Guys, it's official: the MPB Jeans Sew-Along is scheduled to begin Monday, May 2, 2011. It's for both men and women and I hope you'll participate.
I know for some of you May seems too far away to even think about, for others too soon, but I'm counting on there being enough Goldilocks for whom this sounds just right. You?
Part of the challenge for the men is finding an in-print jeans pattern. My staff informs me that there is one -- yes, one in-print men's jeans pattern, Kwik Sew 3504. Is this correct?
Kwik Sew 3504 is currently for sale at Fabric.com where, when last I checked, they had 4 in stock. They've told me they will reorder when they're down to 2, and that it takes 3-4 weeks for them to receive another shipment.
Friends, does that seem like a long time in these days of overnight delivery and online downloads?
The jeans pattern I've used most recently, no longer in print, is Kwik Sew 2123 which, admittedly, has a somewhat Eighties look to it.
I've also used Simplicity 5048, a vintage pattern from 1972 that includes a Western shirt and vest. While it does show up often on sites like Etsy, and eBay, I don't think it's practical for a group sew-along to use a 40-year-old pattern. It's also not multi-sized, nor does it include back pockets.
Believe me that the difference between a Seventies jeans pattern, an Eighties jeans pattern, and a 2011 jeans pattern is so slight, and the adjustments needed so minor, that I'm tempted to just say go out and get whatever jeans pattern you can find.
If you want to, you can pick up Kwik Sew 3504 from Fabric.com now. That might force them to re-stock before May. If you can find it elsewhere, that's fine too.
As for the ladies, as usual you have many more pattern options. I'd love to know what your favorite jeans pattern is and what makes it so special to you. I've heard good things about Canadian pattern company Jalie. Ever made their jeans?
I know a few of us have experience drafting our own jeans. For men, who generally have fewer curves below the waist, this is not particularly difficult, though it helps to have a commercial pattern on hand just for comparison.
If you have any questions or comments about the Sew-Along, please ask. We'll do it the same way as the Men's Shirt Sew-Along, with a separate Flickr group for posting and group discussion.
I'm also excited to announce that I have a piece up about sewing menswear on the BurdaStyle site, so if you'd like to take a look and/or leave a comment, that would be great.
Also, if you haven't thrown your hat in for the groovy vintage Seventies pattern I'm giving away, you still have till midnight tonight.
I'll be talking more about the Jeans Sew-Along in the weeks ahead, naturally. I'm excited!
Any mens and/or womens jeans pattern recommendations out there?
Have a great day, everybody!
NOTE: Blogger does not seem to be accepting live links at this time. If you'd like to leave a link in your comment that we can cut and paste, please do.
Ok, that might give me enough time to wrap my head around the idea ;)... I'll have to see if I can track down that pattern locally.
ReplyDeleteI've made the Jalie 2908 women's stretch jeans pattern, oh, six or seven times now... it's a lovely springboard, but I think the issues of fitting women's stretch jeans are quite a lot different from fitting men's non-stretch... or at least that's my hunch. And it doesn't have allowanced for a felled inseam. They have a nice men's pants pattern as well but it doesn't have the back yoke, which I think is necessary for jeans ;).
The Selfish Seamstress (if she still exists!) sings the praises of Jalie 2908. I'd like to learn to make jeans since I am remarkably short & round! Depending on the next few weeks, I may try to jump in this.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can have a few guest contributors addressing specifically the issue of fitting stretch jeans. I know a few people out there have created excellent tutorials on things like fly insertion (Debbie Cook), waistbands, etc. I'd love to find one on creating a button fly; I've never seen that in a commercial pattern.
ReplyDeleteIMO, to be a real jeans pattern you need back patch pockets, a coin pocket, a back yoke, and flat-felled seams.
I have a Burda Jeans pattern that has been on my "to try" list for about a year now: http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=20193
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's still in print? It's so hard to tell now that the Burda site has become a "social network".
BTW - I read your article on BurdaStyle - very nice! Yay!
