5 denim sewing patterns
Hello Les Couponettes,
Are you looking for what to sew with this sublime denim coupon that you fell for months ago?
You dream of sewing your own denim clothes but you are hesitant about the fabric/pattern association ?
Don't worry, you will find the answers to all your questions in this new article (sewing tips, patterns, types of denim... 👖🪡).
First: what is the difference between jeans and denim?
The denim is a fabric.
It is a twill weave cotton fabric, usually dyed with indigo, recognizable by its diagonal lines and lighter reverse side.
✨ So denim = the material
Jeans are clothing made with denim.
Originally, the word refers to denim pants, but today it is also used to talk about the world of denim in general.
✨ So jeans = clothing
Now let's take a look at the different types of denim!
Classic denim
These are traditional jeans.
- twill weave (visible diagonal)
- fairly thick cotton
- usually dyed with indigo
🩷 Ideal for:
- jeans
- jackets
- overalls
- structured skirts
Current weight: 250 to 400 g/m²
Light denim (chambray / denim shirt)
Often confused with jeans, but thinner.
- much more flexible
- lighter
- not necessarily twill
🩷 Ideal for:
- shirts
- dresses
- blouses
Weight: 120 to 200 g/m²
Stretch denim
Jean with elastane (1 to 3%).
- more comfortable
- hugs the figure
🩷 Ideal for:
- skinny jeans
- fitted pants
- bodycon skirts
Now, let's see which patterns to sew with denim:
For a shirt Constance from Ma Petite Fabrique will seduce you with its timeless cut and what’s more, it comes in a dress version!
For the iconic jumpsuit in jeans, Ikatee Lyon will not disappoint you, and the icing on the cake is pattern exists in child version from 3 to 12 years old
We can't talk about denim without talking jeans (now that you know perfectly well the difference 😉). For timeless, feminine and comfortable jeans, choose Ziggy from Clematisse Pattern .
A garment that we associate less with denim is the dress and yet, imagine thea dress #5736 from Burda, perfectly fitted while remaining comfortable, certainly your future favorite dress.
Finally, for a mid-season jacket, another timeless one, the boss Calypso from Maison Fauve will enhance any light to medium denim.
Finally, know that there are alternatives to denim:
Also note that there are alternatives to denim.
For example, the chambray is visually close to jeans, but much lighter. It is ideal for hot seasons. It is often used to sew dresses, shirts or summer pants.
The cotton twill has the same weave as denim, but is not necessarily dyed with indigo. It is perfect for more structured pieces like pants, jackets or trench coats.
The gabardine is also a twill fabric, but with a very tight weave. It is therefore smoother than jeans and often adds a more elegant touch.
The tencel denim (or lyocell denim) is denim mixed with lyocell, a fiber made from cellulose. It is a very fluid fabric which provides a denim effect with a softer drape. It is perfect, for example, for sewing a combination.
You are now an expert on denim and ready to sew your most beautiful, timeless pieces. in jeans 😉
To your machines and happy sewing, Couponettes! 👖🪡✨