How to make Patchwork Jeans?

Discussion in 'Clothes' started by CrystalRevelation, Aug 20, 2008.

  1. CrystalRevelation

    CrystalRevelation Member

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    Okay so I'm really very interested in using one of my own pairs of old jeans,and adding some patchwork panels. But I have no idea what so ever how to do it...and i need advice on getting some good fabric (online or in a store).
    any help or advice is much appreciated.
    :)
     
  2. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    what I typically see in modifications is corduroy for cool weather and calico/ other cotton weaves for warmer weather.
    I have a couple med projects that just didn't work well.
    Here are the points to have good plans for: waistband- if you are going with lighter weight fabric for panels, use some scrap denim or cord. material for the band itself.

    Hems. I think building a waistband and adding the panels in and leaving the hem for last is a great idea. I have some funny looking waistbands, but the done-first hems look great :S

    I build my panels and simply insert them into the opened outer seams. I'm sure someone knows where a good tutorial might be...

    anyone?
     
  3. gaiabee

    gaiabee Member

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    I'm not sure what you need help with exactly? By "no idea" do you mean you don't know how to sew or make patchwork or what exactly? Do you have a sewing machine or will you be sewing by hand?

    The first time I altered pants (they were brown corduroy overalls actually... haha... this was a loooong time ago!) I just slit up the side (to about the knee I think) and hand sewn in a piece of Guatemalan fabric I cut from another pair of pants I had. This was before I had a sewing machine. Patchwork is really time consuming without a machine, so if you don't have one I'd suggest first trying with a cool piece of fabric you might already own (like from pants that don't fit anymore, old tapestry, whatever!) and go from there.

    I rarely make patchwork anymore because I'm so damn busy lately, but when I do (I have an unfinished blanket project actually)... I just cut up and recycle old clothes I already have but no longer wear. I also used to buy clothes in thrift stores just for the fabric (like nice corduroy and stuff). I'd just cut it up! That's the good thing about patchwork... you can just recycle what you already have!
     
  4. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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    you need basic quilting skills, and probably to turn all your seams turned under on the inside. pm me if you need, its getting late.
     
  5. SunshineMahma

    SunshineMahma Member

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    So to sew patchwork by sewing machine- cut all pieces the same size, turn the outside faces facing each other and sew the insides together, thensew the whole piece into the slit on the jeans???

    I have slit my pants up to about mid thigh and am working on patchworking them but just want to get advice from experianced patchys.
     
  6. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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    so, you want a patchwork inset in the seam, like a triangle?
    you can do the patchwork in any way you would quilt, crazy quilts included. you have to make (#) of blocks in a generally triangular shape, or make square/ rectangle blocks (different, or both to match, for each leg) and cut out the shape of the inset.
    because its clothing, yo may want to use french seams for the patchwork, or just sew the seams down so they lie flat and don't unravel easily.

    i do think that you should make the patchwork first, then sew it into the slit. i'll draw a picture and upload it.
     
  7. SunshineMahma

    SunshineMahma Member

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    Awesome. THanks. Any advice helps....I'm just tired of wasting my thread. lol.
     
  8. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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    [​IMG]

    now for the actual patchworking, just pick up a basic quilting book, or look here
    http://www.quilt.com/

    or for any quilting patterns online. anything pieced and quilted qualifies as patchwork in my book. i hop the picture is clear enough for you
     
  9. brian2008

    brian2008 Guest

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  10. SunshineMahma

    SunshineMahma Member

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    THat is an AWESOME pattern type thing. Exactly what I needed. I am more kinetic in that I have to see things to learn. :D Thanks!!

    Pax
     
  11. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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  12. SunshineMahma

    SunshineMahma Member

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    That's awesome. I have almost given up on using books as guides. It's so hard to find the good ones.

    Oh- and kickass quote! i stole it. lol.
     
  13. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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    its Confucius, i think.
     
  14. jeebes

    jeebes Member

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    I would love to know how to put panels up the sides of a pair of cords that I have. Think that I might just brave it and cut up the sides and make some patchwork strips and sew them in.
     
  15. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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    you want to go all the way up? it can be done. reinforce your stitches really well near the waistband, not that nudity is a bad thing, but if you are suddenly betrayed by your pants in public, you can get in trouble.
    if you have an old pair of pants that are snug, adding a full length panel is a good way to add an inch or two at the waist same sorts of rules apply. make your filler (patchwork, paisley fleece, rainbow brite quilters cotton) and stitch it in. maybe i'll get a good camera and make a tutorial.
     
  16. SunshineMahma

    SunshineMahma Member

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    That'd be a good idea. I mean you obviously know what you are doing and it'd be easier then rewriting advice everytime. :D
     
  17. Mother's Love

    Mother's Love Generalist

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    >>blushes<<
    i think everyone could save a lot of money by sewing themselves, and most people never learn, they didn't even offer a sewing class at my high school. not all books are easy to understand, and i loathe patterns, so i want everyone to know theres another way to make clothes.
    im making a monkey costume for my son this year, last year i made him a dragon costume. even if you only bust out the sewing machine for costumes in october, you can save a ton of money. costumes are obscenely expensive at the store.
     
  18. ms. mapes.

    ms. mapes. Guest

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