DIY Patchwork Denim Jeans #diy #thriftflip #patchwork #denim #jeans, by ProperFit Clothing Co. on YouTube. 2 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans, then lay them flat and decide where each patch will sit. Mark the outline of each shape lightly with tailor's chalk.
Cut each fabric patch about 1/2 inch larger on every side than your marked shape. That extra margin is the allowance you fold under.
Press the edges of each patch under by 1/2 inch with a hot iron so you get a clean folded edge. Pin the patch onto the jeans.
Fit the machine with a denim needle and polyester thread. Set a straight stitch around 2.5 mm long and raise the presser foot to slide the jeans in.
Sew a test line on a scrap of the same denim, folded to the same thickness, and adjust the tension and stitch length until the stitches look even.
Sew around the patch 1/8 inch in from the folded edge, backstitching at the start and the end. Keep a slow, steady speed.
Turn the handwheel by hand when you reach a thick seam or a bulky overlap. Let the needle do the work instead of pushing the fabric.
Layer more patches on top, sewing the bottom ones first and overlapping the next. Press each patch flat with the iron once it is sewn.
Trim loose threads, then wash the jeans inside out in cold water and hang them to dry so the patchwork keeps its shape.
Tips and common mistakes
For a raw, distressed look, skip the folded edge and zigzag over the raw edge with a 4 to 5 mm width and a 1.5 to 2 mm length.
Pull pins out as you sew instead of stitching over them, which can chip the needle.
Unplug the machine before changing the needle, and keep your fingers clear of the needle area while sewing.
Stretchy knit fabric can pucker on rigid denim, so stick to medium-weight cotton, denim or canvas.
Questions
Can I do this without a sewing machine?
Yes. Sew the patches by hand with a backstitch or blanket stitch using heavy thread. It takes longer but gives a similar look.
What fabric works best for jeans patches?
Medium-weight cotton, denim, canvas or old clothing works well. Avoid thin stretchy knits on non-stretch jeans because they can pucker.
Do I really need a special needle?
A denim needle in size 90/14 or 100/16 is best. A standard needle can bend or skip stitches when it hits thick seams and doubled fabric.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
