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Hi, Darlings. I have been holding on to this cream denim twill for a while. It is such a great weight and the ideal fabric to sew denim perfectly every time. It presses like a dream and has a great drape. I ordered the fabric from Blackbird Fabrics; they also have this lived-in cotton twill in several colors. FREEBIE BONUS: I have added the tshirt I am wearing as freebie pdf for you! Its the perfect fitting T-shirt. Enjoy! Get FREEBIE PDF PATTERN HERE THE PATTERN This pattern is one of our exclusive Sew It Academy patterns; our jeans pattern is perfect and can be made from several mid-weight to heavy-weight fabrics. We also have a stand-alone course on learning how to perfectly sew denim jeans with tons of tips and tricks. The step-by-step video lessons are accompanied by a printable handout and the PDF pattern in print at home, copy shop, and projector files. You can sign up for that course HERE TIPS FOR PERFECTLY SEWING DENIM Denim is a beloved fabric for sewists everywhere. Whether crafting jeans, jackets, or stylish bags, denim projects can be incredibly satisfying. Yet, sewing denim also presents its own set of challenges. But don't worry, fabric enthusiasts! In this guide, we're revealing five must-know hacks to enhance your denim sewing skills. Grab your sewing machine, and let’s dive into the vibrant world of denim mastery! 1. Choose the Right Needle Choosing the correct needle is vital when working with denim. Standard sewing needles may struggle with the thickness and resilience of this fabric. Instead, reach for a denim needle designed to cut through multiple layers precisely. For medium—to heavy-weight denim, a needle sized 90/14 or 100/16 is your best bet. These needles reduce the risk of skipped stitches, providing a smooth sewing journey. Keeping your needle sharp is equally important. A worn needle can lead to snags and uneven stitches. Aim to replace your needle every few garments or sooner if you notice any issues—you'll appreciate the difference it makes! 2. Invest in Quality Thread Quality thread is essential to your denim projects' final look and durability. Opt for high-quality polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread . These threads are strong and resistant to fraying, making them ideal for bulky seam areas. Consider selecting a top-stitching thread in a contrasting color to make your seams pop. This adds style and reinforces the seams, enhancing their durability. For instance, a bright orange or white thread can make a bold statement if you're using dark denim. Buying thread in bulk can also save you time and money. Denim projects often require significant thread; running out mid-seam can interrupt your creative flow. Stocking up can make your denim journey smoother! 3. Prewash Your Denim There’s nothing worse than finishing a beautiful denim creation only to find it shrunk or warped after the first wash. To avoid this, always prewash your denim before you start sewing. To maintain the fabric's integrity, use cold water on a gentle cycle. To prevent fading, dry on a low heat setting or hang the fabric to dry. Prewashing helps prevent shrinkage and cleans off chemicals or finishes lingering on the fabric. Moreover, it lets you see how the denim behaves, ensuring you're well-prepared for your project! 4. Use Proper Tools Equipping yourself with the right tools can significantly improve your sewing experience. Consider incorporating a walking foot into your toolkit. This helpful attachment reduces fabric slipping, which is especially critical when working with thick seams. Make sure to have quality fabric scissors and rotary cutters for precise cutting. A clean cut can simplify the sewing process tremendously. Also, switch to fabric clips instead of regular pins when working with denim. Standard pins can warp thicker materials, but fabric clips hold layers securely without shifting. This small change can yield more accurate sewing results, especially with voluminous denim patches. 5. Experiment with Stitch Settings Denim requires a tailored approach to stitching. One size does not fit all! Adjusting your stitch settings can yield the best results for every unique project. Consider using a zig-zag stitch or a longer straight stitch on seams for optimum strength and flexibility. Also, play around with different stitch lengths. A longer stitch length looks good on denim and helps prevent puckering — a common challenge with this sturdy fabric. Test your stitch settings on fabric scraps to see what works best for your project. Treat sewing denim as a creative process — each project allows you to develop your unique style. So unleash your inner denim master and create something beautiful! Every stitch is a chance to express yourself, and with these hacks, you’ll handle denim with confidence and flair. Happy sewing! xoxo

