Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Threads Project Guides

Sew Your Own Jeans

Guide Home
Chapter
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Learn to Add Premium Denim Details

Use quality fabric, and sew a classic fly zipper
Threads #196, April/May 2018

Originally the fabric for the common workman, lowly denim has made its way to high fashion and premium prices for premium denim. When you shop for jeans or other denim garments, you’ll find a wide range of price points. There’s a difference between a $35 pair of jeans and a $200 pair, and it comes from the fabric—which should last for years and get softer and more comfortable with wear—and the construction techniques used to make them.

Factors that make expensive denim worth the price include the fabric’s yarn, the dye, and the weaving technique. I’ll share the details that set high-quality denim fabric above the rest. Once you know how to choose the best denim fabric for your sewing, you’ll want to re-create the well-sewn, sturdy features of premium jeans, including a proper fly zipper. I have detailed instructions to make that process easy.

Make your own blue jeans from quality fabric.
Blue jeans are casual, cool, and even chic. Make them in quality denim, with all the classic features, for years of stylish wear. Pattern: author’s design. Fabric: 100-percent cotton denim, author’s stash. Photos: Jack Deutsch; all others, Mike Yamin. Illustration: Rosann Berry. Stylist: Jessica Saal. Hair and makeup: AgataHelena.com. Styling notes: earrings and scarf—Loft.com, top—Anthropologie.com, shoes—Betsey Johnson (DSW.com).

Make a blue jean skirt.
Traditional jeans details make an A-line skirt a wardrobe staple. Pattern: author’s design. Fabric: 100-percent cotton denim, author’s stash. Photos: Jack Deutsch; all others, Mike Yamin. Illustration: Rosann Berry. Stylist: Jessica Saal. Hair and makeup: AgataHelena.com. Necklace—JCrew.com, tank top—stylist’s own, embroidered top—Zara.com, shoes—Free People (DSW.com).

If you have worked to perfect the fit of a jeans pattern, now you can use it to replicate the costliest designer or boutique jeans on the…

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Previous: How to Sew a Nonstretch Waistband Next: Break in Your Jeans
Discuss

Discuss

  1. Deleted | | #1

    “[Deleted]”

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

Sew Your Own Jeans

Sew Your Own Jeans

Creating the perfect pair of jeans is easier than you might think!

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Sew Your Own Jeans Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Why and How to Make Jeans
Repair and Alterations
Denim Creativity
Jeans Patterns to Try