Recycled Denim Fiesta Skirt: A Tutorial

June 13th, 2008 by Simone

img_9289small.jpg

It’s 90 plus degrees and I could be sorting out summer clothes and putting winter stuff away, however, I’d rather be sewing! While attempting to deal with such mundane chores, I found a pair of Elizabeth’s jeans. While they are way to short for her, the waist still fits perfectly for my skinny child so they became the object of another refashioning exercise.

Part 1: Cutting up the Jeans

img_9316small.jpg

  1. Lay out the jeans and cut off the legs right below the crotch. This will be the top tier of the skirt.

    img_9318small.jpg

  2. Open up the seam between the legs.
  3. Look at the top part of the jeans and measure the distance from the waist to about one inch below the zipper of the jeans. In my case that was 6.5 inches/16.5 cm.
  4. img_9321small.jpg

  5. Mark this distance all around the tier.
  6. img_9322small.jpg

  7. Even out the bottom of the tier by cutting along your mark.

Part 2: The Math

Calculate the Width of the Ruffles

  1. Decide how long you want the skirt to be and subtract the length of the jeans top tier from this number.
  2. skirta.jpg

  3. Divide the remainder by the number of ruffles you wish to add for ruffles of equal width. This skirt is 16.5 inches long. 16.5 – 6.5 inches for the top tier = 10 inches. 10 inches divided by 2 ruffles = 5 inch width per ruffle.

Calculate the Length of the Ruffles

  1. Measure the circumference of the bottom edge of the top tier and multiply this number by two. This is the length of the second tier ruffle.
  2. Multiply the length of the second tier ruffle by two. This is the length of the third tier ruffle.

These calculations will give you two fairly full tiers of ruffles. If you want the skirt two be less full, make the ruffles a little shorter.

Part 3: Cut the Fabric

With these measurements, cut your ruffles. You may have to join one or more strips of fabric to get the requisite length. For example, my first ruffle had to be 50 inches long and the fabric was 45 inches wide, so I had to cut another 5 inch strip to make up the 50 inches.

Part 4: Ruffle the Ruffles

  1. For each ruffle, join the lengths of fabric you cut out to make a long strip.
  2. Use your preferred method to finish the raw edges of the strips. I sewed a zigzag stitch along the edges.
  3. For each ruffle, sew the long strip together to make a loop.
  4. Ruffle the second tier ruffle by sewing long basting stitches along the top edge of the fabric.
  5. Mark each quarter of the top jeans tier, e.g., front middle, left side, back middle, right side.
  6. img_9327small-copy.jpg

  7. Repeat this for the second tier ruffle.
  8. With right sides together, pin the second tier ruffle to the top jeans tier matching the quarter markings.
  9. img_9326small.jpg

  10. Gather the fabric between the markings by pulling the top thread of the basting stitch.
  11. Evenly distribute the gathers.
  12. Sew the second tier ruffle to the top jeans tier. Repeat this process for the next ruffle(s).

Part 5: Finish the Skirt

At this point you should have attached all the ruffles.

  1. Hem the bottom tier.

I’m currently infatuated with bias tape hems. This skirt features homemade tape made out of matching fabric. For instructions on making this tape check out Step Four of the cashmere blanket tutorial. You could also just make a traditional double fold hem. (Fold the bottom edge to the inside and press, fold again, press and stitch.)

Dance the night away. This is the perfect party skirt.

54 Responses to “Recycled Denim Fiesta Skirt: A Tutorial”

  1. Miss 376s Says:

    That is a lovely skirt, wish I had a daughter to make one for

  2. Sarah Says:

    Wow – this is adorable! What a great tutorial. No girls here, though. Wish I could think of something to do for a skinny boy that out-talls his jeans…

  3. Kyla Says:

    Cool! My daughter gets very attached to her jeans (weird, huh?), but being six years old, she doesn’t get very long to wear them. I have a whole pile of jeans that are too short for her, and I promised I would try to “fix” them for her. This will be perfect! Thanks for sharing =]

  4. Wendi Gratz Says:

    Thanks for the great tutorial! I see one of these skirts in my daughter’s future. . .

  5. Hope Says:

    Good Morning, I hope you don’t mind but I posted a link on my blog for this tutorial. I love it.

