Adorning Denims

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-909 -- More Projects »
Wardrobe stylist Beez McKeever offers tips on giving jeans a hip new look.
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Stenciled Jeans

Materials:

denim jeans
taylor's chalk pencil
paper
stencil
scissors
sewing machine
metallic embroidery floss
needle
glittery fabric paint
small paintbrush

Steps:

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Figure A

  1. Buy or create an original stencil (figure A). Lay out the stencil on the jeans in various places until you come up with a combination that you like.

  2. Put your stencil in place and trace with a taylor's chalk pencil.

  3. Chain stitch around the edge of the design with metallic-colored embroidery floss, which is available at craft stores. Always keep your embroidery loop to the left to keep a straight line.
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Figure B
  • Use a glittery fabric paint to add extra pizzazz to the stencil (figure B). Brush on the paint with a small paintbrush, then let dry completely, according to instructions on packaging.
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    Sequined Jeans

    Materials:

    sequins and beads
    needle
    embroidery floss
    seam ripper
    snap ribbon
    self-adhesive, double-sided basting tape
    top ribbon or trim in color of choice
    fabric glue

    Steps:


    1. Another fun idea is to tie sequins and beads to the side seam or bottom of your jeans.
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    Figure C
  • Determine where you would like the sequins to go, then thread a needle with embroidery floss (figure C) through a pant leg.

  • Place a sequin on the thread with a bead and knot thread. Continue, adding as many sequins as you wish.

  • If you have slit seam, you can open it with a seam ripper and neatly tuck in the ends of the snap ribbon. The snap ribbon can be dyed to match the color of the denim.

  • Baste with a self-adhesive, double-sided basting tape. Stitch closed.

  • Take the top part of the snap ribbon and attach it to the trim of your choice. Use fabric glue to attach.
    • Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-909
    •International Soup Party
    •Adorning Denims
    •Cleaning Silver
    •Tip of the Day