Turn your jeans into bell bottoms with just a little extra fabric and this step-by-step tutorial! It's a groovy upcycle that turns old pants into new.
Jump to:
- Make groovy bell-bottoms from jeans!!
- Fabric for insets
- Rip the side seams open
- Mark the side seams
- Make your own pattern
- Lay out the pattern
- Pinning in your insets
- Sewing in your insets
- Finish the edges of the seams
- Top stitch (optional)
- Bottom hem
- Up-cycling is also groovy!!
- Groovy reasons to learn How to Make Jeans into Bell-Bottoms
- Want more up-cycling projects?
- Enjoy!
- Supplies for How to Make Jeans into Bell-Bottoms- a groovy upcycle!
- How to Make Jeans into Bell-Bottoms (A Groovy Upcycle!)
Make groovy bell-bottoms from jeans!!
Well, it’s true! This 70s girl knows how to make jeans into bell-bottoms! I hadn’t done it for a while, but I remember it like it was yesterday 🙂
Go get your skinny jeans
Are you wanting to do something with those skinny jeans that are sitting in your closet? Join me in adding triangular panels to the sideseams of your jeans that will open them up to having a nice flare at the bottom.
So go to your closet and grab one of those pairs of jeans that you’re not wearing because you’d like them to be wider around the bottom- and let's go have some fun.
This project is for a granddaughter
I had a blast, making a small pair of jeans for my granddaughter into bell-bottoms. As soon as we’re together, I’ll get a photo of her modeling them and put it on the site.
I chose to work on a small pair of jeans so you could see the How to Make Jeans Into Bell-Bottoms project better in the pictures and video. Of course this works great on adult sized jeans as well.
This project took a little more time than some that we do but I felt like the results were so good.
Fabric for insets
This is a great project to use up some of those fabric scraps you have stashed away. You can use any fabric for the insets on the sides of your jeans.
Denim fabric option
Lots of people like to just use denim of some sort. So if you have an another extra or old pair of jeans that is past their prime, you could use the good parts of the denim scrap for this project.
Bright patterned fabric option
Of course you’re welcome to purchase fabric as well.
One option is to get fabric with a bright and cheerful design to draw attention to your bellbottoms pant inserts. Part of the 70's was all about bold prints so be brave and have fun.
Neutral patterned or solid fabric option
I went with a more neutral option, choosing some blue chambray fabric that had a cute swirl design in it. I thought they might match with more shirts that way- but most importantly it was in my stash!! Yea!
Rip the side seams open
With materials in hand the first thing to do is to rip the seams of the jeans where we will place the inset. This is what took the most time. I turned on a podcast and listened while I ripped!
Measure first
Put the jeans on and place a pin on the side seam right below the knee. This is about 18 inches or so for an adult and about 8-10 inches on a child.
It is good to try them on and find what works for you rather than just taking my measurement estimates though! You will be much happier that way.
Measure from your jeans hem up to where you placed that pin. The pin can then be removed.
Mark the side seams
Turn the jeans inside out and with your ruler mark that measurement on each of the two side seams and two inner leg seams, four seams total.
Take out the stitching
Carefully use a small scissors or seam ripper to take the hem out of each leg of the jeans. Then take the stitching out of the four side seams up to the mark you made on each of these four seams.
Take your time, be sure to just catch the stitching and not rip threads on the denim of the jeans. It is so easy to accidentally rip or get holes in the denim with a seam ripper. This is a step that children may need your help with if this is a learn to sew project.
This step makes this project take a little more time than some that we do but the results are so good. I promise it's worth it!!
Make your own pattern
Don't freak! You can do this and I will walk you through it. The full length video makes this even more clear so check that option out for a confidence booster if you want. Here is the link: How to Make Jeans Into Bellbottoms Full Length Tutorial.
Prepare your paper
You will need some paper to make your pattern. I used an 8.5x11 inch piece of copy paper for a child size pattern. You may need to tape two pieces together for an adult pattern. Tape the two sheets together vertically, top to bottom.
Fold the paper in half vertically, hotdog style. Lay your jeans on the paper so that you can see the paper through one of the openings of a side seam. The fold will be up and down the length of the jeans opening and be centered so that the top part of the open triangle is on the fold.
Decide opening size
Try opening the hem edges of the jeans wider and narrower. What do you like- wider, medium, or narrower insets?
A smaller width at the bottom of the insert makes it more like bootcut jeans, a wider width at the bottom of the insert makes a wider bell bottom. You can even go kind of wild and make them into elephant bells by making the insert REALLY wide at the bottom!!
