Instead of throwing them out, how about turning your worn and torn jeans into a cute skirt? As long as the jeans still fit in the hips and waist, you can turn them into skirts of various lengths, from mini to midi. If you want to make a maxi skirt (ankle length), prepare another pair of jeans.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a Mini Skirt
Step 1. Get a pair of jeans that fit your body
These jeans may be worn and have holes in them, but make sure they fit your hips and waist.
Step 2. Cut the pants to the desired length of the skirt
It's a good idea to make the skirt longer than you planned. Remember, shortening a skirt is easier than lengthening it. Set the trouser leg aside for another project.
- If you want to hem the skirt, cut it 4 cm longer than desired.
- Consider trying on the jeans first, then mark the areas to be cut with a pen.
Step 3. Separate the inseam section
Inseam is the deep seam on the leg of the trousers. Cut as close to the seam as possible. Be sure to also trim the crotch. Trousers should open at the bottom, almost like a skirt.
Step 4. Cut the front and back seams so that they stretch flat
The crotch of the jeans is made curved so it can fit your body shape. However, this section should be flat on the skirt. Cut along the front and back crotch seams by 2.5 to 7.5 cm, or until you reach the end of the curved section. The cut is far enough away if you can overlap the edges without any creases.
Step 5. Overlap the cut edges to cut the skirt
Depending on how short the skirt will be cut, you may end up with a triangular slit in the middle, where the trouser legs are separated. Close this gap as much as possible by moving and overlapping the two cut edges together. Close the gap with a safety pin, then repeat the process for the back.
- You can leave the base open about 2.5 cm long.
- If the base of the skirt becomes too narrow, you will need to add panels. We recommend using the midi skirt method only.
Step 6. Sew the topstitch until the gap is closed
Thread the same color as the topstitch of the jeans into the sewing machine. Start sewing the topstitch on the front of the skirt. Start at the top, where the crotch was before, and finish stitching at the bottom. Repeat this step on the back of the skirt,
Sew backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to make it look nice and strong
Step 7. Trim the rest of the fabric
Your fabric should now have small triangular “tongues” in front and back of the skirt, where you will overlap the crotch. Use sharp scissors to cut it. You will also cut the tongue on the inside of the skirt.
Step 8. Hem the skirt, if desired
Flip the skirt so the inside is outside, and fold the bottom hem two times. Sew the topstitch as close to the inside of the folded edge as possible. Use the same color as the topstitch on the skirt.
Step 9. Flip the right side of the skirt out
Now, the skirt is ready to wear!
Method 2 of 3: Making a Midi Skirt
Step 1. Get a pair of jeans that fit your body
You can wear old or perforated jeans, but the waist should fit snugly.
You can use this method to make a mini skirt
Step 2. Cut the inner seams apart
Start cutting the inner seam from the bottom of one leg and work your way up to the crotch. Cut along the seam to the other end of the leg.
Step 3. Separate the front and back seams so that they stretch flat
The crotch of a pair of jeans is usually curved, but this part must be flat for a skirt to be made. Cut along the back seam to the end of the arch, usually 5-7.5 cm long. You'll be able to overlap the left and right edges, then smooth them out without creases.
Repeat this step for the front crotch seam, if needed
Step 4. Make the front and back crotch seams
Overlap the two edges of the front crotch seam until it stretches evenly. Sew the topstitch using the same color as the original topstitch. Try to follow the initial stitch as much as possible. Trim excess fabric from the front tongue.
Repeat this process for the back stitch
Step 5. Cut the legs to the desired length of the skirt
Do not cut more than half of the trouser leg. If you cut too much, you won't have enough fabric to cover the gap. If you want a longer skirt, go for the maxi skirt method, then shorten it at the ends.
If you want to hem the bottom of the skirt, cut the jeans 4 cm longer than desired. Make sure to leave enough fabric to fill in the gaps
Step 6. Fold one trouser leg into the jeans
It's best if the cut on the inside edge of the jeans is clearly visible. Clamp the panel so it doesn't move. Repeat this process on the back of the skirt and with the other pant leg.
