How to Design Your Own Jeans

Your jeans should be as unique as you are. Off-the-rack jeans are functional, but they can't offer the same degree of individuality and customization you'll have in the jeans you design yourself. Whether you add fun details to jeans you already own, design your jeans with the help of online sites, or sew your jeans from scratch, your jeans will always display your own incomparable sense of style.

Adding Details to Off-the-Rack Jeans

The right tools and accessories combined your own brand of creativity will make it easy to add your own special touch to any pair of jeans.

• Distress your jeans by using a pumice stone or sandpaper to rub fading and softness onto specific areas of your jeans. Bleach can also be used, but use care to avoid over-bleaching.
• If you want to add holes, take the edge of a razor and fray small areas, and then pull at the hole until it tears. Do not just cut a hole.
• You can also add a distinctive punk look by cutting slits in your jeans and running groups of safety pins through either side to hold both edges together.
• Add a fun patch of plaid, floral, or other printed fabric to the inside of your jeans to peek through your distressed holes. Stitch it securely, or create a patch with fabric adhesive.
• Don't forget that you can also add personality with glitter, rhinestones, rickrack or ribbon, fabric paint, old jewelry, and iron-on accents as well.

Website Design

Take your jeans designing a step further by using website design options. You won't have the fun of actually making your own jeans, but you will get a pair of jeans that fits you like a glove and has all the detailing you want in a convenient ready-to-wear package. Try websites like https://www.indicustom.com/design-your-own or http://www.makeyourownjeans.com/.

Design Your Jeans From Scratch

If you have experience with sewing or are simply feeling adventurous, you can also try your hand at making your own jeans from scratch.

• Sketch out your jeans design, front and back, on paper.
• Note any desired details, including pockets, leg styles, and fly preference.
• Create a pattern by using an old pair of jeans and altering it to fit your design. Don't forget to add 5/8 of an inch seam allowance on all sides, and be sure to mark your pattern for things like zippers or pockets. You can also take your sketch to a professional pattern maker.
• Use your pattern to cut out and sew your own personal designer jeans. Hand sew any desired embellishments, or refer to "Adding Details" to add even more personalization.

Use a pattern to cut out and sew your own personal designer jeans

by Andrea Asa, Apparel writer