Groovy alert: I had a pair of elephant bellbottoms back in junior high that were to die for. Red and white checked hip huggers with a wide white belt. Good times. 🙂
When you decide what you like, use a ruler to measure the width between where the seam had been on each of the hem edges.
Note: Do keep in mind that there are two insets on each pant leg so you are adding twice this width to your pant leg in total. So if you like a 4 inch width at the bottom of the insert it will add 8 inches to the circumference of the jeans hem.
Mark the width
Divide this measurement in half and with the ruler make marks on the bottom of your paper on each side of the fold at that distance. So the total distance between the dots is the width you want for your jeans inset with the fold being the half way mark between that distance.
Draw the side lines
Next measure the distance from the raw edge of the jean leg up to the top of the where the seams are still sewn together.
This measurement should be about an inch longer than the measurement you took from the knee to hem earlier since the hem is out now.
Now remove your jeans and lay your ruler on the pattern. Draw a diagonal line from one of the marks you made up to the fold that is the length of the measurement you just took. Repeat this on the other side of your pattern.
You now have the triangle shape of the insert for your jeans.
Add seam allowances
Finish up your pattern by using the ruler to add two more diagonal lines that are ½ inch wider than the first two. This extra is adding on a seam allowance for your insets.
You did it, you are done with your pattern! I told you that you could do it!
Note: This provides a great opportunity in learning to measure and in using measurements. It will be important that kids have adult help in learning this skill and in accuracy if trying this project.
Lay out the pattern
The insets will be in both openings of each pant leg or jean leg. There will be four insets all together so you will need to cut out 4 inset pieces.
Fold the fabric
Get out your piece of fabric and fold to cut two pieces at a time. My fabric was light and I have good fabric scissors so I folded mine to cut all four at once.
Pin on the pattern
Pin the pattern onto the fabric so the fold runs the same direction as the threads in your fabric.
Cut out the insets
Cut out the pattern on the outside lines. Take out the pins and set aside the excess fabric.
Mark the inset
Mark a small dot on the wrong side of each inset where the two diagonal lines cross at the top point of the triangle. This will help you when sewing.
Pinning in your insets
Take one inset and place it against one seam of the jeans, right sides together, bottom edge of jeans against the bottom edge of the insert. Pin all the way up to the top of the triangle.
Then pin the other side of the inset to the other side of the jeans leg, right sides together. Pin all the way up to the top of the triangle.
Repeat this for each of the insets.
Sewing in your insets
I consider this a learn to sew project, but the skill level is slightly higher than those that I normally do on this site. It is straight seam sewing, but there is a little bit of tight space sewing at the top of the triangle. This is doable and is a good skill to learn for a beginning sewer. You can do it!!
Again, watch the full length video for a visual on this step if you want to build confidence. Link: How to Make Jeans Into Bellbottoms Full Length Tutorial.
Go to your sewing machine and use a thread of your choice. I chose a dusty blue thread that matched the denim color. Set the machine on a straight stitch in a medium length.
Sewing seams
Use a ½ inch seam and sew one side of the first inset starting at the bottom hem edge. Sew up into the top edge of the triangle and stop at the little dot that you drew on your set.
Backstitch at both ends of the seam so they don't unravel. Take your pins out as you sew (so you don't hit one and break your needle).
Repeat this on the other seam of this inset. You can start at the top and sew down to the hem of from the hem up if that is easier for you.
You will sew each inset the same way.
Note: Be careful to sew just the two layers of fabric in your seam. Don't let the rest of the jeans get tucked underneath accidentally and thus be sewn into the seam.
Finish the edges of the seams
Set your sewing machine to a wide zigzag stitch. Zigzag the edges of each seam on each inset to prevent them from raveling.
It is helpful to iron the insets at this point (if you have an iron- lots of people don't any more!).
Go ahead and zigzag around the bottom edge of your insets and jeans as well. We will talk more about a hem in a minute.
Top stitch (optional)
If you would like to add some top stitching you can do it at this point. This is totally optional and I did not do it on my project.
You could choose a color of thread that matches the original top stitching you removed if you want.
Bottom hem
At this point the bottom edges of your jeans and insets are just zigzagged raw edges.
Groovy alert: Back in the day we loved to have the bottom edges of our jeans ragged and unraveling. We would wear them a bit too long and the jeans would drag on the ground and fray.