Step 7. Sew the panel topstitch
Sew 1.5 cm from the edge of the cut. You can use yarn that is the same color as the jeans or a contrasting color. You can also match the yarn color to the original topstitch color on the jeans. Usually, the colors used are orange or yellow.
Step 8. Flip the jeans out and trim off the excess fabric
Leave a seam of 1.5 cm.
Step 9. Hem the skirt, if desired
Fold the bottom edge of the fabric twice by 2 cm. Sew the topstitch as close as possible to the edge of the inner crease. Match the color of the sewing thread used on the panel.
Step 10. Flip the right side of the genie out
Now the skirt is ready to wear!
Method 3 of 3: Making a Maxi Skirt
Step 1. Prepare two jeans
The color may be exactly the same, or completely different. Make sure at least one of jeans fit your body because they will become part of the waist of the skirt.
Step 2. Open the seam in the first pair of jeans
Take a pair of jeans that are the right size for you. Start at one end of the leg, then cut along the inner seam up until it reaches the crotch. Repeat this process on the other leg, and trim the crotch seam when you're done.
Step 3. Cut some of the front and back seams
You will notice that the crotch of the front and back seams are curved outward. This section should lie flat. Use a pair of scissors to cut the curved part of the front and back seams. In most pants, the length is 5-7.5 cm. This step will help the skirt stretch flat. Set aside this genie for a while when you're done.
Your cut is sufficient if the seam can be evened out. The right and left edges will overlap
Step 4. Sew the crotch
Overlap the left and right edges of the front crotch seam until they are even. Sew the topstitch following the initial stitch. Cut off excess fabric from the top tongue. Repeat this step for the back stitch.
Step 5. Cut the leg in the second pair of jeans
You will use it to fill in the skirt gap. Cut past the crotch to make sure you get enough fabric for the skirt.
Step 6. Open the two stitches on one of the legs of the second jeans
You will get two panels: one on the front and one on the back. Choose a panel to wear on the front of the skirt. Set aside the second panel for another project.
Step 7. Cut the outer seam on the second leg
This will result in a wider panel, which will be used for the back of the skirt. Do not separate the seams in the leg.
Step 8. Extend the first genie
Lay the first genie in front of you, right side facing out and waist circumference away from you. Flatten the legs so that they lie flat on the work surface. You will get a triangular hole between the legs. Do not cover this hole as it will be filled with panels.
Step 9. Pinch the panels inside the jeans to fill in the gaps
Fold the narrow panel into the jeans so that the front gap is no longer visible. Make sure the toes of the lower legs fit together and the side edges overlap each other. Flatten the crotch so that it is flat; You need to overlap the left and right edges. Clamp the panel so it doesn't move. Repeat this step for the back of the jeans using the wide panels.
- You may need to bring your feet together. The inner seam on the leg needs to overlap the outer seam on the panel.
- If there is a gap at the top, fill it with a denim patch.
- Don't pinch the two sides together like a regular stitch. It's best if the cut edges of the first jeans are clearly visible.
Step 10. Sew the topstitch
Start sewing on the bottom of one leg and finish on the other. Sew wide enough so that you are sewing through the two overlapping layers of fabric. You can use yarn that is the same color or completely contrasting.
- Remove the safety pins when sewing.
- Sew backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
Step 11. Hem the skirt, if desired
You don't have to, but this step helps the genie achieve a simpler, more bohemian look. You can also cut the skirt to the desired length. Hem the bottom of the skirt, or leave it as is.
Tips
- You can buy cheap jeans for practice at a thrift store.
- Use a special needle to sew denim or other heavy fabrics.
- You can use the same yarn color as the jeans, or a completely contrasting color.
- Decorate the skirt with patches, beads, or sequins.
- If the skirt is too short, add lace at the bottom to make it longer.
