The Sewing Place

Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?

JudyN

Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« on: March 29, 2020, 19:08:49 PM »
Some may remember me posting a while back about my sensory issues causing problems with waistbands. Long story short, for me to be comfortable when relaxing, I need to waistband to be loose enough that my trousers fall off when I stand up. Elasticated waistbands aren't the answer, because they only stay up because they are putting slight pressure on my tummy. Dresses would be the answer if it wasn't for the fact that I don't find tights comfy either!

I've been playing with adapting the clothes I have, but I am the world's worst when it comes to going off piste, and I'm much better at following instructions, so I'm thinking about finding a pattern and making jeans/trousers from scratch. Fitting might be difficult as I'm never sure if I'll be comfy before I've totally slobbed out in them, and I'm also only 5' tall, but I'm thinking that I could compare the pattern pieces with a pair of my more comfortable jeans and let that guide me.

My ideal style would look like skinny jeans/jeggings, with a large waistband that could be pulled in tight with a belt when I'm out and about (OK, I'm not out and about much right now ;) ) and let out when I'm home. A zip would allow me to undo it when slobbing, but pull-up would work as long as there are belt loops, and as long as the waist didn't have to be so loose that it was horribly gathered when pulled in.

Fabric - I have problems with anything but the softest, or crispest fabrics - I have some jeans that make my legs feel as if I'm wearing a cheese grater before long. I'm wondering about denim jersey knit, but don't know if it would work with standard jeans patterns.

This is one of the patterns I've been looking at: https://doitbetteryourself.club/product/the-dauphine-skinny-jeans-pdf-sewing-pattern-misses-and-plus/ Alternatively, jeggings with a drawstring in place of elastic might work, and I'd consider something looser, like this, as long as it didn't look like I was wearing pjs: https://www.bonniespatternshop.com/listing/505169686/jalie-3676-vanessa-fluid-pants-welastic

Soooo... if you didn't give up reading three paragraphs back - is there any chance that a pretty rubbish sewer could successfully make a pair of jeans, adjusting them for my peculiarities? (My mum says I've no hope - thanks Mum ><) And could anyone suggest any pattern/fabric combos that might work? 

Ploshkin

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2020, 19:45:03 PM »
Have a go.  When you get it right you will have a 'go to' pattern for life.
Ive got a much tweaked jeans pattern that i use for most trousers i make and on the odd occasion i use a different pattern i compare it with my go to pattern.
Life's too short for ironing.

snoozi soozi

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2020, 19:52:09 PM »
Definitely try. It sounds as though you wear trousers and jeans a lot of the time so if you can successfully nail a pattern you'll be well away. It might take a while to get the right fit but it will be worth it  ;)
Let it sew, let it sew, let it sew

jen

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2020, 19:57:37 PM »
Pace yourself. Decide what parts of standard jeans are essential for you and what you will ditch. Jeans get a reputation because people go for the whole look, coin pocket, studs, run and fell seams, top stitching, waistband with belt loops, fly front. If you just want to make something that fits nicely and is comfortable and can skip lots of those processes it will be much quicker.
Key question for me is will I always have a top which covers the waist area.

Surest1tch

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2020, 20:02:44 PM »
Don't be daunted, they are not as bad as they sound, if you can make trousers, you can make jeans

JudyN

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #5 on: March 30, 2020, 09:30:28 AM »
Don't be daunted, they are not as bad as they sound, if you can make trousers, you can make jeans

Missie

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2020, 09:58:45 AM »
That is the beauty of sewing clothes: you can make them to your exact specifications.  The only thing I would say in your plan is to think carefully about drawstring; it often needs something else such as elastic to go with it and on its own is not very comfortable.

JudyN

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2020, 10:21:37 AM »
I had been thinking about elastic for most of the way round, but drawstring across the front... but again, if I don't have completely coherent instructions it would all go horrible wrong!

Meant to add, yes, I'm definitely a jeans person. I work from home and (usually) walk the dog twice a day, often involving mud, gorse, brambles, ticks... I only change in between walks if the mud is in danger of falling off my jeans and onto the carpet!

