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Home » How to & Crafts » How To & Craft Tutorial » Transforming my bootcut jeans into Skinny Jeans

Transforming my bootcut jeans into Skinny Jeans

By Ashlee Marie 28 Comments

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Sorry this tutorial took me so long to get up!  I’m having SO much fun doing So You Think Your Crafty but it is very time consuming and my actual blogging is taking a back seat to my crafting right now!  It doesn’t help that we had yet ANOTHER flu go through the family last week!  I have never been so sick so often.  I think I might be allergic to this dry UT winter!  Is that possible?  Or maybe I just need to remember to take my vitamins more often…

upcycled-bootcut-to-skinny-jeans-3

Anyway…  In December the gorgeous and friendly Melissa of I Still Love You hosted a thrift a thon, where she introduced us to a few of her favorite local thrift stores.  It was SO much fun and I picked up 2 AMAZING shirts.  BUT they were skinny jean shirts.  A path I haven’t taken since I was a size 2 (a VERY long time ago).  I was NOT planning on EVER attempting Skinny jeans again.  But Melissa encouraged me to go try on a pair again.  I did and she was right, they were amazing.  BUT the jean brand I got had a bit to much stretch in it for me, and add that the the weight I’ve been MAGICALLY losing lately and they started to fall RIGHT off me.

It’s hard for us women to find the perfect jeans. After years of searching I finally found my perfect brand. Old Navy size 10 bootcut jeans long work best for my body! They have the perfect amount of stretch and strength, length and the perfect waists. A few years ago I head a rumor that they were going to be closing with the recession so the next time they had a sale ($10 each) I bought a TON!!! So I can’t be replacing all my jeans with skinny jeans so I thought, I’ll just MAKE my own!

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled supplies

So what do you need.  A pair of jeans, denim thread- the same color as the jeans you’ll be changing, and denim needles!  If you happen to have a serger that is a plus too.

Note: I did two pairs and missed getting some pictures the first time around so I got them the second.  So as your scrolling through the pictures if the jeans look like they are changing colors don’t worry, your not crazy, they ARE!  I hope it’s not too confusing!

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled before

Here’s the before shot (should’ve put on my heels!)

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled trimming

To help decide where to cut I got out the skinny’s I had boughten and laid them (both inside out) on top of each other.  You don’t need to have a pair though.  You just start at the knees and go down.  You can go straight down and go with more of a straight leg look, or angle in a bit and go skinny.  Just beware not to go TOO small.  You do want to be able to slide the jeans over your feet and heels…

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled detailed stitching

Now study your jeans, the outside is usually just a seam, but the inside theme has an extra detailed stitch running down the side holding the seam’s flat.  Sometimes it’s a double/twin stitch.  I made sure to use a pair with just a single detailed stitch.  My twin needle is much narrower than industrial twin needles so I couldn’t match it up very well.  But that was my preference you could always create a double detailed stitch by sewing down the leg twice.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled taking out a seam

Anyway…  You’ll want to take out this detailed stitching so we can trim the sides easily without worrying about the fold.  Can you see how it’s opening up as I take out the stitching (right side).

Side note, you’ll also want to take out the stitching holding the hem up.  Then unfold it!  Man, two pairs and I forgot to take pictures of unfolding the hems!  Grrrr

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled trimming sides

Start with one side (I started with the outside).  Now jeans front and back aren’t even.  One seam is completely on the edge, and the other seam is a bit interior (if that makes any sense at all).  Anyway make sure you cut on the side that’s completely on the endge.  I folded my jeans in half and cut through both legs, 4 layers, at once.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled trimming second side

Then I grab the other seams and bring them to the edge.  Notice the gap on the other side now?  NOW it’s safe to cut the other edge/seam.

rotary cutter injury

BUT be careful.  When you pushing hard (getting through 4 layers of denim) it’s easy to lose control and try to cut your finger off!  I got lucky, It cut layers and layers of skin and even into my nail bed, but no further.  I’ll have a huge gash for weeks, maybe even a scar for life…

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled inside trimmed

Back to the jeans.  We need to start with the inside seams…  Here is a close up of where I cut.  The inside seam has both layers serged together.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled serger

If you HAVE a serger (My first time using one, it’s my Mother in Law’s) this is a great project to use it on.  If not you can always use a zig zag.  You just want to make sure your holding in the raw edges.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled inside surged

And here is what it looks like serged!

