Make jeans and shorts bigger and more beautiful!

Wonder Under - US: amzn.to/3RrMyEI Canada: amzn.to/489H7l1
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
My Wiss scissors - US: amzn.to/48fkFXl Canada: amzn.to/41PJsiZ
C-Thru Ruler - US: amzn.to/3tfqdSS Canada: amzn.to/3TwBAk8
6x24” Olfa Ruler - US: amzn.to/3GEwV8f Canada: amzn.to/486Mm4V
Hip curve - US: amzn.to/41BMkQp Canada: amzn.to/41GVx9V
Erasable Frixion Markers - US: amzn.to/3tfjVCS Canada: amzn.to/3RVq68K
Sharp Tracing Wheel - US: amzn.to/3tfPr3s Canada: amzn.to/41DLF0z
Loop Turner - US: amzn.to/3RH6HIw Canada: amzn.to/483Z30q
Tailor’s Ham - US: amzn.to/3RGEXDG Canada: amzn.to/485SPNN
My cordless iron - similar: US: amzn.to/48kprDb Canada: amzn.to/4aus5rJ
To support the growth of my channel, please don't forget to give a thumbs up, leave a comment, SUBSCRIBE and share! Thanks so much!!!
#diyfashion #upcycling
Music: Fun Kid by Quincas Moreira from the KZbin Audio Library
EMAIL: [e-mail]
INSTAGRAM: @cathbhay
PINTEREST: / cathbhay
Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine
0:00 Intro
1:49 Gathering Materials
2:28 Preparing strips and appliqués
9:08 Opening the sideseams
11:04 Placing and ironing on the appliqués
13:39 Sewing on the appliqués
17:11 Sewing on the strips
26:17 Waistbands and hems
28:14 Done!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

This one brings back memories. I used to use the no sew heat'nbond fussy cut kid approved things then seal with fabric paint! It worked great for sweat suits and t-shirts with a small hole or pull. People used to think I thought out the placement and was all creative when in fact 90% was mending! One of my kids was professional at holes so I can mend almost anything!

[@karens1967]

In the 70's, we'd sew a triangle of fabric at the bottom of the legs of straight-legged jeans to turn them into bell-bottoms. I haven't thought about that in a long time. Now that I'm reminded, I think there's a couple pairs of jeans I can save by using your technique and mine from the way-back times. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, that’s a really fun idea! And flares are looking very cute right now!

[@marywest2896]

I did that to my jeans too.

[@bonniecrowe1531]

I jazzed up an old jean jacket with lace from my wedding dress. It's fun to make it unique.

[@christinehowell]

This is so helpful. For some reason I thought it would be too complicated to do on some shorts I have, but, as always, you've shown us how easy it is to transform and recycle. Thank you for sharing your skills and experience!

[@helenablignaut662]

I love it! One of the nicest videos to watch on your channel. Thank you for always teaching us new skills. 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thank you! Great to hear!

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful, I was on my scrolling mode when I saw your comment and was moved to send a text to you hope you don't find it pestering..?

[@kristinabathory8870]

There's the gray top!

[@romonaelrod7870]

The pants and shorts are cute. If you wanted to do the hearts on something but don't have fabric with hearts you could fuse the adhesive to plain or calico fabric then cut out heart shapes. It would be cute.

[@wallysworld3435]

I’ve seen many videos adding the strip, I almost didn’t watch this one. Adding the overlapping cutout took this to next level great.

[@michaelsnider2484]

"Too many flowers? That's not a thing!" 🌼🌻🌺🌷⚘🌸💐🥀🌹🏵🌻🌺🌺🌼💐⚘🌷🌸🌺🥰

[@michelleskotynsky9426]

Love to see your creative process!! And adorable outcomes!!

[@maryjanegibson7743]

I enjoy the way you teach each step so carefully. I think your students are lucky to have you.

[@helpfulnhappy]

Great job! I love them!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this one!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Cute! I love those hearts. This is coming back fast.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks! So glad you like them!

[@vickijacklin5532]

I'm curious about the weight of the fabric do you have to worry about the pants sitting werid

[@SBVancouver]

You’re so clever. I totally regret donating my shorts last year. Oh well. Lol. I just saw something that said 70% of clothing donated doesn’t even sell so they use it for rags. You’re saving the planet for sure.

[@makeitjoyful]

Same! I just donated two pairs of jeans that were too small. Wish I'd thought of this before!

[@kathythompson7229]

Cute! I wondered about putting stabilizer behind the strip to beef it up a little.

[@pjacksreads536]

Yes, I put Pelion 101 on the back of my strip

[@makeitjoyful]

This is such a cool tutorial. I hadn't thought of doing this to my jeans. I also appreciate your positive mindset - not worried about making a mistake, just playing. Thank you!

[@Maplecook]

Maple is here!!

[@CatherineSews]

OMG, how do you do that!? You're lightening fast!!

[@Maplecook]

@@CatherineSews I have hot woman radar! hahaha

[@lizz7162]

Thank you for this inspiration... from South Africa xx

[@arlenem6659]

This was great, I'd love to see shorts and skirts made smaller! Been losing a little weight! ;)

[@frances7885]

I am so glad you showed how to make jeans a little larger.❤️

[@matrixmom3300]

So cute and the fabrics coordinate so well. For me that was half the battle! I also found using some slightly stretchy fabric for the panels also helped if you gained a little weight or lost some the jeans still fit, had to double the fabric strip to give it more weight to carry the weight of the jeans too. Thank so much for your beautiful creations!

[@cindygibson5961]

Love, love, love your You Tube . just found it and I have watched almost all of them. Just what I was looking for. I've been upcycling for a while. But I have a lot of problems. I have a lot of ideas which I start but then I have a huge box of stuff I haven't finished. Most of the items are clothes I really love but don't fit any more , I lost a lot of weight when I was really sick last year. I weigh 110 pounds now and I look kind of emaciated seems like my bones even shrunk. I'm 72 years now and I've been sewing for 60 some years. Don't use my serger to its potential and your videos really help. Oh, I live in Nanaimo B.C. so we are neighbors.

[@CatherineSews]

Great to meet you! So glad you found my channel 😀

[@marciewhite5368]

When I mend pants I open the inner leg seam. Although it requires a bit more sewing that could be an option for your applique that overlaps front and back.

[@SewJoyful]

Fabulous! Love the jeans! They look so good on you!

[@snowartmom]

What a fun project! They both turned out great. Nice tutorial.

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful 👋🌹

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

Absolutely fabulous!

[@janiewarre9941]

I want to thank you so much for this fantastic video! I have a beautiful pair of jeans I outgrew , now I can wear them again! You’re the best!

[@doudou53d44]

Love that idea 👍😎🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛!!!!

[@suzannemolyneux6553]

That was fantastic. Those are amazing. I know how to do the applique but I hadn't thought of overlapping. That's awesome!

[@dawnfitch9206]

These are so cute!

[@Andyscrap]

You make it seem like it is so easy to just do it so fast and with little to no hicups. Love it❤

[@jenxu2]

Those turned out gorgeous! I'm fixing some things that have gotten a little small. This video has really given me inspiration 🪡🤩🧵

[@pamelahill7164]

I absolutely love your upcycle videos!

[@cynthiaeastman7456]

What a fun project!

[@mammastreed5070]

Adorable! Love them both!😊

[@myrandavano7470]

Love the blue jeans!

[@deannal5138]

Love your channel Catherine! Thanks so much! ❤

[@pattybrooks1561]

Awesome! I need to try this!

[@masuahkokro8957]

Thanks for sharing. They were beautifully done

[@Simplesavemoney]

Great creation too.

[@TheWhitnick]

Wonderful video. Thanks for all the inspiration!

[@normacooper6377]

Clever & creative ideas. Thanks for sharing your cute projects.

[@dianejohanson98]

Thanks for the great ideas. I have a few pairs of jeans that need some extra space. This technique will work great. Now to go through my fabric stash to see what matches.😎

[@angelsmith4467]

Looks great on you, turned out very nice😊

[@themamachar]

Very cool. Thank you. Great video.

[@janicemackey8178]

I can't wait to do this thanks for sharing ❤

[@carolcarter865]

Looks great

[@ilovelucy7073]

Love this! I do the same on the sides of my shirts. ❤️❤️

[@SuZ3945]

I am new to your channel and really happy to have found you!!! Your style of instruction is the best ever. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. The jeans look fantastic!

[@leshabenn3368]

Thank you so much! Very creative and helpful!

