DIY Hand sewn bell bottom jeans

DIY hand sewn bell bottom jeans can be easy and fun, especially with all the hours we have on our hands these days, we all need something stimulating to do. 

So grab some old clothes from the closet and let's make something new and Unique. We can go from these old unused items...

Into these refreshed, cool and one of a kind bell bottom jeans. 

Let's Get started...

So grab some scissors, needle, thread, a measuring tape of some sort, a washable marker or pins, something to rip open seams like an Xacto blade or seam ripper and let's get started.

The first thing I do is to determine the length I want the jeans to end up. If the jeans need to be longer, then I rip open the hem of the jeans (see the video below on opening seams) and Press them for a precise measurement up the leg. If I want them to stay the same length I still rip the hemline open and when I am all done I will turn everything back up, press and hem them back in place. Maybe you will have a pair that need to go a little shorter? Then just measure and cut that bottom off. 

As you can see mine are already frayed (check out my video on a quick and easy method to fray jeans here) and the perfect length. Ready to measure for the insert.

This is where I will measure from the bottom of the jean up approximately 17-22” depending on the look and height you are going for, or just at the middle of the knee. I mark both sides. with either a washable marker or a pin.

Take something sharp like a seam ripper, x-acto blade or even small scissors and rip open the outside side seam up to the marked point on both sides.  TIP: I do not cut the seam open, I keep the seam allowance by ripping the threads. I also like to press the seam allowance open, its easier to sew at this point and ends up more professional looking.)

 Here is where I will decide how large the insert is going to be by laying the jeans flat on the floor, opening the side as wide as I would like to see the bell and measuring that opening (add 1/2" to both long sides for sewing purposes)

I also measure up the leg again and add 1/4" to the tip of the insert.

NOTE: I measured 18" and if you look at the *picture where I am creating the triangle on the folded fabric, my line is marked at 18.25" 

Lay your t-shirt flat, you can use the back or the front or any area that you can get your measurements drawn out onto the fabric. 

TRICK: I cut a square out the width and height , fold the fabric and mark the top with a 1/2" line, lay a straight edge of sort from the top to the bottom edge of the fabric, draw a line and then cut. this will create the perfect triangle to fit in your opening.

Voila' my triangle!  Now cut the other one the same way. This one got a little wonky but that just ends up being part of the charm and really never even noticeable. If the unevenness bothers you, cut the bottom straight across and add some jean material to the bottom to make up for what you cut off. this will also add more character to your jeans...skies the limit!

Turning your jeans inside out, place right sides together. If you happen to have pins then I say pin at least the side you are sewing together in a few places. I rarely use pins, but the t-shirt material is so soft I find it easier and quicker to throw a few pins in place as I move along the seam.

Let's thread that needle and begin sewing FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP AND THEN FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM ON THE OTHER SIDE. 

Be certain when you get to the top to create the perfect upside down V and stitch a couple of stitches at that top point.

TIP: Follow the old seam path. This will create a professional looking seam that appears as though the pants were created with the insert all along.

NOW turn them right side out and PRESS FOR THE PERFECT LOOKING BELL BOTTOMS.

Enjoy! Please feel free to share your designs and comments on instagram, Pinterest or Facebook and tag Andrea Durham Designs.

Please Check out my handmade inserts, MTO/CUSTOM, or ready to ship jeans in my Bohemian Collections for purchase or more ideas