Pants to Skirt Refashion Tutorial

This is such a classic refashion, and I don't know why I didn't post this tutorial earlier. Over the years, I've tried various methods, but today I am showing you the two methods I now use to make denim skirts. Denim skirts are a must-have for any modest closet. While I do wear denim jeans, I enjoy wearing denim skirts a lot. 

Learning how to make your own denim skirts is very practical and convenient because:

• Modest denim skirts are hard to find in stores

• The possibilities are endless, because you can make a skirt from any pair of jeans you find

• It's fairly easy to make your own skirts. 

If it's your first time, I suggest starting with a "practice" pair of jeans

STEPS:

1.  Start out with a skirt that fits you well, and mark about 2-3 inches below it on the pant legs. 

It's okay if it's a little longer than your desired skirt length, you can always go back and cut it when doing the final hemming. I like to have extra room to work with, rather than have it be too short.

2. Cut off the pant legs at the mark.

3. Grab a seam ripped and rip out the entire crotch seam, as shown by the pink dots. 

I like to seam rip until I hit the zipper.

Close up of this step: 

Now, here is where you are doing to decide which method to use when making your skirt. 

I'm sorry, I couldn't think of cooler-not-so-basic names for the methods!

The first method: You will use two triangle inserts for your skirt, one in the front and one in the back. I recommend this method if your jeans are tighter to start with, or if you'd like a little bit more room in your skirt.

The second method: You will only use one triangle insert, on the front of the skirt only. The back will be entirely closed. I recommend this method if your jeans are not too tight to start with, or if you'd like a tighter/more "pencil" fit. 

The third method: Coming soon!

*******Continue here if you're using the first method*******

If you wish to use the second method, continue to Step 9

4. Seam rip up the back about a little higher than midway around the pocket area. 

It doesn't have to be exact, just don't seam rip all the way to the top.

5. Next, lay your soon-to-be skirt flat, with the back pieces overlapping, as shown below. Pin this part, so nothing moves (shown with the blue dots).

The pink triangle is where you're going to sew in a denim triangle.

6. Using the pant leg pieces you cut off in Step 2, slide a piece underneath the overlapping pieces. 

Trace around, and slide out the piece.

7. Cut out the piece with extra seam allowance around it, to allow space for it to be sewn.

Finish the edges with a serger or a zig zag stitch.

8. Then, pin the triangle piece in place and topstitch. 

I like to sew the long seam first (the one with overlapping pieces), then the short seam. You can sew them however you wish. :)

*******Second method continue here*******

9. Seam rip the belt loop at the center back of your soon-to-be skirt.

10. Next, seam rip all the way up, as shown by the pink dots.

11. This part takes a little bit of pinning, turning the skirt inside out, and patience. 

(I take my time with this step, otherwise the back of the skirt looks like there's a bubble in the back!)

Pin a nice slightly curved (at the top) line. 

I usually pin, then turn my skirt inside out, and try it on to see if the back fits smoothly.

All Options Continue Here

12. Using a pant leg piece, you're going to sew the front triangle piece.

13. Lay your skirt flat and insert the leg piece underneath the front side of skirt.

14. Much like Step 6-7, trace the triangle piece with seam allowance around it.

I don't measure how much exactly, just enough to serge and sew.

15. Slide out the triangle piece...

16 ...And serge or zig zag stitch around it.

17. Pin the triangle piece underneath the front side of the skirt and topstitch.

Move the little piece that's circled to the left, making sure it's laying flat.

18. Finally, trim the skirt to your desired length (if needed) and hem. :)

Now enjoy your new denim skirt!