Ribbon Embellished Jeans Tutorial

We’re always looking for fun and creative ways to showcase our ribbons, and today’s tutorial is a perfect example. Bows and upcycling are having a moment—and we’re totally here for it! This technique combines the two and features our reversible ribbons as both sides of them will show when stitched. 

For this project you will need: 

• 1.5 - 2 yards of 3/8", 5/8", or 7/8" wide ribbon (we used Measure Twice in Neon Pink)
• Pair of jeans - bootcut or wide leg work best 
• Fabric glue stick
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating Thread
• Pins

Instructions: 

1. Cut the hem off each leg of your jeans, and then cut up the outside leg seam approximately 5 - 6 inches. Be sure to cut out the seam allowance in that section to avoid bulk. Our jeans already had a raw edge so we skipped the cutting off the hem step. 
   
   
   
2. Cut two equal lengths of ribbon from your yardage of ribbon and tie each into a loose bow. We used two 36" lengths from our 2 yard cut. This project can be done with a shorter 18" - 20" length of ribbon but we found it easier to get a great looking bow by having more ribbon length to work with. 
   
   
3. Position the center of the bow over the side seam of your jeans right above the slit where you cut up the seam allowance. The tails of the bow should be positioned on the jeans with the edge of the ribbon right along the cut edge of the slit. 
   
   
   
4. Adjust the bow as needed while glue basting and pinning in place to achieve your desired look. The tails of the bow should be longer than the hem of your jeans at this point in time and will be cut off in a later step.
   
   
   
5. With the walking foot fitted on your sewing machine and a matching thread color, carefully edge stitch around the ribbon to secure. Be sure to take your time and stitch slowly adjusting as needed to keep everything flat.
   
   
   
6. Trim off excess ribbon at hem and use fray check to prevent the raw edge of the ribbon from fraying. We also used fray check along the edge of the denim in the slit to prevent fraying there as well.  
   
   
   
7. Rock your newly embellished jeans for the world to see.
   
   

Which ribbons will you choose for this fun tutorial? Be sure to tag us @renaissanceribbons and #RenaissanceRibbons so we can see your project!