{"id":11112977,"date":"2025-10-13T11:48:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T06:18:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/?p=11112977"},"modified":"2026-05-01T07:40:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:10:59","slug":"easy-jeans-top-sewing-tutorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/easy-jeans-top-sewing-tutorial\/","title":{"rendered":"The easiest top you can make with old jeans- sewing tutorial"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Stitching with denim fabric cut out from old jeans sound fascinating and looks great when it is some one else&#8217;s project. It is no joke sewing over the jeans&#8217; seams. And when it comes to clothing with many intricate seams, it can get pretty frustrating &#8211; with your sewing machine and needle as well as thread protesting all the way. So, I am always looking for ways to sew things with simple seams. This tutorial is for such a top.<br> For making this top, one jeans is enough &#8211; so long as it is not a slimfit one- better to get a wide leg jeans to get enough width. It basically a wrap top with wide batwing sleeves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-22.jpg\" alt=\"jeans top made from old jeans\" class=\"wp-image-11112982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-22.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-22-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeans top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Step 1. Cut the fabric from your jeans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lay the jeans flat. Measure 18 inch (Length from your shoulder to waist plus seam allowance) If you are using the leg seam, you will not need to leave extra for front piece for the hem. Calculate accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the back you will need to cut off both legs cleanly just below the crotch seam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open each leg along the inner seam so you have two flat denim panels &#8211; 4 panels in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am using the top part (with pocket) for the back of the top &#8211; for this extra width will have to be added for hem. I am using the lower part for the front bodice and keeping the jeans hem as it is &#8211; Denim looks great with naturally worn out edges of the hem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The width of the leg panels are determined by how wide your body is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Step 2. Create front and back panels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the two lower leg panels side by side -stitch them together<br>Do the same with the top leg panels<br>You will have two front and back bodice panels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-1.jpg\" alt=\"Jeans leg pieces joined together\" class=\"wp-image-11112983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeans leg pieces joined together<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-2.jpg\" alt=\"jeans panels joined together fpr the top\" class=\"wp-image-11112985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taper the shoulders <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the measurements I used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pattern.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11113025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pattern.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pattern-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">sewguide.com &#8211; 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep the grain direction consistent (the long side of the leg runs vertically).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Slightly taper the shoulder as you would do for bodices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Step 3. Join them at the top<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stitch the front and back bodice panels together at the top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-6-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Step 4. Cut out the neckline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fold the material by the middle seam <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"547\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/stitchjeanstop.jpg\" alt=\"Fold the fabric by the middle, by the shoulder seam\" class=\"wp-image-11112993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/stitchjeanstop.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/stitchjeanstop-768x350.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fold the fabric by the middle, by the shoulder seam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And then by the center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mark the front neckline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"926\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-134.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112986\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Mark the front neckline. 3.5&#8243; inch from the center. Mark it 3 inches from the top.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"991\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-64.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-64.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-64-768x705.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Shape it with a french curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"702\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112992\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Open it and cut the front neckline alone slightly lower &#8211; around 2 inches or so, so that the front neckline is lower than the back neckline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shape the back neckline with a French curve.<br>Finish the edge of the neckline &#8211; You can either bias bind the neckline or just fold twice and stitch &#8211; hand stitch or machine stitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"752\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-87.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112988\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Step 5. Finish the hem of the back bodice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-543.jpg\" alt=\"bodice of the jeans top\" class=\"wp-image-11112989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-543.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-543-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The bodice of the jeans top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Step 6. Stitch 4 sets of fabric straps.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"708\" height=\"878\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-874.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112990\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stitch these wrap ties on the corners of the front and back bodices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-3.jpg\" alt=\"the ties joined to the top\" class=\"wp-image-11112991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-3-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sew the ties to the top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Sew two ties at the bottom corners of the front panel, and two on the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you wear it, wrap the front panels ties around and tie them at the back . <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"545\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-ityr.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112994\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wearing the top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Then bring the wrap ties on the back panel to the front and tie it there. Hide the ties under the hem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11112995\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jeans-top-4-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stitching with denim fabric cut out from old jeans sound fascinating and looks great when it is some one else&#8217;s project. It is no joke sewing over the jeans&#8217; seams. And when it comes to clothing with many intricate seams, it can get pretty frustrating &#8211; with your sewing machine and needle as well as &#8230; <a title=\"The easiest top you can make with old jeans- sewing tutorial\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/easy-jeans-top-sewing-tutorial\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The easiest top you can make with old jeans- sewing tutorial\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11112982,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[98],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11112977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upcycled-denim-projects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11112977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11112977"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11112977\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11112982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11112977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11112977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11112977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}