans alike can appreciate.

What is a chainstitch / chainstitch hemming?

Chainstitch refers to a stitch type where the thread is looped and stitched in a style that looks like a chain such as a necklace chain.

Chainstitch Hemming refers to a chainstitch that is done to the hem (bottom folded part) of a pair of jeans to adjust the length so that it is suitable for the wearer. Similar to having a pair of suit pants adjusted in the length however the hem on a pair of jeans has a specific look and style, especially those that are chainstitched.