DIY- Corset Jeans

My Daughter wanted a pair of jeans that I was in no way going to spend that kind of money on.  So instead we decided to make them and share our work!

Lets get started!

What you will need is:

   * a pair of skinny jeans or tight jeans
   * tape measure
   * washable marker
   * scissors
   * pins
   * Leather grommet ribbon 3 Yards or more depending on how long you want the slit and how long your legs are
   *  1/4" elastic or ribbon approximately 6 yards  or more again depending on length of slit

Optional:  Fray stop

On the top half of your jeans, measure from the outside seam to the inside seam and make a mark at the center point.
Repeat for the bottom half.
Run your tape from the top mark to the bottom mark and draw a line with your marker.

repeat on the other leg.

Carefully cut along the line taking care not to cut the back side of the jeans.

First start this step by measuring your slit.  cut your grommet ribbon to fit taking care to leave a little extra leather on the ends for sewing. see photo 2 in this step.

start pinning the grommet ribbon onto the jeans line it up to the edge of the jeans and pin in place.

do the same thing on the other side of the slit being sure your grommets line up evenly!

repeat on the other leg.

using a straight stitch begin sewing the ribbon in place.  Be sure you sew on the side closet the the seam of the jeans leaving the raw cut edge open. 

Repeat this on all 4 pieces of ribbon.

This part is a bit tedious, carefully put the top half of the ribbon in your machine and zig zag stitch to secure. repeat on the bottom of the ribbon and then again on the other leg.  Be careful not to sew through the back of your jeans.  It will take some maneuvering to get them in the machine and you may need to bunch them a bit.  you can also hand stitch if you like.

Now that you have the grommet sewn on you can begin lacing.  cut your elastic in half and start at the bottom. If you prefer your bow at the bottom then start at the top and lace.  once you finish you will want to sit and bend your knees up this way you can adjust the tightness of the elastic you will need more in the knee area as seen in the photo.  when the lace feels comfortable tie a bow. you can secure with a few stitches in the bow or just leave it in case you want to adjust. 

cut the excess off and burn the ends so the elastic doesn't fray.


OPTIONAL FRAY STOP

Turn the jeans inside out and apply fray stop to the cut edges of the jeans.

now you have yourself an adorable pair of corset jeans!  they can be cute or punky!  Whatever your style is.  This is the part where you make them unique to you.  Add some patches, lace, etc.

now that they are done... I think I might want a pair :)