Sew a pair of summer jeans with me (including tips for sewing jeans) | A week in my sewing life

[@janeybeasley9525]

Jeans look fabulous and no one else will notice the little things you do! Unless you are like me, when someone say “you’re jeans look great, you’ve done an amazing job!” I always manage to answer by pointing out the bits that I’m not so happy with! I should just say thank you, and accept the compliment gracefully. I’m sure you are much better at being graceful! ❤

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh I definitely do that too 🙈😂 We’re terrible aren’t we xx

[@karendiesner5008]

Sally, your jeans are lovely! And speaking as a fellow maker who likes to get things right - people have called me a “perfectionist” in the past, and I have always replied, no, I have “professional” standards! Things I make don’t have to be perfect, that way leads down rabbit holes and self criticism, how can anything be perfect? No, they just have to be GOOD ENOUGH. And if my standards are different to other peoples’, then so be it. Your own happiness is what counts! Take care and enjoy your making! Karen x

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

Thank you

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That’s such a great way to look at it - thank you and thanks for watching xx

[@rhondaa18]

Nervous sewing days… yes. Malfunctioning buttonholes… yes. It happens to us all… It is part of the process… You can’t really see the buttonhole when you’re wearing the jeans. You do wonderful work, and remember, do this for own enjoyment. We just love you ☺️ PS: See Janine Sews video from May 31 for great tip to sew jeans waistband to avoid the wonky bulk when sewing buttonhole.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you so much!! I will check that video out x

[@TashyBourne]

I did the jeans workshop at Guthrie and Ghani and we use jeans thread for top stitching which I’d never heard of before but it’s a game changer. They are not as thick or fray as the top stitching thread. You can backstitch them and no more swapping needles too! It’s definitely worth a try.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh thank you! The fraying was driving me a bit mad trying to thread the needle at times x

[@lindaspencer6547]

Pausing the video right quick to say how much I appreciate you sharing the sneak peak of your morning reading. It is always encouraging to find another believer here in this making space. Thank you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah I'm glad you noticed :) x

[@elizabethtaylor4448]

A beautiful make you should be proud of. Hand wheeling through difficult thick parts is correct & will prevent broken needles & worse. Another tip for thick areas is to grade the seams which i don't think you showed & to also use a hammer on the seams to break those fibres in the material down a bit. It gets out a lot of frustration as well.😁 Im after a nice acrylic tipped hammer thats heavy enough to do the job. I nearly forgot to say that on high end jeans the inside of the waistband is often bias bound & left as a single layer rather than turning under. That makes less layers to topstitch through as well. Its a very nice finish too.

[@maryellenoneill9061]

Great job on the jeans! Another tip for the thick parts, a tool called a “Jean-a-ma-jig” by dritz also known as a “hump jumper”. You place it under the back of the foot to level it out so the feed dogs can do their job. Some presser feet have a black button in the back that I believe also helps with leveling the foot. “Denim is a specific twill weave and made with dyed warp threads and a white weft. (Thank you Wikipedia!). Good luck with getting the carbon marks out…I remember tracing all the seam allowance, darts, and other markings using the colored carbons and a tracing wheel…. So glad things have gotten easier.😊. I wonder if perhaps you e “set” the color by pressing it with the iron? Again, best of luck getting it out. Happy sewing…. Oh, I really liked the sunny day walk through the greenery!

[@marieg2815]

@elizabethtaylor4448 Are you familiar with deadblow hammers? They are usually acrylic or polyurethane.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you, great tips and I think I’ll try the bias binding another time it looks pretty too xx

[@chlomo2618]

I don't use top-stitching thread for jeans buttonholes, just regular poly sew-all and actually, I use matching coloured thread for the buttonholes as 1) it's easier for the machine to cope with when it's dealing with that bulk and 2) I prefer it when the buttonhole blends in with the fabric, and lets the button itself be the focus. I agree with the commenter who suggested using bias binding to finish the waistband edge rather than turning under. It's much easier and neat looking, and adds less thickness to the buttonhole area.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I wish I had done that for the buttonhole! Ah well I'll know for next time, thanks so much for the tips x

[@bodyandsoul17]

They look fabulous, especially the fit. People notice the fit more than the button hole, which is always going to be covered on this garment. Although, I feel your pain because that always happens to me…perfect test and botched on the garment. I found with my Janome, if I turn the speed to very slow, the buttonholes go much better (but maybe you already do that!).

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you yes I hope that's true! I didn't slow the speed down but was trying to press lightly on the foot pedal. I think I should have used regular thread maybe xx

[@jennetthamilton971]

32:25 ​@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

[@jennetthamilton971]

The jeans looks lovely. One comment was to slow the speed down when sewing the buttonholes, I must try that. I know what you mean about being a perfectionist when sewing. If the tip stitching wobbles just a tiny bit I will pick it out and start again. The fit of your jeans is perfect. I love white jeans, they match everything,!