    Have a great day
    Hope

  6. Maria Spotts Says:

    Good day……..I’ll use the information for making a skirt for myself…………and I’m a full grown lady of 63. Thanks ……..Maria

  7. Blaze Says:

    What a fun tutorial!! And just in time for some summer fun!!!

  8. Carrie Says:

    I have 3 daughters! This is going to be perfect for them! Thank you.

  9. jackie Says:

    Would you like to join in with my ‘Daisy Chain’ links list?
    I am searching for blogs with daisy in the name and adding links and if I link to you, you can link to me and all the other ‘daisies’.
    I’m sure there is a much more techie way with logo and everything but at the moment its just a case of copying them from each other.
    Your blog is very pretty. I love the little skirt.

  10. Jolene Says:

    Imade one with a different twist… the pleated underskirt is actually a tier sewn underneath the box pleated layer… and it’s grown up size!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldhamedia/2507393860/

  11. iHanna Says:

    Love the ribbon belt in the same fabric!

  12. Shelly G. Says:

    This is a fabulous tutorial… I want to use some of our shorter clothing to do the same… what a great way to recycle/reuse the clothes we already have… Thank you for sharing:)

  13. Pam Says:

    This is a great idea! My daughter is always wanting skirts and I can never find any long enough. I can surely make these!

  14. Kimmysuv Says:

    Can’t wait to make a few of these – I have a 4 yo son that keeps blowing the knees out of his jeans – his 3 yo sister will get “new” clothes as a result!

  15. Mia Says:

    That skirt is so great!! I wish i had a little girl to sew it for! Than k you for a great blog.

  16. KONNIEao20 Says:

    Different students search for the phd thesis referring to this good topic. If they get know about your smashing research, they will probably buy the thesis.

  17. Anonymous Says:

    Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I tried it today. Being a beginner, I took nearly 6 hours to complete this. Your tutorial was very detailed, leaving no assumptions and is a source of instant gratification.

  18. Beth M. Says:

    Thanks for the inspiration! I also have a skinny daughter… and several pairs of jeans that were too short before they ever fit her waist. I was at a loss at what to do with them, but not anymore!

  19. credit loans Says:

    It is good that people are able to receive the personal loans moreover, that opens up completely new chances.

  20. jacki Says:

    Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I tried health care it today. Being a beginner, I took nearly 6 hours to complete this. Your tutorial was very detailed, leaving no assumptions fashion and is a source of instant gratification.

  21. jordan shoes Says:

    No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won’t make you cry

  22. Renee Says:

    I am in love with this idea! I have a tall, skinny daughter too and hate throwing out jeans just because they are too short! Can’t wait to give this a go!!!

  23. cheap gucci shoes Says:

    A good post to read ,thanks for your work !

  24. air jordan shoes Says:

    Good article! Thank you so much for sharing this post.Your views truly open my mind.

  25. jordan shoes Says:

    This is just a theory but I think it’s pretty sound.

  26. waqian Says:

    When buying wholesale Jordan shoes, buyers either buy in groups (the more units bought, the cheaper the price per shoe) or buy in big numbers and then resell it. What’s good about this is that Jordan fans can have just about any http://www.us-uggsoutlets.com

  27. nike kicks Says:

    thanks you

  28. air max Says:

    Great article,we are a brand online shop specailized in wholesale nike shoes,air jordans,clothing,cheap jerseys,and designer handbags,Cheap Jerseys On Sale,ed hardy clothing,and gucci shoes,all products are high quality but low price,welcome to http://www.uggjordanghd.com/.

  29. asdasd Says:

    Buy full line Juicy couture products from our site at a low price to make yourself a fashionista! Dress juicy couture clothing, holding juicy couture
    Shop prom dresses, formal dresses, prom shoes, 2010 designer prom gowns at dres4sale.
    for cocktail dresses, dresses for prom, homecoming dresses, and evening dresses. Cheap prom dresses or couture designer evening gowns for your next formal.
    evening dresses

  30. mbt shoes Says:

    This allows the product to hold heat constant throughout the plates while styling locks and provides a flatter,mbt shinier, even look. Instead of having to go over the same section of hair multiple times to achieve your desired look,mbt women Shoes you can have the ability of going over it once. Products that control heat are very beneficial for those with kinky, frizzy hair.mbt women’s It is also an excellent feature for those on the go because it will reduce styling time.