Here is a charming and easy to follow tutorial on how to make a button fly. http://artbeautyandwell-orderedchaos.blogspot.com/2010/01/braintan-breeches.html
ReplyDeleteAs soon as my scissors get back.... (Did you know that for a nominal fee, Gingher will sharpen your Gingher shears for you?) I'm afraid I tried to cut through pins by accident, so they wouldn't cut worth a darn. I sent 'em off this week, and should get the back hopefully by the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteEvie is a weird size. She's too tall for size 2s, and a bit more slender than they are, too. So... Lots of commercial toddler jeans have adjustable back elastic waistbands. I spent some time examining them and figured out how to replicate it. I'm using Jalie #968 and adjusting them appropriately. Since they're one of my next planned projects, Evie will soon have a pair of Cookie Monster jeans and a pair of bumblebee jeans. :)
SO happy that we're doing a jeans sew-along! I've been searching for a good jeans pattern for over a year now, time to commit!
ReplyDeleteI adore Jalie patterns, I think their fit is so much better since they do a lot of sport and dancewear. They have 2 jeans patterns, the one for stretch (2908) seems the most modern yet comfortable. The other one (968) is a bit baggier & is from 1996.
Vogue has a 'Today's Fit' on (V1034) that has some unnecessary hoo-ha, but the basic pattern seems sound.
Burda has a few, I've made the 'Easy-Going Jeans', they were a tad high-waisted for me, at 1" below navel. I don't like super-low, but those hit me in an uncomfortable spot.
KwikSew 3504 seems pretty decent for a men's pattern.
I'm curious about the J Stearns women's pattern (0037), though I can tell I'd need to add some *ahem* room in the back for my caboose.
I love Kwik Sew 3504! I made it for my dad. He's 6'5" and has a flat seat, so RTW jeans never fit him properly. It wasn't hard to adjust the pattern. Everyone compliments him on his jeans, from my 80-year-old great aunt to my college dude cousin. I really should make him another pair.
ReplyDeleteToday I'm wearing my Jalie 2908 women's stretch jeans. I've made several adjustments to that pattern, but it's my favorite for women's jeans because it fits like RTW. RTW fits me terribly, but it's nice to be starting on familiar ground.
Jeans are one of my favorite things to make. It's so satisfying to end up with perfectly fitting jeans. Also, I love top stitching so much.
Thanks for doing a jeans sew-a-long. I can't stand the stretch jeans and now women's jeans seem to be ALL stretch all the time. Also, when did front pockets become too small for even a tissue to fit into? I stuff them like a 10 year old boy! Men's jeans don't seem to come in a 28 inseam anymore so those are out for me since i refuse to hem-I did that all thru junior high and high school. I just want non-stretch jeans with pockets, correct length, and none of that fading down the front of the thigh. Thanks for letting me be cranky. Let the jean sewing begin.
ReplyDeleteI'm not ready to jump in on the Jeans Sew Along, but I am so excited about applying the techniques to a denim skirt project! I've had denim is my stash for a couple of years, but the seam treatments and the topstitching make me hesitate. I can't wait to see your tutorials!
ReplyDeleteI've had Jalie 2908 on my wish list for a little while now but have been too intimidated by the whole process of jean making that I haven't even had the guts to buy the pattern. I'm so excited for this sew-a-long, I'm sure it will give me the confidence boost I need to finally try!
ReplyDeleteThat is really unfortunate about the lack of variety in men's jeans patterns, or just men's patterns in general. I suppose it forces you to be a more clever sewist, but I know I love the ease of being able to build on someone else's work.
Anyway, I just started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago and I really enjoy it!
Hmmm, I've had Jalie 2908 in my stash for a while now. And since I'm just finishing up my Lady Grey coat from Gertie's sew along which began in October, May seems like the right kind of timing for me. So, pass me a blond wig and call me Goldilocks!
ReplyDeleteI am in! I have already bought a vintage pattern for this very purpose: Simplicity 9384 Retro 1970's. I love those bell bottoms. Although I am a female, I have a straight figure, so boy's jeans would suit me well (I hope).
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea! Thanks for the advance notice...this may be my first sewalong! Hmmm...I'll have to track down some 40's or 50's inspired jeans!
ReplyDeleteRE: MENS JEANS PATTERNS.
ReplyDeleteIn the UK the Kwik Sew 3504 Pattern is available here: Jaycotts.co.uk.
Or worldwide people can download 3504 from: SewingPatterns.com - Kwik Sew 3504
Also, for download are: Burda 7733 (Men's Straight Narrow leg jeans) I cannot find 7733 on the German BurdaStyle.de website, but this [translated into English] for the French site has more info. on this pattern.