[@marygreen7225]

Wow Sally, your jeans are amazing and what a fantastic fit. Your garments always look so beautifully made. Thank you for sharing.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you xx

[@FEIYUE-NETFIRST]

Sewing makes everything beautiful! You did a wonderful job!🥰

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xx

[@Stitchesandbobbins73]

Sally your sewing skills are amazing 🤩 you really are an inspiration to all of us xx I have made a few pairs of jeans and still struggle with that pesky buttonhole! But one thing I have found helpful when top stitching the waistband is at the corners where it is thick is to lift the foot needle down and pop a humper jumper under I have just this week made the lander shorts and it worked perfectly… haven’t done the buttonhole yet 😏 have confidence that when you sew a garment you do it really well and that’s why we like watching you xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you so much that has really encouraged me. I had never heard of a humper jumper until today 😂 I must investigate- thanks so much for watching xx

[@CarolAReece-ii1ry]

What a fabulous make. Love them. I feel inspired to have a go. Thanks Sally, another great video ❣

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much! Enjoy the process xx

[@create_something_pretty]

Omg Sally. You worry way too much. I would never have noticed any of these niggles if you hadn't of told me. I think they look intentional and perfect. I know you do notice it more when you are the one who has made them but ready to wear regardless will never be as well made as your hand made jeans. They look beautiful 😍 💗

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you so much xx

[@kylieharrison3782]

I really love the fit, style and colour on you. ❤❤❤

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much x

[@mgy32]

Sally! Those jeans kick ass. Waistban looks intentional. Seriously...the fit?! I can't believe how well they fit you, out of the box. Clearly, you have found your trouser pattern maker. Additionally, you are right, the gold topstitching was a bold sewing move, but a great one. Looks fab. And, we can all related to f&*^ed buttonholes! but honestly, when will your buttonhole ever every show? The button covers it! However, it's sooooo frustrating that we have to put those in *after* we've done all the sewing work and things are just so. I think one of the challenges with the real ones, vs, the test one, is the location -- on the edge of garments, in tiny areas, etc. And, it's not just thickness, but uneven thickness. You didn't try to use topstitching thread in the machine for it, right? I've tried that....

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you!! Yes it’s so frustrating but I’m beginning to wonder if it could have been avoided because I did in fact use topstitching thread 🙈 I’ll know for next time 😂.

[@annsheldrake3554]

Your jeans look amazing. I hope you enjoy wearing them this summer.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xx

[@fuchsiacherryblossom]

That is such a beautiful make, don't be too hard on yourself!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you xx

[@suebrown5500]

Great job and lovely jeans! ❤👍😉

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much x

[@mereani]

Wow the jeans are incredible 😍 I love the fit. You did a great job Sally 💕

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much xx

[@madypennisi4823]

The jeans look great! Summery and dressy at the same time. Beautiful fit. I’ll put this pattern on my “to do” list.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much it’s a great pattern x

[@juliadroy1179]

The jeans look lovely the colour is great, I've made the dawn jeans and love them too xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! it's a great pattern isn't it x

[@annmargaretwatts6474]

I love your jeans and the fit is excellent. They look smart and casual, so a perfect make for the summer.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xx

[@kasienkabesz]

I have the same problem with button holes - EVERYTIME! Test buttonhole is perfect and then on the garment is just one big failure :D

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Always the way isn’t it! X

[@nancycraig8483]

Thanks for a great video, super outcome. I really like how you work in a house space rather than a fancy sewing roomband also how you dont have a huge expensive stash. Shows how realistic sewing can be as a hobby

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you! I’d love a sewing room one day but I actually love sewing in my sunny dining room when I have the time and space 😊 xx

[@elaineevans6278]

Love the jeans! I've just bought myself some ecru denim and will be attempting some jeans myself.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh good luck let me know how it goes x

[@traceyking5015]

Ohhhh! Those look so great! You’ve given me the incentive to try some for myself…just like yours, of course!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you, I'm glad xx

[@alisonwhite1942]

They turned out beautiful. Loved the video!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much xx

[@LaFraiseSews]

I laughed so much because I feel like the energy matched a bit what I have in my videos, which is: The whole video: aaaaaarrrgghh!!! 🤬 The end: I'm so happy with this project 🤩

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Haha well I’m glad it’s not just me, I’m often like this with my sewing makes and then I can’t wear them for a little while after then I love them 😂

[@ShereeThomas30]