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled inside sewn

Continuing with the inner seam (very important) we’re now going to sew the two layers together.  Make sure you use a nice sturdy denim thread and good denim needle for this.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled ironing inside

Turning the jeans right side out, iron the seam flat.

This next step is the reason we start with the inside seams.  Were going to sew the inside seam down with our orange/yellow thread.  If you’ve already sewn the outer seam as well you’ll have these long narrow tubs (the legs) to somehow sew down and that’s really hard to manage with a sewing machine.  It’s much easier to do this with an open flat leg!

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled sewing inside details

Switch your thread from blue to whatever matches the decorative stitching on the jeans your working on.  Mine was a orange-y yellow.  This thread color is the post important.  The other stitches don’t matter, but this one is not only going to show, but it will also but up against the original thread, so make sure they match.  Overlap a bit to where the other thread ends and sew down the inside of the leg!

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled outside trimmed

NOW we can do the outer seam.  Notice that these edges aren’t serged together, but surged separately.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled outside serged

So you either need to serge them or use a zig zag stitch to hold in the raw edges.

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled inside sewn

And sew down the side (just like before).

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled ironing hem

Now fold the hem back up (I ironed over the seams, they are THICK…)

bootcut to skinny jean makeover upcycled sewing hem

Keeping the jeans inside out, and starting with the inside seam sew (with the orange/yellow thread) sew the hem back in place!   Turn your jeans back right side out  and viola!  your done, now grab a pair of heels and rock your new look!

upcycled-bootcut-to-skinny-jeans

I also grabbed a pair of my daughters jeans and updated them too!  They look GREAT on her and she doesn’t end up stepping on her huge wide flared legs anymore!  I’m going to do at least 2 more pairs, for myself and maybe my toddlers jeans too.  This will work on maternity bootcut jeans too (for any of you interested).

upcycled-bootcut-to-skinny-jeans-2

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With the right tips and tricks, I believe YOU can make, bake, or create anything. This is what I love to do - make some awesome, teach you how, and give you that boost of culinary confidence you need to rock your own kitchen!
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Filed Under: How To & Craft Tutorial, How to & Crafts, sewing

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ashlee

    February 3, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Hey Ashlee, I’m Ashlee! f/my swanky crafts! I just found your sight tonight and am drooling over it! I am excited to start following! I love the skinny jean tutorial, and have a few jeans I need to work on. Thanks!!
    My Swanky Crafts

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 5, 2011 at 9:01 pm

      It’s so fun to meet another Ashlee! it’s such a rare spelling (well at least for my age it is- you must be lots younger than me!). If you try the jean tutorial let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  2. Melissa

    February 7, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Love it!

    Your legs look longer & skinnier in your new skinnified jeans. You look fabulous!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 7, 2011 at 6:19 pm

      Thanks Melissa!!! I’m totally loving them. I’m SOOO glad I took your advice and tried them out! I’ve done about 3 pair for myself already… Next challenge… makeover my maternity Bootcut jeans 😉

      Reply
  3. Messy Missy

    February 21, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Whoa, you look incredible in those skinny jeans (though I am huge fan of the bootcut myself). I personally believe you should have a warning with this tutorial that skinny jeans are only appropriate for size ____ and lower…..there IS a cutoff point when skinny jeans just begin to look silly on the larger (*ahem* ME) sizes. 😉 It’s only fair warning right? I would love it if you link up to my party, A Marvelous Mess. I will be picking one project to feature on the sidebar of my blog for a week!! Here is the link:
    http://www.marvelouslymessy.com/2011/02/marvelous-mess_20.html

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 21, 2011 at 12:00 pm

      HA! Thanks so much, but honestly that’s the think about skinny jeans! I thought they were just for size 4’s but all of my friends who have tried them look AMAZING from size 4’s to size 24. Honestly! Totally worth trying a few pairs. But like all jeans it takes trying a few brands to get the right one for you. So don’t give up after one! What I need now is a good tall boot to wear outside my jeans!

      Reply
  4. Erica

    February 21, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    What a great tutorial! This is so pracical too! We all have tons of old jeans. Thanks for taking the time to post this tutorial! I will definately be trying this!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 28, 2011 at 11:41 am

      Great! I hope my instructions are clear enough! I am still loving my jeans. I have a few more I want to do next!

