How to Sew With Denim

Denim is a rugged fabric that has many uses. Typically you think of blue jeans when you think of denim fabric, but denim's uses go far beyond jeans. There are a wide range of colors, weights and washes available on the market today that you can sew into garments. And because denim is so sturdy, you can also recycle old jeans and sew them into a wide variety of useful articles.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Shop for denim fabric that is light enough to sew with your sewing machine. Unless you have a heavy-duty sewing machine, you need to find a light or medium weight denim. Heavier denim may be too stiff for your machine to sew easily.

2. Pre-wash your denim fabric to soften it. Wash it with like colored items and dry it. You may want to repeat this step two or three times to soften the fabric before you work with it.

3. Put a heavier sewing machine needle in your machine. This can help you sew over thick denim seams.

4. Cut the denim fabric with a sharp pair of scissors. If the fabric is heavy, you may want to cut a single layer at a time. Remember to flip the pattern piece over to cut the second piece if you choose to cut one layer of fabric at a time.

5. Trim the excess bulk from seams as you sew them. If you have a serger, this is an excellent way to finish a denim seam.

6. Sew flat-felled seams if you don't have a serger. Stitch the normal 5/8-inch seam with the wrong sides together. Trim one side of the seam allowance to 1/8 inch. Press the seam allowance to one side with the longer side on top. Fold the untreated edge under the trimmed edge. Press in place. Sew a line of stitching close to the fold.