Here are some problems I encountered while attempting to turn an old pair of jeans into trendy denim skirts:

It’s extraordinarily difficult to force the center seam go straight down. An easier solution is to simply overlap the tiny flaps in the crotch area and sew them down.

While some will declare themselves sturdy enough to go through denim, the simple fact is that some sewing machines just don’t have the strength to handle jeans. Make sure your machine is up to the challenge, otherwise you could seriously damage your equipment.

Also, be cautious when cutting fabric. This is especially true when opening the inside leg seams.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but try to avoid trying the denim skirt on while it’s still pinned. You’ll have plenty of time to see yourself in the skirt once its completed; don’t risk hurting yourself or your product just to get an early preview.

While initially a cute rainy-day project, I found turning my old jeans into a skirt to be a tedious, difficult assignment that I would barely consider worth the trouble. Therefore, if you’re looking for modest, long jean skirts, starting with an old pair of jeans might not be your ideal game-plan. Next time I desire a jean skirt, I’m probably just gonna buy one.