Refashioning #2: Crocheted Jeans
Hey all!
So, this one’s interesting because it’s kind of a “re-do” of a “re-do.”
Like many shoppers, I love it when I find great deals on beautiful clothes- so much so that I can convince myself that I can fit into those jeans that are calling my name…
Yes, I have made that faux pas more times than I can count. Even as recently as this past spring. (I don’t go clothes-shopping much…)
But recently I came across a crocheter on “the instagram” who showed off an ingenious way of altering jeans that are a tad too small.
It was a game-changer!
Now if there’s one thing you should know about jeans, it’s that they can be tricky to alter. A lot of it does depends on the changes you’re making: raising the hem, tapering, adjusting the waist (sometimes) are usually pretty simple.
It’s more complex alterations - such as changing the cut, resizing, and letting out - that are particularly cumbersome.
Even for experienced alterationists.
Cumbersome. But not impossible.
One thing you have to keep in mind about denim of any kind: it is a woven fabric that can fray. While it’s not inclined to disintegrate upon cutting like some other wovens, it will start to unravel on you if you don’t take the necessary steps to secure it.
That’s why, for refashioning, I’d recommend gearing up your trusty serger:
After you’ve opened up the outer seams, including the waistband, quickly but carefully serge the edges. Be especially careful if the denim is woven with elastic or has been cut off-grain; the last thing you want to do is accidentally stretch the fabric, as this will affect the fit and the look!
After you’ve completed your prep work, now you’re ready to sew on your crocheted gussets!
Now, for these new panels you can make them at any point in the process though I do recommend making them before opening up the jeans. You’ll get a better measurement for the length of the gussets, and be able to piece everything together quickly (and possibly in one sitting).
Originally, I tried to follow along in the video and make the gussets out of granny squares. Only to realize I made the gussets too big! Oops.
That’s where the first redo comes in: I had to take the gussets apart to size them down, replaced them, then sure the new sections of the waist with a slip stitch (since I forgot to do that before!).
That seemed to do the trick, and I got a lot of good feedback on my “new” jeans.
And then I put them in the wash…
Back to the drawing board smh.
Even though the yarn for the squares was already washed (loosening the fibers), the weight was using was still too loose to hold the waist in place, even with the slip stitching.
That and I’d managed to take off a few pounds since I first got the jeans. Yay!
So here’s the second redo: I decided to use a different weight (of yarn).
Crochet thread can be intimidating when you first start to use it, but when paired with the right sized hook, it creates a tighter tension that provides a lovely drape and enough flexibility to conform to the denim.
Now, ideally, I would’ve preferred to make the gussets in a color that matches or compliments the colors of the jeans. But, since I’m in the process of clearing out my space (and need to actually use my stash, not buy more for it), I decided to use black crochet thread and go for a contrasting look.
Sharp contrasts like this aren’t really part of my usual style, but with a new year coming why not shake it up a bit? (Besides, I can always make a matching sweater later, lol)
And honestly the more I look at it the more I realize, I’m not mad about it…
So, final thoughts on this refashioning:
Pricing:
Because this ended up being an experimental project, I would waive my normal fees because the mistakes made in the process were all on my part. I might charge a flat fee of $5 to compensate for the cost materials I had on hand, but that would probably be all.
Until I complete this kind of refashion from start to finish (uninterrupted), I can’t get a good idea of a fair price for it. I know that sounds crazy, but that’s just me.
Recommendations:
If I were to do this project again, there are a few things I would do differently:
I would double check the fabric content before buying the jeans first; I didn’t realize this pair was made with stretch until after I started cutting, and I think that caused a few of the minor issues
I would cut away the vestiges of the side seams before using the serger; it will make the gaps a little bigger, but it also removes any extra bulk making the sewing process easier
I think I’d create a few “border” rows at the start and finish of the crochet panels (pretend they’re selvages); I think this will strengthen the waits (to avoid any accidental pantsing!) and help the drape of the hems (a little weight can go a long way)
This project was definitely a real doozy! Not necessarily because the steps were hard, but because it was an exercise in trial and error. And, honestly, that’s not such a bad thing when it comes to upcycling or repurposing clothes.
Every body is beautiful because every body is different - and what works well for one silhouette may not work at all for another. The best way to make it work in the end is to use what you know, explore the processes of others, and find a way to marry the two into a new glorious style.
If you ask me, it’s well worth it all to have a wardrobe that is completely yours. Literally no one else in the world will have these jeans now - unless I end up hating the contrast, but we shall see!
