Learning to Make Jeans–Part 2

Remember back here when I blathered on about the wonders of machine embroidery.

Well, where jeans are concerned, having a sewing machine that embroiders can really work in your favor.

Here are the outer pockets on my first pair of jeans {that I refuse to show from this angle with me in them}.

The design is an Anita Goodesign that I got last year.  I used four different thread colors that were all in the grey/beige/taupe/ range.

I had to reduce the design in my embroidery software, but I really like the way it looks.

Then, I tossed out the denim inner pockets and went with this ~

 

The only time it actually shows is when ~ well, you figure it out.

But, I love having something fun and unique that only I {and a few friends} know about.

On to the second pair of jeans.  I went with a denim that is lighter weight by 1 oz. and a little bluer in color.

Step One ~ Embroider the pockets ~ this might be my favorite part.

 

Le Pockets

  

I cannot tell you where I got this design.  It is an OESD design that was under “Bernina Designs” on my computer.  I might have gotten it free at an event.

One of the best supplies I found for jeans topstitching is that spool of topstitching thread above.  It came from here.  They require a minimum order of $50 or there is a a hefty handling charge.  They only do phone orders.

I was fortunate enough to purchase my thread at Sew Much More where I took the class.  They stock the thread and will ship to you.  Again, phone orders only.   

For the first pair of jeans I used a traditional gold topstitching thread.  For my second pair, I used a more muted taupy/tan/goldish color.  I like them equally.

To use the thread, I have to reset my machine's tension, but look at the results.

I found that raising the tension on my Bernina to 7 worked best.  Of course, your machine could be different.

 

When I took my jeans class, the teacher showed us a pair of jeans that she had embroidered with this design.

She had the design both on and off the pocket.  It was amazing.

Since I am not that talented with machine embroidery, I stuck with what I do best ~ simple designs.

I did go ahead and put a fun fabric for my inner pocket on this pair, too.

I’m not locked into black and white for inner pockets ~ the fabric scrap was the right size and sitting on top of a pile of scraps.  No real thought on this one.

You may recognize it from this.



The next step will be to do the fly front and add the zipper.

Piece of cake.