Sewing with Denim: Tips for Successful Projects

If you’ve ever tried sewing with denim, you know it can be both rewarding and a little… stubborn. Denim’s not exactly the most cooperative fabric, right? But trust me, once you get the hang of it, sewing with denim opens the door to seriously cool and durable projects—from rugged aprons to weekend-worthy jeans.

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The First Time I Tackled Denim (Spoiler: It Was a Wild Ride)

Let me take you back to my first denim project. I’d just scored some heavy-duty salvage denim on sale and thought, “Hey, I’ll make myself a tool roll.” Easy enough, I figured. Well, let’s just say my regular needle didn’t stand a chance, my stitches looked like a toddler drew them, and I ended up with three broken needles and a healthy respect for denim.

Since then, I’ve learned some tricks that’ll save you from that kind of sewing drama. And that’s exactly what I want to share today—how sewing with denim can go from frustrating to fantastic.

More Things to Know About Sewing with Denim: Tips for Successful Projects

Choose the Right Needle (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

First up—needles matter. Regular needles just won’t cut it. You’ll want a denim or jeans needle, usually size 90/14 or 100/16. These bad boys are stronger and sharper, made to punch through those thick layers without snapping mid-stitch and flying across the room (ask me how I know).

Also, it helps to change your needle after each denim project. I know it sounds fussy, but denim wears them out fast.

Thread Like You Mean It

Denim is tough, so your thread should be too. I recommend using a heavy-duty polyester thread. It’s stronger than all-purpose thread and less likely to snap when you’re sewing through those bulky seams. If you’re going for that topstitch look (you know, like on store-bought jeans), get yourself some topstitching thread and a longer stitch length.

Watch Those Seams

Let’s talk about bulk. Sewing with denim means you’re going to deal with thick seams—sometimes as thick as a grilled cheese sandwich. And your machine might throw a fit if you’re not careful. One trick I swear by is using a hump jumper (yep, that’s a real thing) or folding a piece of denim to slide under the presser foot to keep it level as you stitch across thick seams.

Your machine will glide right over without skipping or jamming. Magic.

Press Like a Pro

Here’s a secret weapon you might not think about: your iron. When you’re sewing with denim, pressing your seams as you go makes a massive difference. It helps flatten those bulky spots and gives your project that polished, professional finish. You don’t need a fancy iron—just make sure it gets nice and hot, and use a bit of steam.

I always keep a pressing ham and a wooden clapper nearby. If you haven’t used one before, the clapper helps lock in the press and get those seams super crisp.

Pre-Wash or Risk the Shrink

Before you even thread your needle, make sure to pre-wash your denim. Denim shrinks—like, a lot. I’ve had projects that fit great until the first wash and suddenly turned into doll clothes. If you’re making anything wearable, don’t skip this step. I usually wash it twice and toss it in the dryer to be safe.

Choose Simple Patterns (At Least to Start)

If it’s your first time sewing with denim, keep it simple. Start with a tote bag, an apron, or maybe a cushion cover. Save the fitted jackets and skinny jeans for later. Denim doesn’t forgive mistakes easily, so give yourself some room to learn. I started with a utility apron, and honestly, I still wear it around the house when I’m feeling crafty.

Your Machine Needs Some Love, Too

Don’t forget to clean your sewing machine! Denim sheds a surprising amount of lint, and it can build up fast. Every couple of projects, I pop off the throat plate and give it a quick clean with a tiny brush and a bit of canned air. Keeps everything running smooth.

Experiment and Have Fun

Look, sewing with denim doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s durable, it ages beautifully, and once you know how to work with it, you’ll start seeing possibilities everywhere. Old jeans become bags, jackets become patchwork quilts, and scraps turn into coasters. Denim is basically the MacGyver of fabrics.

Final Thoughts on Sewing with Denim

At the end of the day, sewing with denim is totally worth the learning curve. Once you get a few wins under your belt (literally, if you’re making one), you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

There’s something super satisfying about crafting something strong, stylish, and handmade. Whether you’re sewing a rugged backpack, patching up an old pair of jeans, or making your own denim jacket, just remember: start slow, don’t fight the fabric, and always keep extra needles handy.

So, what’s your first denim project going to be? Or if you’ve already tackled one, what’s been your biggest lesson? Let’s swap stories—I’m all ears.

Happy sewing!