In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of transforming a pair of denim pants into a stylish long skirt. The unique twist in this project is using the original waistband, zipper fly, and buttons of the denim pants, all while adding decorative stitching, patches, and buttons to create a personalized look. We'll also discuss the option to maintain a mermaid silhouette if you're starting with bootcut jeans.
**Materials You'll Need:**
1. **Denim pants**: Choose a pair that's larger than your size, ensuring there's enough fabric for a comfortable-fitting skirt.
2. **Sewing machine or needle and thread**: Select your preferred method based on your sewing skills.
3. **Scissors**: Quality fabric scissors are crucial for cutting denim.
4. **Measuring tape**: To ensure accurate measurements.
5. **Chalk or fabric marker**: Use it to mark where you want to cut or sew.
6. **Pins**: To hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
7. **Decorative embellishments**: Gather buttons, patches, embroidery thread, or any other elements to personalize your skirt.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Your Denim Pants**:
- Begin with a pair of denim pants that are larger than your size to ensure there's enough fabric for a comfortable-fitting skirt.
- Turn the pants inside out.
2. **Cut the Pants**:
- Use your scissors to cut out the entire inseam on both legs.
3. **Retain the Original Waistband and Fly**:
- Preserve the original waistband, zipper fly, and buttons of the denim pants. You won't need to create a new waistband; these elements will be used in the final construction.
4. **Sew the Inseams Together, Creating a Tube**:
- Place the front and back pieces right sides together and pin them in place.
- Sew along the edge you want to be the side seam using a zigzag stitch, about 1/2 inch from the edge. This zigzag stitch will make the skirt stronger and more flexible, ensuring it won't fall apart easily when worn.
(Sew the original inseam to the opposite one on the other leg. This creates a large tube making the skirt shape.)
5. **Optional Front Slit**:
- If you're keeping the hemline floor length and you'd like a slit in your skirt, leave a portion of the seam open from the hemline up, typically around knee-height.
- To finish the slit's raw edge: Fold the raw edges of the slit under and sew them in place with a zigzag stitch, ensuring the seam is secure and prevents fraying.
You can also add a decorative stitch on the edge of all the hemlions to allow some of the fabric to fray and at the same time the decorative stitch will keep the rest of the fabric intact.
6. **Determine the Length and Finish the Hemline**:
- Decide how long you want your denim skirt to be. Measure from the waistband down to your desired length. Mark this point with chalk or a fabric marker.
- To finish the hemline and prevent fraying, fold the raw edge of the skirt under and pin it in place. Sew the hem in place using a zigzag stitch, ensuring it's about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, depending on your preference.
7. **Personalize Your Skirt**:
- Get creative by adding decorative stitches, patches, or buttons to give your skirt a unique look.
- Consider adding random embroidery, patches, buttons, or any embellishments that express your style.
8. **Finish and Iron**:
- Trim any loose threads, and give your new denim skirt a good ironing to smooth out any wrinkles and make it look polished.
Congratulations! You've successfully transformed your denim pants into a long skirt with personalized accents, all while retaining the original waistband, zipper fly, and buttons. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind creation!