[@TheGardenKitten]

I have a lovely pair of jeans I saved from my 20's I plan on doing this with. Thank you

[@belieftransformation]

So cute! I have some nice high waist jeans that I want to do this to! Thanks for the wonderful instructions! Have a great week! 🤗💗

[@kforsythe]

So clever! Thanks for sharing :)

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful 👋🌹

[@RobertaHillRealty]

Catherine could you give a lesson on turning a polo or button down shirt into a sleeveless racerback shirt? I really admire your creative talent

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, I like this idea! I’m heading out for some thrift shopping and I’ll see if I can find a polo shirt. Thanks!

[@RobertaHillRealty]

@@CatherineSews or even a men’s button down collared shirt. I tried and failed miserably

[@CatherineSews]

@@RobertaHillRealty Hi! I finally got a notification which led me back to your comment! I made a video based on your idea but I couldn’t find your comment to give you a shout out or to let you know when the video was up! Anyway, here it is and I hope you like it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJzWp4djj7OJg9ksi=Uphe86rGrdccfa7L

[@deveghomemama]

Love this video, I have a few items that I need to make bigger. I would have never thought of this. Great ideas!!!

[@dawnhobbs6737]

Love your idea!! I love unique clothing. Now to buy some smaller jeans I like and make them mine. Thank you for sharing this idea

[@nancycerreta5629]

So fun!

[@pjacksreads536]

Nice job.

[@orriesmom5769]

I love that you are so fearless; hopefully, some of that will rub off on me. I have clothes that I loved that need alterations and that I've been afraid to rip apart. Armed with knowledge about HOW to do these alterations, I just need to gather my courage and sew! Thank you!

[@daxxydog5777]

Love it, so creative! And if you were just adding a small appliqué to cover a hole you could use use iron on hem tape to keep the patch in place so you can satin stitch around it.

[@jenniferrathjensdlrt3661]

Wow Catherine I love them!!! what a great project!!! and your videos are lovely!!! Thank you !!! :)

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful, I was on my scrolling mode when I saw your comment and was moved to send a text to you hope you don't find it pestering..?

[@susanbuck1327]

The jeans remind me of the Magnolia inspired artsy jeans that I have been seeing on tbe internet selling anywhere from $100-$600. So very cute and you make it look so easy. Both upcycles are adorable. Great job as always.😊

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Susan! Can you imagine paying that kind of money for jeans!?

[@danamatsukawa4762]

Cute cute cute! I need a tutorial on making a knit jacket smaller. I found the cutest sparkly knit jacket at the thrift store that will work perfect for an event coming up. However, it's a size large and I need it in small. I am not sure what the easiest method would be to make the shoulders and arms smaller.

[@CatherineSews]

You could try the method I use in my resizing a T-shirt video: How to Resize a T-Shirt kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnPOiXiwn8ing8U

[@danamatsukawa4762]

@@CatherineSews I was gifted a serger, but I have been unable to find instruction near me on how to use it. So I was taking a chance on this project with it. I am so glad I did! It turned out great thanks to the video you shared with me! Now I have a $9 thrifted shirt jacket that fits me and it currently sells for $169 online.

[@CatherineSews]

@@danamatsukawa4762 that’s amazing to hear! I couldn’t be happier! These two videos might give you more confidence with your serger! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3bMZXd8n6p0b8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-xmYGBg8iGbac

[@romeoslover817]

such a great process to mimic Pearl Magnolia jeans and saving a ton of money. Upcycle what you already have, and actually use your stash. I think that you could hand embroider the appliqué instead of zig zag, if that is your bag. I have a skirt with exposed seams that I “grew out of.”. I am thinking that I could leave the edges of the strips raw. I would also consider making the top of the strips a triangular gusset shape and use snaps or ties or something that you can adjust if your size increases.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Brilliant! Solved a problem for me, thanks. I am sewing two garments but the edge seems too disjointed. But applique is perfect.