Vezelay

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #8 on: March 30, 2020, 15:47:29 PM »
I have an old pair of rtw yoga pants which use the cotton jersey fabric itself, folded over, for a waistband, no elastic. They do have ties but don't need them as they stay up all by themselves and are super comfortable.

Something like this http://sweet-verbena.blogspot.com/search?q=Yoga. I'm sure you'll find other similar patterns out there.

Myself I just make variations on the Style Arc Elle pant (some actually pass for jeans) but keep the elastic and waist comfortably relaxed.


JudyN

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2020, 20:53:20 PM »
I'm thinking about the Ginger Jeans pattern, as it seems to be very popular, the pattern comes with a detailed booklet of instructions, and there's fitting tutorials online... it's still scary though :S

Any suggestions for fabrics, please? The pattern asks for stretch denim, at least 2% lycra, and one view isn't suitable for very lightweight fabric. I'd want something as soft and stretchy as possible, but I'm guessing something as stretchy as legging fabric wouldn't work and would be even more challenging to sew. And of course right now, I'd have to buy online...

Vezelay

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #10 on: March 31, 2020, 00:34:51 AM »
Hmm. Ginger is a popular pattern all right but are you quite sure it's what you actually want to wear? The pattern is intended for stretch wovens which don't have nearly as much give as jersey fabrics (ie the type you get in leggings). In theory you could adapt the pattern by sizing down but my feeling is that if you really want stretchy pants then find a pattern that's designed for ponte or similar double knit jersey. It would be pointless going to the trouble of inserting a fly in fabric that doesn't need a zip at all. Actually my favourite denim jeans don't have a fly at all and no one has noticed!

If you're still keen on tackling the Ginger you could look online for denim fabric with more than 2% lycra, although personally I haven't always found the stated % of lycra to be a reliable indicator of actual stretch! Good luck with your choices. :)





Sewbusy

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #11 on: March 31, 2020, 05:30:54 AM »
Buy a pair of braces, that method of holding up trousers has served men for years!

Alternatively buy some coloured elastic and design your own, using clip-on fastenings
 
If comfort is your main priority around your waist I think loose top rather than one tucked into the waistband, so you could hide your custom made braces if you choose to.

Go on, start a trend.

Fabric Lover

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #12 on: March 31, 2020, 06:04:20 AM »
You could wear dungarees too, they don’t have to be tight round the waist at all.
Stitching in Staffordshire with Style! (Well hopefully anyway)

JudyN

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #13 on: March 31, 2020, 07:45:51 AM »
You could wear dungarees too, they don’t have to be tight round the waist at all.

Not with my bladder! I'm often having to pop behind bushes when walking the dog and I need it to be a swift operation!

I could wear braces, but belts work just as well as I can undo them when I sit down - but I'd still have to wear jeans that were far too big, and it's not a good look on a small frame. So being able to adapt a pattern so it's size 8/10 in the legs, 12 in the bum (to allow for comfort when sitting down) and 14 at the waist would be good. Ah well, by the time I've decided what to make I'll be able to move into dresses and bare legs.

I'm also thinking of taking in the legs of some baggy boyfriend jeans, using a pair of better-fitting ones as a guide. At least I'll have plenty to keep me occupied during lockdown... Knowing me, probably mostly unpicking!

JudyN

Re: Am I mad to want to attempt jeans?
« Reply #14 on: March 31, 2020, 12:49:44 PM »
OK, I'm getting a plan together - which will be the Ginger Jeans.

Couple of questions:

1) The notions ask for topstitching thread and regular thread - is the difference simply the colour? I'm thinking of matching the thread as closely as possible to the colour of the fabric to hide any wonky stitching. Could anyone give me an idea of how much thread I'd need? I may already have some suitable but don't want to run out part way through.

2) The notions also mention a denim needle or heavy-duty needle. I'm thinking of this fabric: https://www.higgsandhiggs.com/coloured-stretch-denim-dark-indigo.html Would the bog standard (new) needles that came with my Juki be OK?