I made jeans you guys!
I’ve never made pants or jeans before, so working through the learning curve of fitting was intimidating as heck and totally frustrating at points.
I started sewing my muslin for the Liana Stretch Jeans last December (2015), got stymied with the fitting process, and put them aside for other things. I really wanted to get past my fear of sewing pants though, so completing a pair of jeans was a big sewing goal for this year.
I’ll spare you the fitting trials, but I will let you know that I ended up using a full butt adjustment, taking a 1in wedge out of the back thigh to remove wrinkles, taking in the waist about 1 inch, and adjusting the crotch curve. I’m sure I’ll have to do these adjustments on any pants pattern.
Now that I’ve knocked off one of my major sewing goals, I should be jumping up and down and giddy, but really I felt burnt out by the process.
Pattern: Liana Stretch Jeans from Itch to Stitch. Size 8. Bootcut version, but I straightened out the legs because my fabric was not wide enough. The pattern calls for 25% stretch denim which is tough to find. My muslin fabric barely had 5% stretch and was tough to work with. My final version had 15% stretch and was plenty in my mind. If you’re having trouble finding 25% stretch denim, consider using 10%-15% stretch denim instead and buy enough to make a muslin. Itch to Stitch has a super helpful sew along that expands on the instructions, walks through doing a muslin, and gives tips on distressing your denim.
Fabric: 2yds x 52in wide of 10oz denim with 15% stretch from Girl Charlee (no longer available) and a fat quarter of quilting cotton.
I created a pinterest board with jean details if you’d like some inspiration.
The Liana Stretch Jeans took me 11 hours to complete, plus several hours invested into the fitting muslin. I’m hoping that can be cut that down by a couple hours.
Total Cost: $28.60 Fabric $13 Pattern $9.60 Notions: $6
Eleven hours. That’s a big number… and that’s what has me thinking seriously about if I’ll make jeans again. I’m trying to weigh if the time investment is worth the outcome vs. if I can swallow buying RTW and it’s implications.
Keep watching this space for the decision. A pair of Birkin Jeans was on my original plan, but I’m taking a little time to decide on my course of action.
Those look fantastic! I know what you mean about the time commitment. I think my firsttook me about 10 hours but I did like the fit better than RTW in the end. I’m psyching myself up for round 2 as well 😉
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These look fabulous!!!!!! The only “pants” I have made that fit are leggings. One of these years I’ll make time to learn.
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I went back on my zip, that’s the most difficult part. I think the hours invested are worth it atleast for one pair as it’s a challenge. These look really smart
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Your construction looks great! Love the topstitching. You’ll get faster, though jeans are never going to be the fastest thing because of all the detail work. I’m sure my 1st pair took something like 11 hours, and now maybe about 5. Peggy Sager’s Lana Jeans pattern breaks down the construction into I think 3 sessions by task–I keep that guide sheet handy even though I don’t use that pattern because it’s a smart way to think about it.
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Thanks Elizabeth. I was hoping I could cut 2 or 3 hours off. I’ll take a look at Peggy Sager’s guide.
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They turned out great and I understand how agonizing pants fitting can be. I also hope to one day tackle jeans, thanks for the inspiration.
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Great jeans. The topstitching looks fabulous. The whole fitting process was worth doing. This jeans fits perfect.
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I made some jeans last year and it was quite a process. I know how that burnt out feeling! But you did it!!! Congratulations! Huge accomplishment!
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The next pair shouldn’t take anywhere like as long. Honest. And they look great! 😃
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Thank you Kim. I appreciate the feedback from a more experienced sewist and it will definitely influence my decision making.
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