Got a favorite pair of jeans that are a bit worn out, or maybe just don't fit quite right anymore? Don't let them gather dust in the back of your closet! With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can transform them into an adorable and practical denim overall dress. This upcycling project is not only sustainable but also a fantastic way to create a unique piece for your wardrobe.
In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the steps to convert a pair of adult jeans into a cute denim overall dress, similar to the one shown above. Get ready to give your old denim a brand new life!
Why You'll Love This Project:
Eco-Conscious: Gives old jeans a second chance, reducing textile waste.
Budget-Friendly: Creates a new garment without buying new fabric.
Unique Style: Your overall dress will be one-of-a-kind.
Versatile: Perfect for layering over t-shirts, turtlenecks, or sweaters.
Beginner-Friendly: A straightforward project for those comfortable with a sewing machine.
What You'll Need:
1 Pair of Adult Denim Jeans: Choose a pair that is a comfortable fit around your hips, as this will become the base of your skirt. A larger size might give you more room for a looser fit.
Sewing Machine: Equipped with a denim needle.
Strong Polyester Thread: Matching your denim or a contrasting color for topstitching.
Fabric Scissors: Sharp!
Measuring Tape or Ruler.
Fabric Chalk or Washable Marker.
Pins.
Iron and Ironing Board.
Seam Ripper.
Optional: 2 Overall buckles/clips and buttons for the straps (or you can create simple buttonholes and attach regular buttons).
Step-by-Step Pattern & Sewing Guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Jeans
Lay your jeans flat.
Cut the legs: Carefully cut off both jean legs just below the crotch seam. You want to essentially create a "skirt" from the top portion of the jeans. Try to cut straight across, or slightly curved if you want a subtle A-line.
Open the inner leg seams (optional but recommended for a smoother skirt): Use your seam ripper to carefully unpick the inseams (the inner leg seams) from where you cut up to the original crotch seam. This will allow you to flatten out the front and back panels more effectively.
Flatten the crotch curve: With the inseams opened, you can now trim and reshape the excess fabric around the former crotch area to create a smooth, continuous line for your skirt. Pin the front and back seams together to prepare for sewing.
Sew the center seams: With right sides together, stitch down the front and back opened seams to create your skirt base. Press these new seams open for a flatter finish.
Step 2: Determine Your Skirt Length & Hem
Try on the newly formed skirt base.
Decide on your desired overall dress length. Mark it with chalk. Remember to add about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) for your hem allowance.
Trim the bottom edge of the skirt straight across.
Create a simple 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.
Step 3: Create the Bib (Front Panel)
From one of the jean legs you cut off earlier, find the widest, flattest part.
Measure your bib: Measure across the front of your chest where you want the bib to sit. This will be the width of your bib. For the height, measure from just above your waistline up to where you want the top of the bib to reach (e.g., mid-chest). Add seam allowances (1/2 inch or 1.25 cm all around) to these measurements.
Cut the bib: Draw your rectangular bib shape onto the denim leg piece and cut it out. You can slightly curve the top corners if you prefer.
Finish the bib edges: Fold under 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) around all four edges of the bib and press. Fold under again for a neat finish (or use a serger if you have one). Topstitch along the folded edges.
Step 4: Add Pockets (Optional)
If your jeans have back pockets, you can carefully remove them with a seam ripper.
Decide where you want to place them on your new dress. The inspiration image shows two patch pockets near the hip area.
Pin the pockets in place and stitch them down securely around the three raw edges, leaving the top open.
Step 5: Create the Straps
From the remaining denim fabric (e.g., the other jean leg or leftover scraps), cut two long strips for your straps.
Strap Dimensions: A good starting point is about 2 inches (5 cm) wide and 20-25 inches (50-63 cm) long, depending on your height and desired strap length. You can always trim them shorter later.
Construct the straps: Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch along the raw edge. Turn the straps right side out (a loop turner helps here) and press flat. Topstitch along both long edges for a professional finish and added durability.
Attach buckles (optional): If using overall buckles, thread one end of each strap through the buckle and fold it back on itself. Stitch securely.
Step 6: Attach the Bib and Straps to the Skirt
Attach the bib: Place the finished bib onto the front of your denim skirt, centering it both horizontally and vertically, so its bottom edge overlaps the waist of the skirt base by about 1/2 to 1 inch. Pin it securely. Topstitch the bib in place along its bottom edge and up the sides.
Attach the straps to the back: On the back of the skirt, try on the dress or hold it up to yourself to determine the best placement for the strap ends. They usually attach to the top edge of the back waistband, about 3-4 inches apart, or directly above the back pockets if you kept them. Stitch them securely to the back waistband.
Attach straps to the front (with buttons or buttonholes):
If using buckles: Create two buttonholes on the top front corners of your bib, or sew two regular buttons in place that the buckle "prong" can hook onto. Test for length.
If using regular buttons: Create buttonholes on the ends of your straps. Try on the dress and mark where the buttons should be sewn onto the bib for a comfortable fit. Stitch the buttons in place.
Step 7: Final Touches
Give your new overall dress a final press.
Snip any loose threads.
Try it on and adjust the strap length as needed!
Your New Favorite Denim Piece!
Congratulations! You've successfully transformed a pair of old jeans into a fabulous and stylish overall dress. This is a perfect casual piece that you can wear year-round. Experiment with different tops underneath to change up your look.
We'd love to see your finished creations! Share your overall dresses in the comments below or tag us on social media! Happy sewing!
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