  31. nike jordan shoes Says:

    Join us to start sharing your reviews, news about cheap jordan shoes, and how to clues- (www.dragonkicks.com)this community here for everybody to use!

  32. fashion nut Says:

    this is what i call “fashism”.

  33. Supra Says:

    This Radii footwear characterizes quilted style material on heel.
    Who would have thought that the Supra Skytop Shoes would be an instant hit upon its release among sneaker fanatics nationwide. Its popularity is still on the rise as more and more color-ways are released to the public.

  34. Zoom Lebron Says:

    The Nike Air Max LeBron VII has owned some great colorways in the past. Of all the great colorways we have examined on the LeBron VII, my favorite has to be the Nike Air Max Lebron VII All Star. However, here we have two brand new colorways that could be some of the best we have seen.

  35. new era San Francisco Giants Hats Says:

    Super beautiful new era Boston Red Sox hats, brand name hats which are crazy hot, welcome to buy.

  36. Aşk Büyüsü Says:

    this is what i call “fashism”.

  37. Ulrike Says:

    Spammers suck.

    That skirt, OTOH, is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

  38. Cheap NFL Jerseys Says:

    i like it,Cheap NFL Jerseys

  39. joni Says:

    We supply wholesale jerseys like NFL Jerseys, NHL Jerseys, NBA Jerseys and christian louboutinall sports jerseys are available in many styles and colors with top quality at lowest prices. Besides you could also find other apparel like t-shirts, hats and jackets
    louboutin. With letters, name and number are stitched on jerseys body, NFL tags are stitched. 100%
    embroidery
    louboutin shoes; dazzle shoulders, sleeves & sides. If you are interested in our products, when you feel free, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  40. nike dunks Says:

    Owner would like to thank you for nike dunks high your attention

  41. Air Jordan 11 Says:

    wow,so special.

  42. Tia Misses Styles Says:

    Styling Tips for Petite Women – Try to avoid wearing short dresses.

  43. Minnesota Vikings Jerseys Says:

    Indianapolis Colts Jerseys
    Minnesota Vikings Jerseys

  44. air jordan Says:

    air jordan Jordan shoes are comfortable up
    air jordan It looks very noble

  45. Soğutma Büyüsü Says:

    would be an instant hit upon its release among sneaker fanatics nationwide. Its popularity is still on the rise as more and more color-ways are released to the public.

  46. jordan 2s Says:

    jordan 2s

    jordans 2 discount

    air jordan retro 2 on sale

  47. Buy Baby stroller Says:

    About the wonderful, very pleased to see this article, learn some things, and view the text is recognized. Thank you for sharing. At the same time,i love Buy Baby stroller very much !

  48. laptop battery Says:

    laptop battery
    laptop ac adapter

  49. China digitale Kamera Says:

    Efox-shop Grosshandel Tablet Laptop, Tablet PC, und Touchscreen Tablet Laptop in http://www.efox-shop.com/dc-camcorder-c-133.html
    Efox-shop GrosshandelChina digitale Kamera, Handy ohne Vertrag, Handy ohne Simlock,Sciphones i68, Touchscreen Handys und Handy Zubeh?re von Elektronik- Grosshandel in http://www.efox-shop.com/dc-camcorder-c-133.html

  50. nike air max 2009 Says:

    nike air max is a favorite every young sports shoes. For the pursuit of the young you, having a pair of air max shoes, is the most obvious symbol. Come to our store to buy nike air max 2009, we are carrying out promotional activities

  51. coach pureses Says:

    The blog is nicely done. Attractive written shows its quality. Keep it up in this way. Thanks a lot
    coach bags
    coach pureses
    christian louboutin

  52. discount nfl jerseys Says:

    Fantastic website (http://www.sportsjerseysshop.com/) I will bookmark it and come back later.Thanks for posting this. wholesale new orleans saints jerseys,Very nice recap of some of the key points in my talk. I hope you and your readers find it useful! Thanks again.

  53. cheap jordan shoes Says:

    i think the hiphone is not really worth it to buy, because alot of things that you can not do with it.
    Air Jordan 2010
    Michael Jordan Shoes
    Air Jordan 1

  54. baseball cap Says:

    your blog as often as baseball cap
    would like, but whenever louis vuitton speedy
    do louis vuitton keepall
    see some really amazing things keep up the good work! =)

Leave a Reply