Got a pair of jeans that are a bit tired, or perhaps you're looking for a quick and fun sewing project? Look no further! You can easily transform an old pair of jeans into a chic and versatile mini denim wrap skirt, just like the one in the image above. This upcycling project is not only sustainable but also creates a comfortable and adjustable skirt perfect for warmer weather or layering.
This tutorial will guide you through turning the legs of your jeans into the main panels of a cute wrap skirt, complete with ties for closure.
Why You'll Love This Project:
Eco-Friendly: Gives new life to old denim, reducing textile waste.
Budget-Friendly: Creates a new skirt without buying new fabric.
Adjustable Fit: The wrap style makes it forgiving on sizing.
Unique Style: A one-of-a-kind denim skirt with a handmade touch.
Beginner-Friendly: A relatively simple project, great for those new to garment sewing.
What You'll Need:
1 Pair of Adult Denim Jeans: Choose a pair where the legs are wide enough to accommodate your hip measurement for the skirt panels. Straight-leg or bootcut jeans are often ideal. The color and wash of your jeans will be the color of your new skirt!
Sewing Machine: With a denim needle installed – essential for stitching through thick denim.
Strong Polyester Thread: Matching your denim or a contrasting color for topstitching.
Fabric Scissors: Sharp and sturdy for cutting denim.
Measuring Tape or Ruler.
Fabric Chalk or Washable Marker.
Pins.
Iron and Ironing Board.
Seam Ripper.
Step-by-Step Pattern & Sewing Guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Jeans
Cut off the legs: Lay your jeans flat and smooth them out. Carefully cut off both pant legs at a point well above the knee, ensuring you have enough length for your desired mini skirt. You'll primarily be using the fabric from the pant legs.
Open the leg seams: Using your seam ripper, carefully unpick both the inner and outer leg seams of both pant legs. This will allow you to open up each pant leg into two large, flat rectangles of denim fabric.
Press flat: Press all your deconstructed denim pieces flat to remove any creases and prepare them for cutting.
Step 2: Determine Your Skirt Dimensions & Cut Panels
Measure for the skirt:
Desired Skirt Length: Measure from your natural waist down to where you want the hem of your mini skirt to fall. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the hem allowance and 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the waistband seam allowance.
Front Panel Width: This skirt has two overlapping front panels and one back panel. Measure across the widest part of your hips. You'll want each of your two front panels to be roughly 60-70% of your hip measurement, to allow for a good overlap. The back panel should be your hip measurement divided by 2.
Example: If your hips are 36 inches, your back panel might be 18 inches wide. Each front panel could be about 12-14 inches wide for a good overlap. (You'll adjust this once you have the fabric laid out).
Cut your panels:
From your flattened denim leg pieces, cut one rectangle for the Back Panel to your desired skirt length and back panel width.
Cut two rectangles for the Front Panels to your desired skirt length and front panel width.
Tip: If the leg pieces aren't wide enough, you might need to piece together scraps, or consider a skirt with fewer, wider panels. The image suggests a relatively straight cut from the jeans.
Optional - Flare: The skirt in the image has a slight A-line flare. To achieve this, make the bottom edge of your panels slightly wider than the top edge. For example, if your top width is 12 inches, the bottom might be 14 inches. Draw angled lines from top to bottom.
Step 3: Sew the Skirt Panels
Join Front to Back: Place one Front Panel right sides together with the Back Panel, aligning one side seam. Pin and stitch with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Press the seam open.
Repeat with the other Front Panel and the remaining side of the Back Panel. You should now have one continuous piece of fabric that will wrap around your body.
Finish Side Edges of Front Panels: The outer edges of your front panels will be exposed. Fold these raw edges under twice (1/4 inch then 1/4 inch) and press. Topstitch down these edges for a clean, durable finish.
Step 4: Create and Attach the Waistband/Ties
Cut Waistband Strips: From leftover denim, cut two long strips for your waistband/ties. These should be approximately 2 inches (5 cm) wide. The length of each strip needs to be long enough to go from the center of your skirt panel, around to your back, and then tie in a bow. Roughly measure your waist and add plenty for the ties – 30-40 inches (76-100 cm) each is a good starting point, but adjust for your size.
Construct Waistband Ties: Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch along the long raw edge and one short end, leaving one short end open. Trim corners, turn right side out, and press flat. Topstitch along all stitched edges for a clean finish.
Attach Waistband to Skirt:
On the wrong side of your skirt, along the top edge, mark the center of the back panel and the center of each front panel.
Take one tie. Pin the unstitched end of the tie to the wrong side of the skirt, aligning it with the top raw edge, starting from the center of the back panel and extending towards one of the front panels. Stitch the tie to the skirt top edge with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance.
Repeat with the other tie, attaching it from the center back towards the other front panel.
Alternatively (and perhaps simpler, as shown in the image): Cut a single waistband strip that matches the top edge of your skirt panels (the full length once laid flat), plus extra for the ties. Sew this strip to the top edge, then fold it over and finish it, creating continuous ties extending from the ends.
Finish Waistband Edge: Fold the remaining raw edge of the waistband strip over towards the wrong side of the skirt, encasing the raw seam. Press and topstitch along the bottom edge of the waistband to secure it.
Step 5: Hem the Skirt
Try on the skirt: Put on your skirt and check the length and fit.
Mark Hem: Mark your final desired hem length with chalk.
Hem: Fold the raw bottom edge of the skirt up by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), press. Fold up again by another 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press. Stitch the hem in place, using a double row of topstitching for a classic denim finish.
Your New Go-To Wrap Skirt!
You've done it! You've transformed an old pair of jeans into a chic and comfortable mini denim wrap skirt. This is such a versatile piece – perfect for casual outings, beach days, or layering over leggings. Enjoy your new sustainable style!
Share your amazing wrap skirt creations with us in the comments or on social media! Happy sewing!
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