Have a pair of jeans that you love the waist and hip fit of, but the style of the legs just isn't working for you anymore? Don't let them go to waste! With a few simple steps, you can transform them into a trendy and comfortable panelled denim maxi skirt, just like the one in the image above. This upcycling project is not only sustainable but also allows you to create a custom-fit skirt that's uniquely yours.
This tutorial focuses on creating a skirt with a flattering A-line or straight silhouette using the existing denim panels of your jeans.
Why You'll Love This Project:
Eco-Friendly: Gives new life to old denim, reducing textile waste.
Cost-Effective: No need to buy new fabric for a stylish skirt.
Custom Fit: Utilizes the perfect fit of your jeans' waistband and hips.
Unique Style: Creates a one-of-a-kind denim skirt with interesting seam details.
Beginner-Friendly: A relatively straightforward project for those with basic sewing skills.
What You'll Need:
1 Pair of Adult Denim Jeans: Choose a pair that fits well around your waist and hips, as this will form the top part of your skirt. A straight leg or bootcut style might give you more fabric to work with for the lower panels.
Sewing Machine: With a denim needle (essential for stitching through thick layers!).
Strong Polyester Thread: Matching your denim or a contrasting color for topstitching.
Fabric Scissors: Sharp ones for denim.
Measuring Tape or Ruler.
Fabric Chalk or Washable Marker.
Pins.
Iron and Ironing Board.
Seam Ripper.
Optional: Extra denim scraps if you need to widen the skirt more than the original jeans allow, or if you want contrasting side panels.
Step-by-Step Pattern & Sewing Guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Jeans
Lay your jeans flat and smooth them out.
Cut the inner leg seams: Using your seam ripper, carefully unpick the inseams (the inner leg seams) from the crotch all the way down to the hem. This will allow you to open up the jeans into two separate legs, and then into front and back panels.
Open the crotch seam: Carefully unpick the crotch seam at both the front and back. You want to open it just enough so that you can flatten out the front and back pieces of the jeans without a bulge. Do not unpick the zipper fly area if you want to keep the original jeans closure.
Step 2: Reshape the Front and Back Skirt Panels
Lay the deconstructed jeans flat. You should now have two large, somewhat oddly shaped pieces of denim (front and back of the jeans).
Create the front seam: Overlap the two raw edges of the front crotch area. Pin them together, aiming to create a straight, continuous seam down the center front, replacing the original curved crotch. Stitch this new seam securely with a strong straight stitch. Trim excess fabric and press the seam open or to one side.
Create the back seam: Repeat the process for the back panels, stitching a new straight seam down the center back. Press.
Topstitch (optional but recommended): For a professional, ready-to-wear look, topstitch on either side of your newly sewn front and back center seams. This mimics the original denim flat-felled seams and adds durability.
Step 3: Determine Your Skirt Length & Hem
Try on your newly formed skirt base. It should now resemble a basic tube skirt, with the original waistband and pockets intact.
Decide on your desired maxi skirt length. Mark it with chalk. Remember to add about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) for your hem allowance.
Trim the bottom raw edge of the skirt straight across.
Create the hem: Fold the raw edge up by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), press, then fold up again by another 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press. Stitch in place. You can use a double row of topstitching for a classic denim hem.
Step 4: Add Side Slits (Optional, as seen in the image)
The inspiration image shows subtle side slits. If you want these:
Mark where you want your slits to start on the side seams (usually above the knee or mid-thigh).
From this mark down to the hem, open the existing side seam of the jeans using your seam ripper.
Finish the raw edges of the slit. You can fold them under twice (1/4 inch then 1/4 inch) and topstitch, or use a serger for a clean finish. This makes the slits durable and neat.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Give your entire new skirt a final press to ensure all seams lie flat and look crisp.
Snip any loose threads.
Try on your new panelled denim maxi skirt!
Rock Your Refashioned Denim Skirt!
You've done it! You've successfully transformed a pair of old jeans into a stylish and unique panelled denim maxi skirt. This versatile piece is perfect for everyday wear, easy to dress up or down, and a fantastic way to extend the life of your favorite denim.
Share your finished skirts with us in the comments below or tag us on social media! Happy sewing!
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