The Jalie Men's Jeans 2107 are also on
SewingPatterns.com - Jalie 2107, or can be bought in the UK from Jaycotts.co.uk - Jalie 2107 too)
Or, I wonder... if any of the many pages of Men's patterns on the Leko site could be adapted into jeans (maybe just tweaking the pockets into that familar rounded shape?) the advantage is that Leko let you download lots of their patterns in 1-fixed size for free!!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On a personal note I have the ladies Jalie 2908 Jeans Pattern (a Christmas present ;) ) on file ready to go!
I'm in! I've been wanting to try the Jalie pattern for months
ReplyDeleteI think blogger/blogspot.com is playing up today :( I've tried to post info. on places to buy different mens jeans patterns (Burda 7733 & Jalie 2107) & it doesn't work *sighs*
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess I'll have to add a coin pocket to the pattern I've drafted so that it qualifies as "real" jeans... Is corduroy kosher, or do you insist on denim?
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Now the question will be... do I make jeans for my DH, who has exactly 1 pair of jeans that he bought from Lands End at least 10 years ago (probably longer), or do I make them for myself? I have lots of jeans, but only 2 pairs that currently fit. That's a sad state of affairs.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds weird, but I'm glad you're doing a jeans sew-along because I won't be participating! Backwards, right? Well, I'm still waiting to finish my men's shirt because my man has not had time to pick out buttons.
ReplyDeleteI have slowly weaned myself off jeans because they have become unflattering and uncomfortable and I'm not allowed to wear them to work. In short, I don't like them anymore! I kept one nice dark wash pair by Michael Kors for when I am feeling slightly casual and one very 60s looking pair made of olive green denim from the Gap.
I do, however, look forward to seeing everyone else's.
I tried posting this before but it didn't work for some reason. (Are comments moderated? Was my comment not acceptable for some reason?) Burda has a jeans pattern: 7733. To see the pattern you can go to http://www.burdafashion.com/fr/index.html and go to patrons pochettes and then mode hommes sportswear. It is in print.
ReplyDeleteHurray! I've wanted to try pants (of any kind) for a long time but I need someone to hold my hand! I will definitely be participating.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait! I have some stretch denim bought already! I have so enjoyed the shirt sew-along. The pace was perfact.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone in Europe looking for the mens pattern... www.elingeria.de has Kwik Sew 3504. They also have Jalie patterns, including 2908.
No affiliation, just passing on the info.
I have a lovely cord pants pattern from a burda's magazine that would be perfect for jeans...Maybe I'll give this a whirl. Also, on the defunct Weekend Designer blog, he gives instructions on how to draft your own jeans pattern.
ReplyDeleteYeehaw! I am soo there! thank you!
ReplyDeleteoh this is very exciting! Do you think taking apart a now unwearably torn old pair of formerly favorite jeans would be acceptable to use as a pattern?
ReplyDeleteTeresa V,
ReplyDeleteYou have just hit on how I mainly learned to sew--taking apart RTW clothes and using them as patterns. So yes, that will work.
Laura
Hmmm, I just might do this. The Jalie pattern has been languishing in my sewing room for too long, and May is far enough away that it might just be possible to clear the decks for this sew-along. Love the advance notice, Peter!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds ideal. I have an old pair of jeans I've been planning to cut up to make a pattern from, but haven't yet as I don't know how to then sew the pattern together, so a sew along from you with your amazing instructional posts would fill that hole perfectly. Thanks Peter!!
ReplyDeleteA jeans sew-along sounds like fun. I have the Jalie pattern in my stash along with some stretch denim. I'll have to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteGreat! Jalie 2908 has two versions: A is low rise and B regular rise (navel level). I made the regular rise and it is great ( I'm really petite so I adjusted the length). But now I'm exercising and losing a few inches, so I'll try with you the low rise one. I need some advise with finishing details like topstitching and rivets. I'll wait till you guys post places to buy stretch denim.
ReplyDeleteJeans sew-along would be great - if I have finished my wedding dress project I will definitely join in!
ReplyDeleteMaking jeans sucks! I didn't say that, Wearing History did. And she should know. She's an expert seamstress. (Me, I've never made jeans and don't intend to. Though I'll follow with great interest. How about some sexy low-riders for Cathy?)
