Are your old jeans piling up? Don't toss them! Give them a new life and your wardrobe a fresh, eco-friendly update by transforming them into a chic and comfortable denim circle skirt. This DIY project is not only satisfying but also a great way to express your personal style while being kind to the planet.
In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of creating a beautiful, full denim skirt, similar to the one pictured above. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve a professional-looking result with just a few basic sewing skills.
Why You'll Love This Project:
Eco-Friendly: Reduces textile waste by upcycling old garments.
Unique Style: Creates a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your creativity.
Cost-Effective: Saves money on new fabric.
Comfortable: A circle skirt offers wonderful movement and comfort.
Beginner-Friendly: While it looks impressive, the construction is quite straightforward.
What You'll Need:
Several pairs of old denim jeans: The more jeans you have, the fuller and more varied your skirt can be. Aim for at least 4-6 pairs, varying in washes if you like!
Sewing machine: With a denim needle (essential for thick seams!).
Strong polyester thread: Matching or contrasting, depending on your preference.
Fabric scissors: Sharp ones for denim.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric chalk or washable marker.
Pins.
Iron and ironing board.
Seam ripper (for taking apart jeans).
Optional: Skirt zipper, button, and waistband interfacing.
Step-by-Step Pattern & Sewing Guide:
Step 1: Deconstruct Your Denim
This is the most time-consuming but crucial step!
Lay your jeans flat and use your seam ripper to carefully open up the inseams (inner leg seams) and outer leg seams of all your jeans.
Cut off the top portion (waistband, pockets, zipper fly) and the bottom hems of each leg. You want to end up with flat pieces of denim fabric.
Iron all your denim pieces flat to remove creases.
Step 2: Determine Your Skirt Dimensions
For a full circle skirt, we need a few key measurements:
Your Waist Measurement: Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist. Add 1-2 inches for ease, and consider if you want a snug or slightly looser fit. Let's call this
W.Desired Skirt Length: Measure from your natural waist down to where you want the hem to fall (e.g., knee-length, midi-length). Let's call this
L.
Now, for the calculations:
Waist Radius (R1): This is the radius of the inner circle of your skirt. The formula for the circumference of a circle is
C = 2πr. Since your waist measurementWwill be the circumference of your inner circle,R1 = W / (2π).Example: If your waist is 30 inches,
R1 = 30 / (2 * 3.14159) ≈ 4.77 inches.
Hem Radius (R2): This is the radius of the outer circle of your skirt.
R2 = R1 + L.Example: If
R1is 4.77 inches and your desired lengthLis 25 inches,R2 = 4.77 + 25 = 29.77 inches.
Step 3: Cut Your Denim Panels
This skirt is made from multiple wedge-shaped panels, similar to the fan-like pattern in the inspiration image.
Panel Width at Waist: Decide how many panels you want. More panels mean more seams, but also more opportunity to mix denim washes. The inspiration image looks like it has about 16-20 panels. Let's say you want 16 panels.
The waist circumference of each panel at the top will be
W / Number of Panels.Example: If
Wis 30 inches and you want 16 panels,30 / 16 = 1.875 inches. You'll need to add seam allowances to this!
Panel Width at Hem: Calculate the circumference of the outer circle (
2 * π * R2). Then divide this by your number of panels. Add seam allowances.
Instead of individual calculations, a simpler approach for the wedge:
Create a template: On a large piece of paper (or directly on your denim if you're confident), draw a quarter-circle template.
From one corner of the paper, measure out
R1along two perpendicular edges. Connect these points with a curved line. This is your waistline.From the same corner, measure out
R2along the same two perpendicular edges. Connect these points with a curved line. This is your hemline.This quarter-circle represents one-fourth of your skirt. You'll cut four of these if your denim pieces are large enough, or more if you're piecing smaller wedges.
Or, the "fan" method (as shown in the image):
You'll be cutting long, slightly tapered strips. The bottom will be wider than the top.
Cut a paper pattern piece: Measure your desired skirt length (
L). At the top, make it half of your calculated panel width at waist (plus seam allowance for both sides). At the bottom, make it half of your calculated panel width at hem (plus seam allowance for both sides). Draw a straight line from top to bottom on one side, and then a slightly angled line on the other side to create the taper. Remember, you're cutting each panel on a fold, or you're cutting two symmetrical pieces per panel.Simpler still: Cut several rectangular strips of denim. For a 25-inch long skirt, cut strips about 27-28 inches long (to allow for hem and waist seams). The width of these strips will vary. The key is to gradually taper them.
The top (waist) of each strip will be
(W / Number of Panels) + 1 inch seam allowance.The bottom (hem) of each strip will be
(Circumference of Hem / Number of Panels) + 1 inch seam allowance.Draw these lines, and then draw straight lines connecting the top width to the bottom width. Cut these out. You'll need as many of these panels as you decided on.
Step 4: Assemble Your Skirt Panels
Take two denim panels and place them right sides together. Pin along one of the long, tapered edges.
Sew them together using a sturdy straight stitch with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance.
Press the seams open or to one side, depending on what gives a flatter finish with your denim thickness.
Continue adding panels in the same way until you have sewn all your pieces together, forming a large circle.
Leave one seam open for the zipper if you are adding one. If you're using an elastic waistband or simply want to pull it on, you can close the entire circle.
Step 5: Attach the Waistband
You can create a simple folded waistband, or use one of the original denim waistbands from your old jeans if it fits!
If making a new one: Measure your exact waist circumference (without ease if you want it snug, or with a little ease). Cut a strip of denim (or use a waistband from an old pair of jeans) that is this length plus 1 inch for seam allowances, and about 3-4 inches wide (this will be folded in half).
Attach the waistband to the raw edge of your skirt's waistline, right sides together. If you're installing a zipper, this is where you'll incorporate it into that open seam.
Step 6: Insert Zipper (if applicable)
If you left a seam open for a zipper, install a standard dress zipper or a denim-appropriate zipper. There are many great tutorials online for zipper insertion!
Step 7: Hem the Skirt
Try on your skirt and determine the perfect length.
Fold the raw hem edge up by 1/2 inch, press, then fold up again by another 1/2 inch to 1 inch (or your desired hem width).
Topstitch the hem in place using a strong thread, preferably a contrasting color if you want that classic denim look.
Step 8: Final Touches
Give your new skirt a final press.
If you used an original waistband, you can reattach the button and buttonhole. Otherwise, add a hook and eye closure or another button if desired.
Consider adding belt loops from your old jeans for a more authentic denim feel.
Rock Your Upcycled Creation!
And there you have it! A unique, stylish, and sustainable denim circle skirt made entirely from your previously unloved jeans. This skirt is incredibly versatile – dress it up with a blouse and heels, or keep it casual with a t-shirt and sneakers.
Share your finished skirts with us in the comments or on social media! Happy sewing!
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