How to Make Jeans

Jeans are probably the most versatile item of clothing in your closet because you can dress them up or down. However, you may find it difficult to find jeans that fit perfectly. If you have sewing experience, you may want to make your own jeans to customize the fit. You do need to have access to a sewing machine that can handle heavyweight fabric.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Zipper
• Snap or button
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Prepare the Fabric

1. Use the tape measure to measure your waist and where you want the jeans to ride on your hips. Also take your hip measurement and your inseam measurement. Write all these numbers down and take them with you to the fabric store.

2. Choose a jeans pattern you would like to make. Match your measurements to the pattern. There are varying degrees of difficulty in jeans patterns. Match the pattern with your sewing skill level.

3. Pick out some denim fabric for the jeans. When you get it home, prewash it to get the excess dye out. Dry the fabric as you normally would jeans.

4. Lay the denim on a table. Place the pattern pieces on it according to the pattern guide. Cut out the fabric.

Make the Jeans

5. Sew the front pockets into the jeans according to the pattern directions. Top stitch the pocket opening.

6. Put the jeans front pieces right side together. Sew the front crotch seam to the zipper opening. Set the zipper facing in place. Stitch it. Pin the zipper in place. Sew it into the opening.

7. Attach the back pockets to the jeans. Top stitch them. Sew the center back seam.

8. Lay the back of the jeans right side up on a table. Place the front of the jeans right side down on the back piece. Pin all the side seams and inseams. Stitch in place.

9. Pin the waistband in place. Sew it. Finish the waistband with a button or snap.

10. Try on the jeans. Make any adjustments. Fold up the hem of the pants and stitch in place.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to have a supply of sewing machine needles on hand in case you break one in the heavy denim.
• Wash your jeans a couple times before you wear them to help soften them up.