How to Make a Tiered & Layered Denim Skirt

A jean skirt can be made from tiers of different-colored denim.

A little sewing work can transform a few old pairs of jeans into a new and trendy skirt. The jeans are cut into strips of fabric that are joined together to form the length of the skirt. Make each denim strip a different width and leave the frayed edges on each strip of fabric for an edgy skirt, or cut uniform strips of fabric and finish the edges for a neater looking skirt. If you have a flair for the flamboyant, embellish the denim skirt with a waistline or hemline of denim bows.

Things You'll Need

• Old jeans or denim fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• 1/2-inch-wide elastic
• Straight pins

Instructions

1. Measure around the widest part of your hips and add 1 1/2 inches for the length measurement of the denim strips.

2. Cut strips of fabric, 4- or 6-inches wide from the jeans and make each the length measured in Step 1.

3. Lay one strip on your work surface with the good side facing upward. Fold it in half and sew the rough edges together with a running stitch to make the denim tier's side seam.

4. Fold over 1 inch along one long edge to make the waistband. Sew the folded waistband in place with a running stitch.

5. Cut a piece of elastic to your waist circumference, hook it on a safety pin and slide it through the tube in the waistband. Pin the edges of the elastic to the denim and sew them in place.

6. Fold another strip of fabric in half, sew the side seam and pin the long edge of the strip to the bottom of the first strip. Sew it in place with a running stitch. Repeat to attach each of the tiers of denim to the skirt.

References

• "Jean Therapy: Denim Deconstruction for the Conscientious Crafter"; Scatha G. Allison, Marla Stefanelli and Wendy Tremayne; 2008