[@mymai5859]

Fantastic💜💐💜

[@bookswithatwist-vanvelzerp9262]

hubby is very sensitive to "scratchiness" what are techniques to sew the seams on the outside so he has a decent feel - things we can do on purpose to make it fuzzy, funky or in other ways looking like an "on purpose" rather than an opps we are trying to pass off as right - because it will be right :) He has mild ausbergers- and I am sure there are LOTS of people that want to have the seams on the outside

[@kmccoy1601]

Very nice! I really like the hearts 💕 ❤️ ♥️ ! Blessings and Peace ✝️❤️

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

Although I don’t need to add a size to my pants (I have the opposite problem, which I will be addressing shortly thanks to the video you made with Michelle) I enjoyed watching the creative process of adding appliqués to your garments. Any other stitch you might use other than zigzag? I have several on my machine and I am tempted to try some of them, or as you say, « play around ». I am thinking of using the button hole stitch without the button hole foot. Your can-do attitude has given me the confidence to try out new things. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you! You could definitely try out some of the embroidery stitches on your machine, almost like they do in crazy quilting! Have fun playing around!

[@hanhthiquach8030]

I love your sewing , thank you for your carefully teaching . would you please tell me what is the name of glue paper that you use for applique flowers , and where to buy it . Thank so much ,

[@carlyk502]

Unripping the side seam could not only be fun, but could also prove to be very therapeutic. Depending upon the day that you’re already having? Right?

[@clairereilly2778]

Great video. Just wonderrng what is the best type of fabric to use for the strips as the denim is quite heavy? If I'm buying fabric, what sort should I look for? Thanks.

[@suikerbekkie]

Hi I love your video's. Do you have any video's on making pants ( from yoga to more formal pants smaller. As I have lost alot of weight and love my existing closet. I find it a shame to have to replace a entire wardrobe every few months. My pants have all become to wide and to long.

[@martarodriguez2606]

Super cool, amazing... 😂😂

[@sylviamaxwell504]

Cute cute cute❤😂🎉

[@gisellejones1139]

Impressive and not as hard as l thought

[@marywest2896]

you know what would look even cuter? if the print fabric frays, I think it would be cute if you sewed the zig zag a bit further in leaving like an eighth of an inch or less and the edges would fray in the wash leaving a fuzzy edge, kind of like those rag quilts everyone was doing 2 years ago....

[@tracie6837]

These turned out so cute! Catherine what do you think would be the easiest way to shorten the rise in a thrifted pair of pants- they are not jeans but do have a zipper and front patch pockets and back pockets as well…Is this even doable? I estimate I need to remove about 2 inches from the rise.

[@CatherineSews]

Hmmm, that’s a tricky one. Can you remove the waistband and lower it?

[@tracie6837]

@@CatherineSews I will check to see if I could make that work somehow. Thanks

[@glendajorde9062]

🥰

[@eileenfb1948]

❤❤❤

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful,how are you doing?

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

How many sizes up can you go? E.g., can you make size 4 into size 10 (crazy example)? How many inches in each size higher? E.g., to fit from size 8 to size 10 how many inches do you after with the fabric strips?

[@CatherineSews]

It’s usually 2” per size, so two strips that are 2” wide would take it from a 4 to an 8.

[@rochdimustapha5032]

Je te tiens

[@deniseelston6197]

Too much glue? I would cut first. Trace the fusible to that shape. Cut out the interior of fusible so appliqué is “windowed.”

[@deniseelston6197]

Option: easier. Cut out an oversized appliqué. Trace; window; fuse: cut fused appliqué exactly as wanted.

[@withyoctopus]

I want to make some jeans fit for pregnancy. I'll try to insert a triangle just at the top of the jeans. Wish me luck.

[@dawsie]

I love the jeans they look great. The shorts yuck sorry maybe if they were a different colour😹😹, another option would be to add a really heavy lace on the jeans, with a black fabric under it to make the lace pop. I have seen this done on jeans that have been turned into a skirt.

[@susanbuck1327]

Why in the world do feel it's necessary to add the negative comment? You may well feel it but it's hurtful none the less.

[@bodohorner6755]

I really love your Videos, Catherine❤ ... if you only refrained from this terrible background music I'd love them even more!!!

[@lucyandlily4197]

That T your wearing!?

[@CatherineSews]

The blue T is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnmWeqt8rZJ5e8Usi=UeiyKjIAawKGM-2d and the pink one is here kzbin.infoiZh2OycVE7Q?si=T1l2ZOgbqncXvJdd Have a great weekend!

[@annewhitney8809]

You had mentioned that you teach sewing. This is a great example for alternatives to fast fashion. You need some basic sewing skills and an imagination.