We would also open out the hems on our jeans to make them longer and liked the worn lines where the hem used to be.
If this is the look you want on your bellbottoms then you are finished with your project.
Groovy alert: We often sewed a piece of woven braid trim onto the bottom hem edge of our jeans. This was to add some length and some fun color and design as well.
I left my jeans project hem unsewn as my granddaughter is tall and I thought that she may need the extra length. If not I will turn up the hem up once and sew it (a ½ inch hem) or I will turn it up twice and sew it (a 1 inch hem).
Choose how you want to make your hem and then finish it according to these directions
Groovy alert: You just made a pair of regular pants or straight leg jeans into a pair of bell-bottoms! GROOVY!!
I really did do this project when I was young and I have done it several times through the years as styles have changed back-and-forth and also just because it’s fun!
Up-cycling is also groovy!!
This puts new life into those old jeans that have been shoved to the back of the closet. I love up-cycling things creatively, don't you?
Make these and wear them. Bring color and fun into your life in a small doable way!!! Have FUN!!
Groovy reasons to learn How to Make Jeans into Bell-Bottoms
We have a 70's themed weekend in my town. I was thinking of doing a demonstration of making your own bellbottoms that weekend!
So if you’re needing some bellbottoms for a fun activity with kids, dress up occasion liken our town, Halloween, a 70's day at school, or a 50 year class reunion this project is perfect.
Please, please post pictures of your creations. This 70's girl is excited to see them.
Yes, you definitely can! You'll start by ripping out the seams, measuring the flare you'd like to create, and cutting out the right fabric. Sew the fabric piece back into the jeans to add space to the leg of the jean. It's such a simple upcycling project, follow the step-by-step tutorial for the full instructions!
Turning your skinny jeans into flared is easier than you may think! Add extra fabric to create space along the pant legs, using any color and print of fabric that you'd like. This process turns your skinny jeans into fun bell bottoms in just a few steps.
Change up an old pair of jeans by adding fabric to the bottom, creating a whole new pair of pants! This tutorial shows you how to rip the seams, cut the shape of fabric you'd like, and sew the piece back into your jeans. Once you are done, you'll have flared, bell bottom pants instead of skinny jeans!
Want more up-cycling projects?
If you want more up-cycling projects you may want to try these:
- How Do I Make an Upcycled Jeans Pocket Purse
- How to Easily Make Recycled Paper at Home
- Stamping & Painting on Handmade Paper with Kids
- Easy DIY Sweater Covered Pumpkin Decoration
Enjoy!
If you try this craft, let me know! Go ahead and leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo with #WelcometoNanas wherever you post.
Come join the fun at https://welcometonanas.com
Supplies for How to Make Jeans into Bell-Bottoms- a groovy upcycle!
- Pair of jeans to make into bell bottoms
- Fabric or other jeans to use as extra fabric
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pins
- Seam ripper
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Paper
How to Make Jeans into Bell-Bottoms (A Groovy Upcycle!)
Equipment
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pins
- Seam ripper
- Sewing machine
Items Required
- Pair of jeans to make into bell bottoms
- Fabric or other jeans to use as extra fabric
- Thread
- Paper
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pins
- Seam ripper
- Sewing machine
Instructions
- Go to your closet and grab one of those pairs of jeans that you’re not wearing because you’d like them to be wider around the bottom- and let's go have some fun.This is a great project to use up some of those fabric scraps you have stashed away. You can use any fabric for the insets on the sides of your jeans. Lots of people like to just use denim of some sort. So if you have an another extra or old pair of jeans that is past their prime, you could use the good parts of the denim scrap for this project. I went with a more neutral option, choosing some blue chambray fabric that had a cute swirl design in it.
- Put the jeans on and place a pin on the side seam right below the knee. This is about 18 inches or so for an adult and about 8-10 inches on a child. It is good to try them on and find what works for you rather than just taking my measurement estimates though! You will be much happier that way.Measure from your jeans hem up to where you placed that pin. The pin can then be removed.Turn the jeans inside out and with your ruler mark that measurement on each of the two side seams and two inner leg seams, four seams total.
- Carefully use a small scissors or seam ripper to take the hem out of each leg of the jeans. Then take the stitching out of the four side seams up to the mark you made on each of these four seams.
