From jeans to skirt – a step-by-step transformation
Do you have an old pair of jeans in your wardrobe that you no longer wear? Instead of getting rid of them, you can transform them into a fashionable skirt. It’s a great way to recycle and add a unique piece to your wardrobe. The guide we present will help you step-by-step to create a skirt, regardless of your sewing experience.
Step 1: Preparing the jeans
Choose an old pair of jeans. One that has a well-preserved top will work best, while the bottom may be frayed or even damaged. Jeans with holes at the knees or damaged legs are perfect choices. Make sure they are clean and ready to go.
Step 2: Measure and cut
Measure the distance from your waist to where you want the skirt to end, adding about 4 cm for the fabric allowance you’ll tuck in later. Mark the cutting point with a pencil or fabric chalk. Then carefully cut off the legs along the marked line. You may want to leave a few centimetres of fabric for adjustment after ripping the seams.
Step 3: Forming the skirt
Rip the inside seams of the legs to release the fabric. This will give you the correct skirt shape in the next steps. Rip up the pre-cut legs and tuck under the cut pieces both in the front and back. Lay the fabric carefully and straighten out the creases. Pin the fabrics together and make sure at all times that the backed fabric does not shift or crease. Sew the whole thing together right next to the original stitching of the trousers. Remember to choose a thread that is similar in colour to the colour of the trousers being made into a skirt. This will make the newly created seam less visible.
Step 4: Personalisation and finishing
Decide whether you want the bottom hem of the skirt to be frayed or not. A fringed hem requires precise sewing, while a frayed hem adds a nonchalant touch. You can also add embellishments such as patches, beads or sequins to add a unique flair to the skirt, especially if the fabric is a little faded or damaged.
Creating a skirt from jeans is a great way to express your own style. Before final sewing, try out different lengths and cuts using safety pins to see what works best for your figure. You can also finish off the bottom of the skirt by sewing on a completely different fabric, such as leather or coloured tulle.