Guide

DIY fashion for beginners: pimping up a pair of jeans

11.4.2019

Translation: machine translated

In the "DIY fashion for beginners" series, Anne and I show you how to sew fashion pieces or salvage clothes. In today's episode: How to quickly upcycle an old pair of jeans.

I hate to admit it, but the cliché of the fashion editor who has nothing to wear is true. My wardrobe is full. Very full. Nevertheless, I'm confronted with the same problem every morning. I can't see the wood for the trees and have no idea what to wear. Two tricks that work real (fashion) wonders for me: I rely on my "on-number-safe" outfit, consisting of a pair of jeans, a striped top and booties. Or I pimp up old items of clothing to bring a breath of fresh air into my wardrobe. This is what happened with a pair of jeans that I've grown tired of. As fringing is currently on trend, I asked Anne if she would do a DIY with me. One of the quick kind, I promise you.

This is what you need:

Snip snap

First, put on your old denim. In my case, it's a slim-fit model that is figure-hugging but not skin-tight. Then measure your leg length and decide where you want to shorten the trousers or add the fringes. Once you have determined the desired height, use a fabric chalk pen and a ruler to mark the intersection and cut off the piece. [[image:21204936,21204943]]
Now attach the fringe or feather band, or whatever you want to sew to your jeans, flush with the hem using pins. Start on the inside of the trouser leg so that the overlap of the fringed tape is not visible when you wear the trousers. [[image:21204947]]
Now use your machine to sew on the fringes. Go over it twice to make sure it holds firmly. Attention: The arm of the sewing machine must be narrow enough for the trouser leg to fit over it. This ensures that you don't sew the opening closed. [[image:21314700]]
Then repeat the process on the second trouser leg.

Et voilà, the trendy piece is ready. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes. As soon as the weather cooperates, I combine the fringed trousers with beige suede shoes with a medium heel. [[image:21204962,21337150]]
In our next episode Anne and I are making a pretty summer bag. If you want more fashion DIYs on your radar, follow me by clicking the button on my author profile.

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Vanessa Kim

Editor

vanessa.kim@digitecgalaxus.ch

When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.

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