A long skirt is a fun way to reuse old jeans.You can use a sewing machine to make a skirt that's as long as you want.To make a skirt that falls near your ankle, you'll need 2 pairs of matching jeans, so you have enough fabric to work with.You'll save fabric from the landfill by wearing a custom-made skirt.
Step 1: Pick 2 pairs of jeans to wear with your long skirt.
Since you'll use it as the top of the skirt, one pair needs to fit you well around the waist.If the color of the denim matches the other pair, it doesn't matter how the second pair of jeans fits.If you want to make a lighter, flowing skirt, choose jeans that have synthetic material in them.A lightweight skirt can be made from the cotton and synthetic material.
Step 2: Cut along the entire inner leg seam of the main pair of jeans.
Spread the jeans that you're going to use for the main body of the skirt on your work surface.Take a pair of fabric scissors and cut near the bottom hem of the pant leg.Cut the inner leg from the crotch to the pant leg.The jean skirt will be assembled using the seam if you don't cut into it.
Step 3: Cut along the vertical seams of the crotch.
The vertical and horizontal seams meet in the middle of the crotch.Cut along the side of the seam by 2 inches.If you want to do this for the back crotch, flip the jeans over.The fabric is laid flat instead of puckering up.The denim shouldn't be cut into the seam.It's fine to raise the crotch so the fabric is flat.You can sew the fabric in place if you cut too high on the crotch.
Step 4: Pin the crotch fabric in place.
When you cut along the front and back crotch seams, overlap the fabric so the denim lays flat.Cut another 2 inch along the seam if it still puckers a little.There are two layers of fabric on each side.The sewing pin should be parallel to the crotch seam.
Step 5: The legs of the second pair of jeans can be cut with scissors.
Spread the other pair of jeans flat on your work surface to give you fabric for the panels of the skirt.Cut from the crotch seam to the side of the jeans without cutting into the back pockets.To give you the most fabric to work with, try to cut as close to the pockets as you can.You have 2 pieces of fabric if you repeat this for the other leg.There is no need for the leftover waist piece from this pair of jeans.
Step 6: The leg pieces should be cut straight along the inner seam.
Cut from the bottom hem to the top of the pant legs, which look like a tube.Cut close to the inner leg seam.This is how to do the other leg piece.2 wide panel pieces of fabric will be used for the center of your jean skirt.
Step 7: The panels should be placed in the center between the pants.
The right side of the fabric faces up if the first pair of jeans are put into the center.Line up the seam so it's in the center and move the panel so the bottom edge lines up with the pants.This should be done for the other panel.
Step 8: Put the edges of the pieces in place.
Place sewing pins through the layers of denim.The pins should be inserted from the bottom of the panel to the opposite hemline.This is repeated for the back panel.The pins should be parallel with the seam line.
Step 9: The sewing machine should be set up with a denim needle.
The thicker the denim, the stronger the cotton thread will be, so it won't break as you sew through it.The sewing needle is designed for denim."Heavy duty" or "denim" is what most of these needles are labeled.It may break if you use a thinner needle.It is possible to pick a thread that matches the fabric or the color of the thread on the jeans, such as gold.
Step 10: The stitch length should be adjusted between 3.5 and 4mm.
The needle is less likely to get stuck in thick denim if the machine is set to make long straight stitches.The straight stitch line is already on the inner pant legs.If you're having trouble stitching through denim, take it slower or turn the hand wheel.
Step 11: The panel meets the inner pant leg.
Start at the bottom and sew up the inner leg seam.It goes through the panel underneath if you sew directly over the existing seams.When you reach the crotch, sew the slit closed with the fabric.Straight Stitch the other inner leg seam.The back panel of the skirt needs to be repeated.You don't want to accidentally sew over the sewing pins.
Step 12: Remove the excess fabric by turning the skirt inside out.
The excess fabric of the center panels can be seen if you flip the skirt so the wrong side faces out.Use your scissors to cut the excess panel.Leave about 4 inch of fabric next to the seam.You will get a hole in the middle of the skirt if you cut into your seam.