Do ever have moments when you really are looking for one specific wardrobe item, but can't find it for a reasonable price anywhere? This denim skirt was that for me. I just could not find what I wanted anywhere.
But, sometimes the best creations stem from necessity. It's great for backyard barbecues in the summer, or with tights and a sweater in the winter. Talk about versatile. It's also ideal for upcycling jeans that still fit but maybe don't function so well as jeans anymore.
What You'll Need:
First, cut the pair of jeans below the knees. You'll want enough of the lower leg fabric to use as paneling to fit the gap, but be careful not to cut the legs too short. It's better to air on the side of caution here. Rip out the inner thing seams completely, keep the ones on the outer leg, unless you want to add more fabric there to make the skirt more A-line.
Essentially, you want to "fill in the gap" with the paneling, so lay it horizontally and pin it along the former inner thing seam. Once your satisfied with how it lays, trim off the excess, but make sure you leave 5/8" on each for a seam allowance.
Sew it along the old seams of the pants and the new fabric panel. Be sure to go slowly, as denim is thicker than most fabric. If your machine is struggling, widen the stitches a little and that should help.
Next, do the same thing to the other side. It is likely that you will have to alter the shape of the seam near the butt because of the way jeans are cut. You want it to lay flat, so you may need a larger panel piece while taking out some more of the inner thigh seams. Play around with it to find what works, as every pair of jeans is cut differently.
**You can also make this skirt more A-line by ripping open the outer leg seams and adding triangular panels, widening the shape as you descend. I chose not to on this one, but might on the next skirt I make. **
Cut the original leg pieces to match where the panels end.
Hem the skirt to the length you want by flipping the bottom of the skirt up about an inch, and rolling the edge into itself, creating a "seal" to prevent fraying. The length of the skirt will depend on your height, but a good ballpark is two inches above the knee. Measure both sides from the hip to the hem on both sides before you sew.
(This looks a little wonky because of how it is laying on the chair I took the picture on. It should lay flat.)
This skirt is a staple wardrobe item and really is not too complicated as long as you're patient and willing to measure yourself to double-check everything. Maybe it's time to upcycle that old pair of jeans in your closet!
But, sometimes the best creations stem from necessity. It's great for backyard barbecues in the summer, or with tights and a sweater in the winter. Talk about versatile. It's also ideal for upcycling jeans that still fit but maybe don't function so well as jeans anymore.
What You'll Need:
- A Pair of Jeans (you can use an old pair or even get them thrifted!)
- Thread - I use denim dyed thread, but you don't really see the seams so you can use whatever color you wish
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine or hand sewing needle
First, cut the pair of jeans below the knees. You'll want enough of the lower leg fabric to use as paneling to fit the gap, but be careful not to cut the legs too short. It's better to air on the side of caution here. Rip out the inner thing seams completely, keep the ones on the outer leg, unless you want to add more fabric there to make the skirt more A-line.
Essentially, you want to "fill in the gap" with the paneling, so lay it horizontally and pin it along the former inner thing seam. Once your satisfied with how it lays, trim off the excess, but make sure you leave 5/8" on each for a seam allowance.
Sew it along the old seams of the pants and the new fabric panel. Be sure to go slowly, as denim is thicker than most fabric. If your machine is struggling, widen the stitches a little and that should help.
Next, do the same thing to the other side. It is likely that you will have to alter the shape of the seam near the butt because of the way jeans are cut. You want it to lay flat, so you may need a larger panel piece while taking out some more of the inner thigh seams. Play around with it to find what works, as every pair of jeans is cut differently.
**You can also make this skirt more A-line by ripping open the outer leg seams and adding triangular panels, widening the shape as you descend. I chose not to on this one, but might on the next skirt I make. **
Cut the original leg pieces to match where the panels end.
Hem the skirt to the length you want by flipping the bottom of the skirt up about an inch, and rolling the edge into itself, creating a "seal" to prevent fraying. The length of the skirt will depend on your height, but a good ballpark is two inches above the knee. Measure both sides from the hip to the hem on both sides before you sew.
(This looks a little wonky because of how it is laying on the chair I took the picture on. It should lay flat.)
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