2. Use the Right Needle:
A ‘denim’ needle can be purchased for sewing denim, but do you know how to use one?
3. Use a Quality Thread:
Use a good quality sewing machine thread; I don’t recommend using topstitching thread because it tends to get caught in the fabric when you backstitch.
4. Use a Longer Stitch:
For straight stitching, I like to use a 3.5-4.5 stitch length and a longer stitch for topstitching; for general sewing, I use a 2.8-3 stitch length on denim and a 02.2 stitch length for thread length on my machine.
5. Use a Small Hammer:
When the ladies in my Facebook group see a hammer on my layout desk, they have a little chuckle. Denim seams can get quite thick and can be problematic, especially when topstitching with skipped stitches.
7. Go Slow!
When sewing denim, take your time, especially if you’re new to the process; in some cases, you may need to take your foot off the pedal to get the job done properly.
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Bias binding adds detail to pockets, drawstrings, and other sewing projects. You can use your own custom binding or store-bought binding. Click here for a short tutorial on how to cut and make your own custom binding.
What stitch should I use for denim?
On straight seams, a flat felled seam is a classic choice, but you can also serge, use a mock flat-felled seam, or (my personal favorite) bind them with a Hong Kong finish! Hong Kong seams are great on denim because the thick fabric hides any extra bulk well.
What stitch is used to hem jeans?
Stitch around the edges of your jeans to prevent fraying with a standard sewing machine zig-zag stitch or a serger on the edges. Pin the jeans with a 12 inch seam allowance all the way around on both legs after you mark and cut them.
What stitch should I use to hem?
Sew along the raw edge of your hem with a zigzag or mock overlock stitch; the three step zigzag is a good zigzag option for a single layer of fabric.
What sewing machine can sew denim?
Janome HD3000 is a commercial-level sewing machine that works well with denim, canvas, leather, and other thick materials. It has a heavy duty metal frame and a sturdy construction that enhances its performance.
Do I need a special needle to sew denim?
Yes, to sew denims perfectly on a regular sewing machine, you’ll need a special jeans / denim needle, which is longer, sharper, and has a larger eye to accommodate the thickness of the thread used for sewing denim. A needle is just one of many tools you’ll need to sew denims perfectly on a regular sewing machine.
Can a regular sewing machine sew denim?
If you’re only sewing lightweight denim, a regular sewing machine with the right needles, thread, and technique will suffice; however, if you’ll be sewing denim on a regular basis or with heavy denim, a heavy-duty sewing machine with a strong interior frame and more powerful motor is recommended.
How do you hem pants and keep the original hem?
- Try on your to-be-hemmed pants and tuck the hem under to the desired length.
- Take off jeans and turn inside out.
- Take out all pins and turn jeans right side out.
- Sew a straight stitch very close to the existing hem with your heavy duty needle and matching thread.
How do you hem raw edges on jeans?
There’s no need to hem the denim or sew in a seam above the raw edge; the hem will fray perfectly after a laundry cycle and look completely fine (just like the original raw hem).
How do you hem jeans with original hem?
Hem Jeans by Hand is a step-by-step guide on how to hem jeans by hand.
- Pin the cuff after measuring around each leg.
- Stitch in a line just below the bottom seam.
- Continue sewing in a line all the way around the cuff.
Will a zigzag stitch prevent fraying?
If your sewing machine has the capability of sewing a zigzag stitch, you can use it to enclose the raw edge and prevent fraying on almost any seam.
Can you use straight stitch on stretch fabric?
Stretch the fabric slightly (and gently) as it passes under the presser foot when sewing knits with a straight stitch; to do so, apply equal pressure on both sides of the needle by slightly pulling the fabric.
How do you sew a perfect hem?
How to make a super-tidy hem with minimal effort.
- Step 1: Sew the hem using the basting stitch as a guide.
- Step 2: Iron the hem using the basting stitch as a guide.
- Step 3: Fold the raw edge to the fold.
- Step 4: Sew the hem.
What is the best sewing machine for hemming jeans?
Best Jeans Sewing Machines
- The Janome HD3000 is a good option if you regularly sew denim and need a machine that can handle the task with professional results.
- Singer 4423 Heavy Duty: Budget Jeans Machine.
- Brother PC420 Project Runway: Denim Design Options.
What is the best sewing machine for heavy fabrics?
Take a look at our list of the best options below.
- Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. Singer is a well-known sewing brand, and this heavy-duty sewing machine lives up to that reputation.
- Brother Sewing Machine.
- AGM Portable Sewing Machine.
- Janome Industrial-Grade Sewing Machine.
- Juki Sewing and Quilting Machine.
How much does it cost to make your own jeans?
Between the $50 production cost and the $200 retail cost (wholesale alone is around $120), the amount of marketing that goes into a pair of designer jeans eats up a significant portion of the difference.