We fix wear by reinforcing stress points and turning the mend into a feature.  To do this, we need a relatively good measure.  Feel free to schedule a 5 minute call, if you have any questions.  You can also reach us by chat on the site or email: hello@surplusatx.com

Follow the steps below to 1)size your mend 2)choose materials, and 3)select a design.

1 

Measure Your Mend

For strength, every patch or mend must extend at least 1.25 to 1.5 inches beyond the hole on all sides for a seam allowance.  This is the minimum size to order.  For this reason, please measure up to nearest inch. 

Note, you'll select Portrait or Landscape at checkout.  Consider this when measuring.  We can cover multiple holes with one mend.  The max is is 9x7.  

Once you reach the minimum, you can size up as much as you would like for a more visible repair.

Formula:

• Patch width = hole width + 2.5 in (1.25 in for left & right)
• Patch height = hole height + 2.5 in (1.25 in top & bottom)

We size mends in 1x2-inch increments.

To confirm, you can chose any size repair, but at a minimum, choose the smallest rectangle that fully covers your hole, plus at least 1.25" allowance or larger around.

• Smallest mend: 3×4
• Largest standard mend: 7x9.

Anything larger is a Custom Job for Wovens  Or, the Whole Enchilada for Denim.

Irregular shapes:  measure the widest and tallest points of the damaged area (include frays). Apply the formula, then round up to the next 1" size.

Placement note: if the hole sits near a seam, pocket edge, or hem, we may slightly adjust the patch dimensions or orientation for durability.

Quick Size Guide

• Hole up to ~0.5" → order 3x4 minimum

• Hole ~1"×2"ish  → order 3×4

• Hole ~2"×3"ish → order 4×5

• Hole ~3"×4" ish→ order 5×6 

• Hole ~4"×5" ish → order 5×7

• Custom → anything larger than 7x9

2

Order Your Mend

If you are ordering more than one identical mend on the same garment, you can simply order the quantity you want. They can be oriented differently (portrait and/or landscape). Note in intake form. Check your email.

If they are unique in size, wanting different materials or thread, each mend will require its own submission. 

If you have a unique situation or three or more mends on the same garment, go for the Custom or the Whole Enchilada. You'll confirm the mend and stitch when you place the order on the our site. 

It may make sense to order a larger mend to cover multiple holes at once.

3

Check Your Email

You'll receive a short form to confirm location, contact info and our Terms of Service. You'll also be able to provide any special instructions, if necessary.

Once you complete the form, we'll make sure we are all set and email you your shipping label.

A Note on Placement & Stretchy Fabric

Bum, thighs, calves all great.  The best places are the traditional areas people tend to put tattoos. 

Crotch repair: This is better left to your local alterationist who can use a darning machine for the durability that the area requires. (Difference between bum & crotch?  Bum faces your friend behind you, crotch is looking down at mother earth.)

Also, visible mends draw the eye. That's the goal.  If they point to any bit or part, that is where your friend or neighbor's eye will go.

Finally, threads and hand stitches do not stretch.  Loose denim or cotton with minimal stretch can work, but skin tight garments with a ton of stretch are not able to be hand repaired.