Painted wood buttons in various sizes and patterns
Fat quarter of print fabric
Frabric remnants in two coordinating prints
Fusible iron-ion adhesive
Embroidery floss in colors to coordinate with buttons and fabric
Embroidery needle
Seam ripper
Pins
Fabric maker or chalk
Iron
Sewing machine and thread (optional)
Instructions:
Using a seam ripper and starting at the hem, open the side seams on each leg of the jeans. remove the stitches up to a point just below the knee.
Cut the fabric fat quarter in half, making two rectangles each approximately 11” x 18”. Place one rectangle inside one of the pant legs. Spread the jean seams apart to create the V-shape opening for the fabric flare inset. Leave 2” of fabric hanging below the hem edge of the jeans. Use pins to hold fabric inset in place. Trim excess fabric about ¾” beyond the side seam edges of the jeans. Use embroidery floss and two rows on running and chain embroidery stitches to sew the inset into the pant leg. On the inside of the jean leg, mark a new hem line, connecting both sides of the jeans with a soft curve. Mark a hem allowance on the fabric of 1 ¼” and trim excess fabric. Press a double ⅝” hem at the edge of the fabric and sew the hem by hand or machine. Repeat for the other leg.
Refer to photo to plan the number of fabric appliqués desired for each jean leg. Use patterns to determine the size remnant needed for each fabric appliqué. The patterns can be enlarged or reduced in size depending upon the size of the jeans. Following manufacturer's instructions, apply iron-on adhesive to the back of the remnants. Cut out appliqués and fuse them to the jeans. Sew simple running, chain, and blanket embroidery stitches to embellish the fabric appliqués.
Sew buttons to the jeans with embroidery floss. If desired, add additional buttons and embroidery stitches around the jean pockets.