Really nice video. I actually sewed another pair of these in a bull denim in ecru last night! We will be jean twins. 😂 I made the full wide leg length. I used a slightly lighter colored top stitching thread then you did. But boy oh boy did my machine give me a headache with the top stitching because of how thick my fabric is. My other 3 versions seemed so easy to top stitch but this version almost made me throw in the towel and quit! 😆 I also only bought the 30 m top stitch thread and it wasn’t enough thread for the project so my waistband only has regular thread for the top stitching🤦🏾‍♀️. All and all I love the way my jeans fit and came out but man this was a doozy. Anyway, I loved watching your video as usual. Making jeans is a fun challenge but it is definitely a lot of work.😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah we clearly have good taste haha! It's funny how every make is different isn't it. I'm glad you managed to stick with it :) x

[@AngelaEvers-tj1dg]

Wow ! Sally’s the jeans are so good. The fit is super and they look just great. Well done. They look amazing

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thanks so much! X

[@annettecowburn-sz8cq]

You always make lovely things Sally. Those Jeans are stunning andvperfect for the summer.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much xx

[@patchincurtis5439]

Like the idea of a hand blanket stitch around the buttonhole. So annoying when that happens, especially when you went to the trouble of a test. The jeans look fantastic on you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much xx

[@Lauramay_sew]

The Jeans look great! Try using a seam jumper for the thicker areas, it really helps me!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh what’s a seam jumper I’ve never heard of such a thing? X

[@yvonneimms9762]

Your jeans are brilliant and so inspired me to. I was going to subject hand stitching blanket stitch around the button hole and you will be able to neaten it up well. However hope you enjoy wearing them they look great ❤

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I’m glad to have inspired you x

[@marieg2815]

They look amazing! What a good addition to your wardrobe. Waistbands always trip me up. I have a bad habit of sewing them on wrong side out. Have you ever tried a humpjumper to go across the thick seams? For the buttonhole, could you have picked it out and redone it instead of going over it? It’s annoying to pick out buttonhole stitching but I’ve had good luck with it.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It’s always scary with waistbands isn’t it! A couple of people have mentioned the jumper and I had never heard of one until today 😂 I did try to unpick the stitching but it was so tightly sewn in I thought I’d make even more of a mess trying to get it out x

[@lana7422]

For our peace of mind, we have to get out of the "perfection" mode when we sew something beautiful. To help with jeans, just go a look at even high-end designer jeans and you will see that they are not "perfect". I have several pairs by Tahari and can see places where they could have done a better job; but they fit me so well that I still buy them. I always try to do as you were doing and just relax and enjoy the process.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that's very true and helpful to know about your rtw jeans thank you xx

[@planningtolive_thebestlife453]

I should probably live in England I think! Rainy days feed my soul and make me deeply content. I do live in Massachusetts so we get a decent amount of rain anyway. But I’d be so happy with more!! I’ve always felt like I belonged in England tho. Or at least the UK. It’s also where my ancestors are from.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I do love the odd rainy day but I think when it's for weeks on end when our summer feels so short here anyway it get's a bit disheartening. I do love England for the changing seasons though :) xx

[@angelalysandrou4830]

Your jeans look amazing. I know what you mean about everything being perfect though, it’s frustrating at times when things go wrong, we see things and point them all out for some reason but actually other people don’t see them

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I’m terrible at pointing stuff out 🙈 Thank you so much xx

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

Great vlog Sally, loved seeing how you construct your jeans. I have to agree with you, I have made 2 pairs of jeans and love making them. Introducing top stitching in contrast colour next time (I have wide leg Dawn jeans cut out) maybe I’ll try the pockets hard wear too 🤨🤷‍♀️ I think the button hole arm that I pull down is very sensitive and doesn’t cope with different layers . I don’t pull the lever down all the way, try and get it to just touch the top of the button hole foot and I find it is much less temperamental. I am starting to wonder if hand stretching jeans button holes from the start would be a calmer and neater option 🧐 Your top stitching looks fantastic 😍🩷

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah maybe I’ll try that with my machine. It’s usually so good with buttonholes but I have had some issues with heavier garments lately. Thank you for watching I’m glad you enjoyed it x

[@michellefreudiger3174]

Thanks so much for this video and congratulations on a great pair of jeans! I have been wanting to make the Dawn jeans for ages but I have no idea how i will get the fit right because my waist measurement puts me in a size 14 but my hip measurement is only size 2 😞 you are so lucky that the measurements are perfect for you. Btw, I totally get your frustration with the buttonhole because my machine does the same thing. I don't even bother to try anymore and prefer to outsource to a seamstress that has an industrial buttonhole maker.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I was really lucky that doesn’t happen very often 😂 I guess you will have to grade but it’s a pain isn’t it x

[@tinaedwards3152]

