Denim is one of the most commonly used fabrics that tailors use to make eye-catching garments. It’s been extremely popular throughout time, never really going out of fashion.
Denim is known to be one of the most versatile and durable fabrics out there, with so many options for what you can do with it including shapes, colors, and washes. But because denim is such a tough material, it can be difficult to work with.
So let’s say you’re starting out and want to know more about how to sew denim like a pro. Are there some key tips and tricks you can learn to make the process easier?
If you find yourself wondering about this question, then you’ve come to the right article! In the sections below, we’re going to give you a total overview of how to sew denim. We’ll give you a list of tricks that can help you become experienced in sewing denim.
Why Use Denim?
Denim is a versatile and durable fabric that has been a popular choice for clothing and accessories for decades. Here are some of the reasons why denim is a great material to sew:
Strength
Denim is made from sturdy cotton and can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for items like jeans, jackets, and bags.
Versatility
Denim comes in a variety of weights and colors, making it suitable for a range of projects, from casual to formal.
Easy To Work With
Denim is a relatively easy fabric to sew and handle, making it a great option for those new to sewing or experienced seamstresses alike.
Sustainability
Denim can be upcycled and repurposed, making it a more sustainable option compared to synthetic fabrics.
8 Tips To Sew Denim Like A Pro
Use The Right Needle
Whether you’re sewing by hand or using a sewing machine, you’re going to want to make sure you select the right needle.
Denim is a heavy-duty fabric, meaning that you’ll need a needle that can handle it. Make sure to purchase a needle that has a sharp point and is suitable for sewing denim.
If you’re using a sewing machine, make sure that it is a machine that has been designed to handle denim.
Choose The Right Thread
You’re going to want to use a strong thread that will handle the heavier pressure of denim. We’d recommend using either strong polyester or nylon thread, as these will be able to handle any pressure put upon the garment when it’s being worn.
Prepare Your Fabric
Wash and dry your denim before sewing to prevent shrinkage. Use a hot iron to press out any creases and wrinkles.
Shrinkage is one of the main things that will cause denim to wear out fast and become unwearable for anyone who owns the garment you create. A small bit of preparation can go a long way to making a high-quality garment.
Choose The Right Stitch
Opt for a straight stitch or a reinforced stitch, like a backstitch, to handle the weight and stress of denim. Another good option is to use chain link stitches (see also “How To Stitch A Summer Frock“).
Uninterrupted threads that intertwine with themselves are a great way of strengthening your garment. You’ll see this very commonly used in pairs of denim jeans.
Choose The Right Foot
We’d generally suggest using either a jeans foot when sewing denim. This will help to prevent the fabric from sticking to the foot as you work, making the entire sewing process a lot smoother for you.
Add A Topstitch
Adding topstitching to your garment will do two main things. Firstly, it will give your project a finished, professional look. Secondly, it will allow you to attach any important details such as pockets, zippers, or tabs. These can be great additions to the denim garment you’re creating.
Use Interfacing
Interfacing is a technique that is used to strengthen some of the most fragile parts of a garment. Because of the pressure that denim garments can go through—say for example, tight denim jeans—this can be a great way to add some additional structure to your project. It’s also very useful for facets of a garment like cuffs or collars.
Take Your Time!
If you’re a more experienced sewer, then you’ll know that slow and steady always wins the race! With denim, this can be especially important. Make sure to take your time and sew slowly to avoid mistakes, so that you can create an even, clean stitch!
Final Thoughts
So that was our list of 7 quick tips to help you learn to sew denim like a pro. Like anything within the sewing craft, it’s going to take time to master, but providing you follow these tips, you’ll be able to create impressive denim garments with a high-quality finish.
We hope that this article has helped you to learn how to do this and that you’re now a lot more confident! If you still have some questions, make sure to check below for our FAQ section. We wish you the best of luck in your sewing journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a ‘Foot’ In Sewing?
In sewing, the term “foot” refers to the metal or plastic piece attached to the sewing machine that holds the fabric in place while sewing. It acts as a guide and helps control the fabric as it moves through the machine.
Different types of feet are designed for specific tasks, such as a zipper foot, which makes it easier to sew close to a zipper, or a walking foot, which is used for sewing heavy fabrics like denim.
What Is ‘Interfacing’ In Sewing?
Interfacing is a material used in sewing to give additional support and structure to the fabric you’re working on. It is usually made of a fusible or sew-in material and is placed between the main fabric and the lining.