      Reply
  5. Jess

    February 22, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this! I am constantly in need of skinnier jeans. 🙂 Now I can thrift boot cuts and skinny ’em up!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 28, 2011 at 12:23 pm

      EXACTLY! I have plenty of jeans to make over, but if I didn’t then a thrift store would be a great way to go!

      Reply
  6. the cape on the corner

    February 23, 2011 at 8:30 am

    that is awesome! i just bought this shirt that i feel requires skinny jeans…but i’m not so sure they’re for me. this would be perfect, b/c the top would be the cut i like!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 28, 2011 at 12:30 pm

      That’s exactly what I thought! That’s why I used my own favorite style of jeans when I did it! You should TOTALLY do it. It’s worth it, and looks amazing!

      Reply
  7. Ashley Jackson

    February 23, 2011 at 8:45 am

    This is awesome! They look so amazing..I have such aspirations to learn how to sew, it just intimidates me so much. I even got a sewing machine for Christmas..it is sitting there:( This is inspiring!!
    Would love you to link up to my party too!
    http://www.ashleymorganjackson.com/2011/02/inspired-by-you-wednesday-link-party.html
    Thanks for sharing! Stoppin by from Blue Cricket’s party!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 28, 2011 at 12:32 pm

      Learning to sew is great, even just straight lines can help with so much! Skirts, these jeans, blankets, etc.. pretty easy, shirts, sleeves, and other details??? Totally beyond me…

      Reply
  8. Camilla

    February 23, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Love this! Such a great idea. And I love your blog! Featuring it today for Whimsical Wednesday. You are awesome!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 28, 2011 at 12:38 pm

      wow! Thank you so much for the feature! What a wonderful treat! Your map sunburst mirror is SO much fun!

      Reply
  9. Becky

    February 28, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I am so excited to try out this tutorial to make over my jeans!! Thank you so much for making it!

    I featured you on my blog today! You can check out the post here:
    http://justbeckause.blogspot.com/2011/02/blog-head-monday.html

    Have a great day!
    <3Becky

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 2, 2011 at 9:45 am

      Thanks so much for the feature! What a fun surprise. Let me know what you think when you try it!

      Reply
  10. Anne

    February 28, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    This is awesome !! Thanks so much for the tutorial. Fantastic job!!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 2, 2011 at 9:50 am

      Thank you so much! If you try it let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  11. jeanna

    March 2, 2011 at 10:42 am

    This is such a great idea. Love the finished product. Great job.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks so much! I need to make over my maternity boot cut jeans now! Thanks!

      Reply
  12. Rachel

    March 10, 2011 at 8:24 am

    (Found you on the somewhat simple link-up!)

    Those look awesome! And don’t be scared of skinnies, you look FANTASTIC in them–they make you look SO tall and thin! I have a pair of great-fitting Silver jeans that have huge ridiculous flares (couldn’t resist, I found them for $7 so I bought em anyway) that I have always felt stupid wearing and I’ve wished they were skinnies or at least straight leg but I’ve been scared to try and alter them–I’m going to give this a try! If it works, I’ll post them and link back to you. If not, you’ll probably never hear from me again as I had in shame 🙂

    Rachel

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 10, 2011 at 2:29 pm

      Thanks! Of course with the big ol’ pregnancy I wont be able to wear these anymore! I’m going to have to remake my maternity boot cut jeans now. Good luck! I can’t wait to see them.

      Reply
  13. Cassity @ Remodelaholic

    March 11, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    These look so great, I am hesitant to try the skinny jeans thing- I have- junk in my trunk that needs to be balanced out at the bottom of my leg.

    But I think I am going to have to suck it up and try it. Besides I LOVE the look of skinny jeans tucked into boots, and I am afraid I am going to miss the boat on that trend… maybe I already did!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 16, 2011 at 10:57 am

      Agreed! I’m making over my maternity jeans next. I still need to get myself a good pair of boots for tucking in! I don’t think it’s passed by yet, at least not in UT, we get a good 5 years here after a trend has passed elsewhere. And congrats on the new baby! What a blessing children are!

      Reply
  14. Melissa

    March 11, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    wow, such a difference that makes! I was scared of skinny jeans, thinking they would just, you know, focus on the wrong bits. But not so! Good work!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      March 16, 2011 at 11:01 am

      Thanks! I was totally scared too, but with the right top and shoes they work GREAT! Go for it!

      Reply

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