ReplyDeleteFor someone looking beyond the usual jean patterns, consider going vintage. Here's Wearing History in her amazing vintage pattern jeans.
http://wearinghistory.blogspot.com/2009/09/repro-jeans-project.html
Here's New Vintage Lady proving you don't have to be reed thin to wear some stylin' jeans.
http://newvintagelady.com/daywear/pants/pants12.html
and more details here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68991953/handmade-1940s-inspired-reproduction
Speaking of the New Vintage Lady, it's Man Month on her blog and she's walking readers through a vintage boxers pattern, among other things. http://newvintagelady.blogspot.com/
I'm really anti-jeans and I haven't worn anything but trousers in years, so this will be a little out of my comfort zone but I'll do it anyhow.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I cane use corduroy instead of denim, or something else to make them less jeansy.
I'm a bit confused about the Jalie love...it seems like most do rave about it, yet I feel like there is some major waistband issue??? Am I confused? I'd love to make it, if I'm wrong.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE making jeans! My wife has been wanting me to make her a pair. This might be the perfect opportunity/motivation to do so. Now I just have to finish my shirt from the shirt sew along!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to make the Jalie 2908 for months, so count me in too! Thanks for the nearly 2 month notice, it gives me time to prepare and source some denim.
ReplyDeleteHURRAH!!!! You are my sewing hero, Peter! Now I shall finally get off my lazy butt and make myself jeans this year. After waffling and procrastinating for a year, I think this shall be my May project. Thank you so much for hosting this--can't wait! Now just to figure out about a pattern, since I have my heart set on making jeans in a 50s style...
ReplyDelete♥ Casey
Wonderful! I'll be using Hot Patterns HP 1115 Classix Nouveau Dressy Jean, which I've had since it came out late last year.
ReplyDeleteI found a free Jeans pattern somewhere online somewhere. It only downloads in a size 16, but with 2 teenage girls, I figured it could just tweak it for each one (one is smaller, the second a little larger). I don't personally find jeans particularly comfortable to wear, maybe I need to make some in a stretch denim and see if those wear and fit better. I may not be able to join in, but I'm definitely looking forward to blog posts of all the details.
ReplyDeleteLauraJ - was it this free pattern on BurdaStyle (posted by thunderlily)?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/easy-going-jeans
:) Claire
I want to make the jeans too, my husband will be happy to have a new jeans made by me ... I've never made some pants for men, hope it will be well :o)
ReplyDeleteP.S I prefer use a pattern that can be downloaded on the Internet :o)
Margarita
How exciting is this! This will be my first sew along and I am not even sure if this is in my skill set...But I am willing to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteI have a Burda jeans pattern. The last time I tried it, they looked OK but the fit was less than wonderful. I am up for giving it another shot. I can't believe how much I forked over for my last pair of store bought jeans. What was I thinking?
ReplyDeleteI'm in!! I have found a step by step guideline for sewing (male) jeans on the internet. He made a pattern of his old jeans. Think i'll just do that!
ReplyDeleteSince I have the Jalie pattern, I'd love to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteOh, I think this is just the kick I need! I've been meaning to take apart my favorite jeans (umm.. yeah, they were already coming apart before I took my seam-ripper to it) to copy the pattern for The Perfect Pants. I'd love to participate and actually make the pattern so I can sew it along with all of you guys!
ReplyDeleteYour jeans sew-along magically coincides with a patternmaking class project for jeans I have coming up. This will be my first sew-along...I'm not even sure how to participate, but I'm sure you'll enlighten us
ReplyDeleteStumbled across this post as I sit here, gazing fondly at my Kwik*Sew 2123 ... which I plan on creating in a hand-painted, stretch denim number for debut at Baltimore Fashion Week this year. Love the post ... marked the page ... might even return to bug you with any questions I may have. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi there. Thanks so much for your site. It's a great wealth of information, especially for a newbie like me. Are you possibly having any sew-alongs in the near future? Please let me know. I'd love to participate. Thanks again. You helped me decide on my first vintage maching--a Singer 99.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it! No sew-alongs scheduled at present but you never know...
DeleteI've always wanted to sew jeans myself but haven't had the courage to try. Anyone care to share success stories?
ReplyDelete