Hi I think they look great and like you I enjoy making jeans. The Closet Core Gingers are my favourite but I really like the look of the Dawns. Did you shorten them in the cutting process? I'm only 5ft and have to shorten the Gingers quite a lot, thank you, Tina

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I didn’t shorten these but made the cropped fit. If I make the full length I’ll need to shorten a bit I think x

[@AvrilBrown-ld6gm]

The jeans look great 👍 I think buttonholes are the curse of sewing - you can do several in a row and they all go perfectly and then the last one goes horribly wrong 😢. As for nervous days - yes I do still have them. But things usually turn out fine. Really enjoyed the video and thank you for the fly zip tutorial - I seem to have a mental block about them but I'll keep trying.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I’m glad I’m not the only one! As for zip fly’s I put off doing one for so long but actually I find the construction in these things that scare me so interesting x

[@juliabarrett4757]

It might be better to use a top stitching needle for the top stitching rather than the jeans needle. Well done, they look lovely - I’ve never attempted jeans!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! Another thing to try 😊 x

[@sallyvaughan1231]

I love your weights for your pattern cutting! Are they just tiles or coasters? I must go hunting. I do not have an overlocker, don’t think my head would ever get round it! Would zigzagging be just as securing on denim?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

They are from By Brydie on Etsy 😊 Yes that would be fine, the pattern suggests zigzagging or pinking shears if not using an overlocker xx

[@Cryptey21]

Jeans are so intimidating to me as a new sewist! I’ve had the same single pair of jeans because my measurements don’t fit standard sizes and I found a pair of jeans from new look that fit perfectly, so sewing my own seems like my best option but looks far too advance for me!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

You’ll get there! In a KZbin video somewhere way back I know I said that I would never make jeans - now look 😂 I actually think in terms of the sewing there’s nothing too tricky (except maybe the zip) it’s more about accurate sewing and handling the fabric xx

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

They are lovely and such a good fit. Every time I thread my machine I feel anxious that it's not going to be wearable 😂 Perfection and sewing don't go well together, I know only too well, so garments hang on the rail far too long before wearing if at all🙂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I think it’s all part of the process isn’t it and becoming more confident with what you make x

[@sarahinglis1791]

Thank you Sally for another great video. I have everything i need for making these jeans but have been putting it off…. This just might make me go for it 😊 Being perfectionists can put us off even starting projects. I think your jeans have turned out so well the fit is great and I love the colour.

[@gillian-clairepearman3125]

When top stitching 'thick bits' why don't you use a walking foot?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think I will next time! I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me to do that with jeans because I use it for most thick fabrics z

[@threadtherapy251]

I’m a perfectionist too. I hate watching the sewing bee- it makes me cringe when things are thrown together 😂 lovely jeans!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I know what you mean and I think this year has been the worst they don't have enough time in my humble opinion :) x

[@threadtherapy251]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress yep, it’s ridiculous. I particularly dislike the upcycling challenges- what’s the point in cutting something up to reuse it unless the item is actually wearable afterwards (all those awful stitched onto the mannequin garments will end up in landfill anyway). It does nothing to promote how great sewing is, just makes it look naff (in my opinion).

[@coolkitten4287]

The jeans look great. The buttonhole won’t be noticeable at all. I constantly feel anxious when sewing, probably why I find it really tiring.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much! I think it can be like that sometimes, other times I just relax and try to enjoy haha x

[@ChristineSewsALot]

It is disappointing when you have the perfect project and something goes not to your liking right at the end. The jeans did come out nicely and fit great.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much xx

[@clumsywoman]

That’s always the way with buttonholes but I tell myself the button hides most of it when they are worn 😂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Haha yes well it does I was surprised 😂 x

[@annettefarmer7414]

Jeans look and fit grea

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you x

[@fayrichmond1704]

Lovely jeans. I am too self critical too.

[@derynporter5287]

I think anyone who could come up with a machine that makes fool-proof button holes would make a fortune! If you decide to hand stitch over your button hole look at some KZbin tutorials of tailors making button holes. Their work is far superior to anything a sewing machine can produce. At least use a button hole stitch, the little knots at the top strengthen the opening and help even up any carnage created by your machine.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you I will do that! It’s a shame because my machine is usually so good I wonder if it’s something I’m doing I’ll have to keep practicing x

[@LoirRodrigues-zs6mt]

Calça coladinha no compo a mulher fica mais atraente e valorizada

[@kylieharrison3782]

Some cultures purposely put a fault in their craftwork as a nod to God being the only one who is perfect whilst us humans having free will frequently make poor choices and consequently fewquently make mistakes (aka we are all sinners). So instead of punishing yourself over your mistakes think in terms of choosing humility for yourself. After all we are all human. ❤

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I love that 🙏🏻 x

[@LoirRodrigues-zs6mt]

Coladinhas no corpo e nas pernas