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DIY Tutorial: Upcycling Levi's Jeans into a Denim Maxi Skirt

DIY Tutorial: Upcycling Levi's Jeans into a Maxi Skirt (Image Contents: A woman modeling the front and back of an upcycled denim maxi skirt made from a pair of repurposed Levi's jeans. — Yvonne and Mitchel Upcycled Levi's Denim Maxi Skirt Design, 2022

Are you looking to give new life to your old jeans? In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll show you how to transform a pair of Levi's jeans into a stylish maxi skirt using the art of upcycling. With just a few simple tools and techniques, you can create a unique upcycled denim design that's perfect for any occasion.

Tools and Materials You'll Need For Upcycling Jeans Into a Maxi Skirt

Vintage Levi's denim jeans (or another brand of denim you prefer!)
Seam ripper
Measuring tape
Fabric scissors
Sewing pins
Thread (Use a blue color that matches your denim)
Sewing machine

DIY Upcycled Denim Skirt Tutorial

Once your tools are gathered, it's time to dive into the upcycling process! Follow our step-by-step instructions to kickstart your upcycled denim skirt project, and don't forget to watch the accompanying video for a detailed visual guide.

Step 1: Select and Prepare the Jeans

Start by selecting a pair of jeans you want to upcycle into a skirt. Opt for a slightly oversized pair as you'll be adjusting the waist. More fabric from a larger size also provides extra material for your project.

Once you've chosen your pair of jeans, use a seam ripper to carefully undo the hems at the bottom of the jeans. This will allow you to work with the full length of the fabric. We recommend ironing the undone hems for a smooth, flat appearance.

(Text) "Step 1: Use a seam ripper to undo the hems at the bottom of the jeans." (Image contents) A photo of a person holding up a pair of Levi's jeans with dotted lines outlining the bottom hems to showcase where to cut.

Step 2: Open Up the Pant Legs

Next, cut along the inner seams of the pant legs to open them up on the inside completely. This will create two separate pieces of fabric that will form the front and back of the skirt.

(Text) "Step 2: Cut along the inner seams of the pant legs to open them up." (Image contents) A photo of a person holding up a pair of Levi's jeans with dotted lines outlining the inseams of the jeans to showcase where to cut.

Step 3: Adjust the Crotch Seam

Once the inseams are opened up, cut the crotch seam up to the bottom of the zipper. Then, fold the pointed side over on top of the other side and secure it with pins for sewing.

(Text) "Step 3: Cut the crotch seam, fold the pointed side over on top, and secure it with pins for sewing." (Image contents) A photo of a person holding up a pair of Levi's jeans with dotted lines outlining the crotch seam of the jeans to showcase where to cut.

Step 4: Remove Excess Details

Using the seam ripper, remove the back right pocket, brand patch, and middle belt loop. This step will help simplify the process of folding the fabric over and sewing the skirt together.

Step 5: Open Up the Back Hem

Cut along the center hem on the back of the jeans to open it up. Then, fold it over and secure it with pins for sewing. The amount you fold over will vary depending on your waist size. It's advisable to measure your waist before this step to determine how much you'll fold over and pin. For a low-rise fit, make the new waistband size slightly larger than your waist. For a mid to high-rise fit, match the waistband size to your waist measurement.

(Text) "Step 5: Cut along the center hem on the back of the jeans to open it up, then fold it over and pin it for sewing." (Image contents) A photo of a person holding up a pair of Levi's jeans with dotted lines outlining the back hem on the jeans to showcase where to cut.

Step 6: Sew the Pinned Seams

Using a sewing machine, sew along the pinned seams on the front and back of the skirt. This will secure the fabric and ensure that the skirt holds its new shape.

Step 7: Trim and Adjust

Trim the bottom of the skirt to your desired length and remove any excess fabric from the back. Use the excess fabric from the trim and the back to cover the opening on the front of the skirt.

(Text) "Step 7: Trim the bottom of the skirt and remove any excess fabric from the back, using it to cover the opening on the front." (Image contents) A photo of a person pointing to a pair of Levi's jeans with dotted lines outlining the excess fabric to showcase where to cut.

Step 8: Add Personalized Details

This step is optional, but great for personalizing your design and making it a true one-of-a-kind! Get creative and add details using the excess fabric scraps like the back pocket, belt loop, and tags we removed in step four. To elevate your personalized skirt design even further, you can use other patches, embellishments, or decorative stitching.

(Text) "Step 8: Add detail using the excess scraps to create a personalized touch." (Image contents) A photo of a fabric scraps from a pair of Levi's jeans.

Your Final Product: DIY Upcycled Denim Skirt

Image Contents: A woman modeling the front, sides, and back of an upcycled denim maxi skirt made from a pair of repurposed Levi's jeans.

And there you have it: A stylish upcycled denim maxi skirt made from Levi's jeans! Not only is this project eco-friendly, but it also allows you to express your creativity and create a one-of-a-kind design that's as unique as you are. Enjoy wearing your upcycled creation with pride!