How Do You Make Your Old Jeans Into Capris?

Turn old jeans into capris for the spring.

When spring rolls in, we happily stuff our coats and scarves back into the closet. Spring allows people to bare their arms, show their legs and let their feet breath in sandals. However, the question comes to mind, "What do I wear now?" Consider recycling old clothes to make new outfits. Turn those old jeans into capris to prepare your wardrobe for warm weather.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing needles
• Thread
• Sewing pins
• Scissors
• Full-length mirror

Instructions

Choose the Pant Length

1. Put the jeans you wish to turn into capris on. While looking into the full-length mirror, fold the legs on the jeans until they are capri length. Capris usually end above the knee, but you can choose any length you prefer.

2. Pin the jeans with a sewing needle to mark the length where the bottom edge of the cuff will sit. Unroll the jeans and place a pin two inches lower than the first mark. You will use the extra length to make a cuff. Leave more space for a wider cuff.

3. Lay the jeans on a flat surface and cut the legs along the lowest pin. Make sure the legs are cut evenly.

Sew the Cuff

1. Cut two feet of thread. Thread the needle and knot the ends of the thread to secure the stitch.

2. Fold the material to make the cuff. Fold the cuff so that the inside of the jeans faces outward. Fold the leg until the edge of the cuff is at the length marked by the highest pin. Remove the pin.

3. Sew the cuffs using the back stitch technique. Make stitches along the top edge of the cuff. Pull the needle through the cuff from the inside of the leg. Push the needle back through the material 1/2 inch from the point of entry. Make four more stitches and pull the needle through the thread 1/2 inch away. Bring the needle back and push it through the material next to the last stitch. Perform this technique along the entire length of the cuff.

4. Push the needle back into the inside. Make a knot by stitching in the same spot at least five times. Cut the thread and make a knot with both ends for extra security.

5. Sew the bottom edge of the cuff in the same manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you sew the cuff securely to the jeans leg so the cuff doesn't come apart.

References

• Clara: Basic Sewing Techniques: Types of Stitches
• Essortment: Do it Yourself Fashion: Make a Pair of Capri Pants from Your Old Pants