Dress Up Jeans

Do you have an old pair of jeans you'd like to dress up? It is easy to spruce up your old jeans just by adding a ribbon trim to the bottom of the pants.

You will need:

Pair of jeans (a pair that is too short works really well)
Wide decorative fabric ribbon
sewing supplies

Sewing Materials Available

Sewing Ribbon to your Jeans

1. Cut the hem off the bottom cuff of your jeans. If you'd like them shorter, like capri length, cut where desired length is.
2. Measure a strip of wide ribbon to go along the edges of the cuffs.
3. Pin the ribbon at the bottom cuff overlapping 1/4-1/2 inch.
4. Sew along the edge to attach. Glue the overlapping end of the ribbon in place with fabric glue or hand stitch closed.

Ribbon pants done

This project is a great way to sew clothes that you may need to fix up.

Stitch up Designs with Embroidery

Embroidery is an awesome way for kids to personalize their projects while learning a creative new skill. Start with simple shapes-stars, hearts, or even their first initial.
jeans with star

Supplies:

Pair of jeans
Embroidery hoop (small
Embroidery needle
Embroidery floss (6-strand; color of your choice)
Water-soluble pen or tailor's chalk
Scissors
Optional: thimble (for pushing the needle through denim)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Draw Your Star (or other design)-Use a water-soluble pen to lightly sketch a simple 5-pointed star on the jeans. You can trace a star-shaped stencil or draw freehand near the pocket, thigh, or back pocket.

2. Hoop It
Place a small embroidery hoop around the star area. The hoop should keep the denim taut but not overly stretched.

3. Thread the Needle
Cut about 18 inches of embroidery floss. Separate it so you're using 3 strands for a balanced look. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end.

4. Outline the Star with Backstitch

Start from the inside of the jeans, bringing the needle up at one star point.
Use a backstitch to outline the shape:
- Make a small stitch forward along the line, then bring the needle back up a stitch length ahead.
- Go back into the end of the previous stitch to make a clean line.
- Repeat until the entire star is outlined.

5. Double Stitch for Boldness (Optional)
Go over the entire outline again using the same backstitch method for a thicker effect.

6. Finish Off -Once you complete the star, tie off your thread on the inside of the jeans and trim the excess.

7. Clean Up -Dampen a cloth or rinse the fabric to remove the drawn lines. Let dry.

Tips:

Denim is thick, so go slowly and use a sharp needle.
You can add inner stitches to fill in the star, or keep it outlined for a simple look.
Try metallic or neon threads for added flair!
Use embroidery hoops to keep fabric tight
Choose thicker embroidery floss (3-6 strands)
Trace design with chalk or fabric pen.
See more information on embroidery stitches.

This is a perfect skill for decorating jean projects!