The Last Frontier - Closet Case Patterns Ginger Jeans

April 2, 2018

For me, jeans have been the final sewing frontier.  I've been making my own bras and underwear for a number of years now and have been focused on making a handmade wardrobe for well over twelve months.  While it's been slowly coming along I had not even contemplated making my own jeans until recently.  They seemed too challenging, too many techniques and just too hard.  That was until I made a pair.  I am never buying jeans ever again!

Ginger Jeans

I made my first pair of jeans, the Closet Case Patterns Ginger Jeans (High Rise, View B), over the Easter weekend. Though they weren't really that time consuming.  I cut them out Saturday afternoon and then went out for dinner, got most of them together (except back pockets, hems and belt loops) Sunday afternoon and then finished them off Monday afternoon.  If I had sat down and sewed them in one session I think I would have been able to complete them in a day without too much hassle.

Ginger Jeans

This pair use a cheap stretch denim from Spotlight.  Honestly its not the best fabric but I'm glad I used a cheap pair to test out the pattern. I cut a 14 and had to use a much smaller seam allowance to get them to fit, next time I'll grade out the seams/cut a larger size to start with.  I would have be devastated to waste quality denim if I wasn't able to get them to fit so this was a good starting point.

Ginger Jeans

Except for grading out the seam allowance I increased the seam allowance on the back yoke as there was some gaping.  next time I will increase it slightly more and look at altering the shape of the waistband.  I think I would also either interface the waistband or use a non stretch lining fabric, It may just be the fabric but I think it is going to stretch out.  At least I'll be able to eat in them.

Ginger Jeans

As far as fitting goes I do have some drag lines, but I'm not one of those people who sew to get the perfect fit, I do think the fit of these will improve over time, but I'm pretty darn pleased with this for a first attempt.

Ginger Jeans

My favourite detail might be the stitching on the back pockets, while it's not identical I think it looks pretty okay.  I did pin them on flat (rookie error!) so they're more for looks as it is a bit of a struggle to fit my hand in, good thing I never really use the back pockets of my jeans.

Ginger Jeans

I finished the seams using my overlocker, I'm sure flat felling will happen over time, but honestly I'm pretty please that I've conquered jeans regardless of the finishing.  The topstitching gives a really professional finish regardless of the seam finishes.

Ginger Jeans

I think the process was made easier by using the right needle.  I used a heavy jeans needle and quality thread which always helps.  Thankfully my machine is fairly heavy duty which did make the process simple and I had no machine issues.  I did use a Jean-a-ma-jig to ease over thick seams and it made the world of difference.  For the few dollars they cost I highly recommend one.

Ginger Jeans

Pattens - Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Patterns - High Rise Skinny, View B
Fabric - Stretch Denim from Spotlight
Top - Shirt Length Mesa Dress by Seamwork Magazine in Spotlight clearance cotton lycra.

DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS