Ribbon Jeans Tutorial

Looking for other crafty inspirations?  Check out the patterns I have for sale in my Etsy Shop.

Grab a pair of jeans and some ribbons to try out this fun embellishment.  This is a fun way to create that boutique-y “made to match” look.

Ribbons:  Unless you (like me) have a huge basket of ribbons in your craft room, you’ll need to take a trip to the store to buy some ribbons.  For one pair of ribbon jeans, I recommend purchasing 6 yards of ribbons. Your actual use may vary somewhat depending on the size of jeans you are using (an 18-24 month size takes less ribbon than a size 8.) and the fullness you desire. I’ve found when I make ribbon jeans, the smaller sizes have about 25 loops per cuff, and the larger girl’s sizes have about 35 loops per cuff. 

For ribbon jeans, you will want to make sure the ribbons you choose are washable, usually 100% polyester. The two main styles of ribbons you’ll find are satin ribbons and grosgrain ribbons. Satin ribbons have a smooth texture and a bit of shine, grosgrain ribbons have a “ribbed” texture and a more casual look. You’ll also see ribbons with printed designs, stripes, dots and ginghams. Avoid ribbons that have wired edges. At your local craft or fabric store you’ll likely find some ribbons that are sold by the spool (check the label for yardage, often the spool will contain several yards of ribbon) and ribbons that are sold by the yard.  When I select ribbons for a project, I take the item I’m trying to match to the store with me.  I like a variety of sizes of ribbons, ranging from 1” to 3/8”, and a variety of designs.  I also like to add rick-rack trim or lace for a fun detail.  

I like to pre-cut my ribbon pieces, so they’re ready to go.  I use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter, but a pair of scissors will do just fine (only it may take longer, and make your hand ache).  I choose a plain ribbon that is about 7/8 inch wide as a facing, so be sure not to cut that to bits, set aside at least enough to go around the inside cuff of BOTH legs of the jeans.

Start by determining the inseam measurement that is appropriate for your project. Ribbon jeans can be made in full-length styles or capri’s. The easiest way to determine the length you want is to put the jeans on your daughter and turn up the cuffs until you like the length, then mark that length with a pin.  I cut the jeans off about a half-inch higher than I want the finshed length to be.  When the ribbon loops are sewn on, they will add a little length to the jeans.  Be sure to make both legs the same length!

Now you’re ready to sew.  Start by putting in a new sewing machine needle (I use a #12 or #14 universal needle when I’m sewing through denim).  Put one leg of the jeans onto the sewing machine, and starting at the inseam, begin to stitch on the ribbon loops.  Remember to backstitch to secure the beginning of the thread.  Arrange your ribbons to overlap slightly, remembering that the “down” side of the ribbons will be visible from the outside of the jeans; if you would like a smaller ribbon to be in front of a larger one, it needs to be placed next to the denim with the larger ribbon on top of it.  I like to vary the lengths of the ribbons slightly for a more interesting look. 

  

Continue around the pant leg until you reach your starting point, then backstitch, remove your work from the machine, and trim the ends of thread.  Use this same technique to apply the ribbon loops to the second leg.

Now it’s time to atatch the facings.  Take the ribbons that you DIDN’T cut, these are your facings, they will cover the raw edges of the ribbons and make for a smooth, professionally finished look on the inside of  the cuff.  Beginning at the inseam of one cuff, line up the “facing” ribbon next to the stitching line you made when applying the ribbon loops, and stitch along the edge of the ribbon.  When you near the end of the ribbon, turn back ½” and finish your stitching line by backstitching a few stitches, then remove and trim threads.  Do likewise with the second leg.

  

At this point, you will trim the raw edges of the ribbons and denim to eliminate unnecessary bulk in the seam. Hold the ribbon facing and the jeans leg out of the way, and trim only the raw edge of the denim and ribbon to ¼ inch

  

Fold the ribbon facing to the inside of the cuff, and smooth out the jeans, so the ribbons are smooth and the denim turns back properly.  Put the cuff on the sewing machine and stitch on the denim approximately 1/8 inch from the ribbon edge.  Remember to begin and end at the inseam and backstitch at the start and finish of your stitching line.  Do the same to the second jeans leg.

 

The last step is to apply the decorative stitching 3/8 inch above your topstitching line.  I like to do this stitching in a coordinating colored thread.  Choose a stitch function from your machine (refer to your machine’s owner’s manual for the appropriate settings if you’re not familiar with these functions) and practice a sample stitch on the cut-off hem of the jeans.  Then, beginning at the inseam, apply the decorative stitch around each of the cuffs, making sure that the ribbon facing is fully caught in the stitching.

  

Great job!  You’re done…now, go look through your daughter’s closet for EVERY tee that needs a matching pair of jeans, and practice, practice, practice!

Looking for other crafty inspirations?  Check out the patterns I have for sale in my Etsy Shop.