- You will need some paper to make your pattern. I used an 8.5x11 inch piece of copy paper for a child size pattern. You may need to tape two pieces together for an adult pattern. Tape the two sheets together vertically, top to bottom.Fold the paper in half vertically, hotdog style. Lay your jeans on the paper so that you can see the paper through one of the openings of a side seam. The fold will be up and down the length of the jeans opening and be centered so that the top part of the open triangle is on the fold.Try opening the hem edges of the jeans wider and narrower. What do you like- wider, medium, or narrower insets?A smaller width at the bottom of the insert makes it more like bootcut jeans, a wider width at the bottom of the insert makes a wider bell bottom. You can even go kind of wild and make them into elephant bells by making the insert REALLY wide at the bottom!!When you decide what you like, use a ruler to measure the width between where the seam had been on each of the hem edges.Note: Do keep in mind that there are two insets on each pant leg so you are adding twice this width to your pant leg in total. So if you like a 4 inch width at the bottom of the insert it will add 8 inches to the circumference of the jeans hem. Divide this measurement in half and with the ruler make marks on the bottom of your paper on each side of the fold at that distance. So the total distance between the dots is the width you want for your jeans inset with the fold being the half way mark between that distance.
- Next measure the distance from the raw edge of the jean leg up to the top of the where the seams are still sewn together.This measurement should be about an inch longer than the measurement you took from the knee to hem earlier since the hem is out now. Now remove your jeans and lay your ruler on the pattern. Draw a diagonal line from one of the marks you made up to the fold that is the length of the measurement you just took. Repeat this on the other side of your pattern. You now have the triangle shape of the insert for your jeans.
- Finish up your pattern by using the ruler to add two more diagonal lines that are ½ inch wider than the first two. This extra is adding on a seam allowance for your insets.
- The insets will be in both openings of each pant leg or jean leg. There will be four insets all together so you will need to cut out 4 inset pieces. Get out your piece of fabric and fold to cut two pieces at a time. My fabric was light and I have good fabric scissors so I folded mine to cut all four at once.Pin the pattern onto the fabric so the fold runs the same direction as the threads in your fabric. Cut out the pattern on the outside lines. Take out the pins and set aside the excess fabric.
- Mark a small dot on the wrong side of each inset where the two diagonal lines cross at the top point of the triangle. This will help you when sewing.
- Take one inset and place it against one seam of the jeans, right sides together, bottom edge of jeans against the bottom edge of the insert. Pin all the way up to the top of the triangle. Then pin the other side of the inset to the other side of the jeans leg, right sides together. Pin all the way up to the top of the triangle. Repeat this for each of the insets.
- Go to your sewing machine and use a thread of your choice. I chose a dusty blue thread that matched the denim color. Set the machine on a straight stitch in a medium length.Use a ½ inch seam and sew one side of the first inset starting at the bottom hem edge. Sew up into the top edge of the triangle and stop at the little dot that you drew on your set. Backstitch at both ends of the seam so they don't unravel. Take your pins out as you sew (so you don't hit one and break your needle).Repeat this on the other seam of this inset. You can start at the top and sew down to the hem of from the hem up if that is easier for you. You will sew each inset the same way. Note: Be careful to sew just the two layers of fabric in your seam. Don't let the rest of the jeans get tucked underneath accidentally and thus be sewn into the seam.
- et your sewing machine to a wide zigzag stitch. Zigzag the edges of each seam on each inset to prevent them from raveling.It is helpful to iron the insets at this point (if you have an iron- lots of people don't any more!).Go ahead and zigzag around the bottom edge of your insets and jeans as well. We will talk more about a hem in a minute.
- If you would like to add some top stitching you can do it at this point. This is totally optional and I did not do it on my project. You could choose a color of thread that matches the original top stitching you removed if you want.
- At this point the bottom edges of your jeans and insets are just zigzagged raw edges. Groovy alert: Back in the day we loved to have the bottom edges of our jeans ragged and unraveling. We would wear them a bit too long and the jeans would drag on the ground and fray. We would also open out the hems on our jeans to make them longer and liked the worn lines where the hem used to be.If this is the look you want on your bellbottoms then you are finished with your project.Groovy alert: We often sewed a piece of woven braid trim onto the bottom hem edge of our jeans. This was to add some length and some fun color and design as well.I left my jeans project hem unsewn as my granddaughter is tall and I thought that she may need the extra length. If not I will turn up the hem up once and sew it (a ½ inch hem) or I will turn it up twice and sew it (a 1 inch hem).Choose how you want to make your hem and then finish it according to these directionsGroovy alert: You just made a pair of regular pants or straight leg jeans into a pair of bell-bottoms! GROOVY!!
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