Darn-It! – Self Edge SF’s New Repair Studio

Part of the massive appeal of raw denim is that the longer you wear it, the more personality gets put into the jeans. As many of us put that idea into practice, it’s inevitable that we reach a certain point where repairs are needed. Figuring out how and where to get your repairs done can require as much thought and consideration as picking out the jean in the first place.

From the DIY approach to simply leaving it to the pro’s, there are several ways to repair or alter jeans. While there is no “right” way of getting the job done, there are several studios and shops that offer specific kinds repairs that are highly desired by denim fans around the world.

Vintage machines at Darn-It!

Vintage machines at Darn-It!

Self Edge SF recently opened up their own repair studio, Darn-It!, that offers all sorts of denim repair services such as darning, chain stitch hemming, button replacement, or even adding on iron suspender buttons. Self Edge had always offered these services, but they wanted their own studio where it was much more than just having vintage machines in the back of the store.

With “Darn-It!”, not only do they have two different types of 1950s Singer Darning Machines, a vintage 43200G Union Special Chainstitching Machine, and a 1920s Steel Kick Press, but they’ve also decorated the studio with vintage furniture, record players, and pieces from all over the world that inspire the entire team.

Rain Delisle hemming and darning denim at Darn-It!

Rain Delisle hemming and darning denim at Darn-It!

For those who new to Heddels or missed our past article about darning, darning has slowly made a comeback in recent years as a preferred way of repairing holes and tears in denim. Instead of sewing on a patch inside the jean, darning involves sewing in matching threads and essentially creating new fabric where the hole once was.

I had the pleasure of visiting the studio, speaking with the shop’s owner, Kiya Babzani, and watching Rain Delisle, a core member of team Darn-It!, repair and hem a pair of my Baldwin Denim jeans. There was already a queue of jeans needing repairs that ranged from simple hemming to fixing foot long tears down the front. Some amazing before and after pictures of repairs done at Darn-It! can be seen on their tumblr.

Jeans waiting to be repaired at Darn-It!

Jeans waiting to be repaired at Darn-It!

It’s important to note that Darn-It! is not open to the public and that any jeans should still be brought to Self Edge to be repaired. It’s important to note that Darn-It! is currently not accepting all mail-ins. At this moment all garments must be bought at one of the Self Edge stores (SESF or SENY).

For more information about the types of repairs and costs, visit Self Edge‘s website.