Hi, Darlings! This is one of the most popular PDF patterns and every year I give it away! THE ANNIE CARDIGAN is the perfect easy cardigan for transitioning from Summer to Fall. I have made it so many times and I love it! Now you can make it too! and I have a full step-by-step video sewing tutorial to help ypu along which you can find HERE FREEBIE ANNIE CARDIGAN PDF PATTERN To get the freebie pattern click HERE and join my newsletter! Love you guys! Have a great weekend xoxo, Mimi G

Hi, Darlings! I recently made another version of our Sew It Academy Utility Jacket. I used a really great denim from Spoonflower, but when it arrived, it was incredibly stiff! I washed it several times and dried it, which helped a bit. I still needed a bit of the stiffness to keep the structure of the jacket, so I didn't mind it much, but I got curious as to what methods I could use to soften denim in the event I ordered again. I thought I would share some Tips For Softening Stiff Denim. Look at my jacket; I love this pattern so much. It was our December course, so if you are a student log in and get started. If you'd like to learn to sew in a fun and non-frustrating way or want access to our monthly patterns join at sewitacademy.com Tips For Softening Stiff Denim: A Step-by-Step Guide Stiff denim can feel uncomfortable and frustrating to work with, whether you’re sewing a new pair of jeans, upcycling an old jacket, or tackling any other denim project. Luckily, there are several tried-and-true methods to soften denim fabrics, making them more enjoyable to wear and easier to handle. Here are some effective techniques to soften stiff denim, along with step-by-step instructions to help you achieve that perfectly soft feel. Why Is Denim Stiff? Denim is a durable cotton fabric woven in a twill pattern, often treated with heavy finishes during manufacturing. These treatments can leave the fabric feeling rigid and unyielding. Softening denim not only improves comfort but also enhances the drape and workability of the fabric for sewing projects. Techniques to Soften Denim 1. Wash with Vinegar Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that helps break down stiff finishes in denim. What You Need: - 1 cup of white distilled vinegar - Washing machine - Mild detergent Steps: 1. Place your denim garment or fabric in the washing machine. 2. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to the machine during the rinse cycle. 3. Use a mild detergent during the wash cycle. 4. Allow the denim to air dry or tumble dry on low heat for a softer feel. *Pro Tip:* If you’re pre-washing denim for sewing, avoid using fabric softeners as they can leave residues that might interfere with your sewing process. 2. Use Baking Soda Baking soda is another natural option to soften denim by reducing stiffness and neutralizing odors. What You Need: - ½ cup of baking soda - Washing machine Steps: 1. Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum. 2. Wash the denim on a regular cycle with cool or warm water. 3. Air dry the fabric or tumble dry on low heat. *Pro Tip:* Repeat this process for especially stiff denim to achieve your desired softness. 3. Break It In For pre-made garments, wearing and washing your denim frequently can naturally soften the fabric over time. Steps: 1. Wear the denim garment as often as possible to allow natural movement to loosen the fibers. 2. Wash the item after every few wears, following the care instructions for the fabric. 3. Over time, your denim will soften and mold to your body. 4. Salt Soak Method A salt soak is a traditional technique for softening stiff fabrics, including denim. What You Need: - 1 cup of salt - Large basin or bathtub - Warm water Steps: 1. Fill a basin or bathtub with enough warm water to fully submerge the denim. 2. Add 1 cup of salt and stir to dissolve. 3. Place the denim in the water and let it soak for 4-6 hours (overnight for best results). 4. Rinse the denim thoroughly with clean water. 5. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat. 5. Use a Fabric Softener or Conditioner Liquid fabric softener or even hair conditioner can help break in denim and add softness. What You Need: - Fabric softener or hair conditioner - Washing machine - Dryer with dryer balls (optional) Steps: 1. Add fabric softener or diluted hair conditioner to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. 2. Wash the denim with a mild detergent. 3. Dry the denim with dryer balls, which help soften the fabric further by breaking up stiffness during the drying process. *Pro Tip:* If you use hair conditioner, dilute it with water first to avoid residue buildup on the fabric. Additional Tips for Sewing Stiff Denim Pre-wash the fabric: Always pre-wash denim before cutting and sewing to reduce shrinkage and stiffness. Use the right needles: Denim needles are designed to handle heavy fabrics without breaking or skipping stitches. Consider steam pressing: Use a hot iron with steam to help relax the fibers further after washing and drying. Final Thoughts Softening denim is an easy process that can greatly improve the feel and versatility of your fabric. Whether you prefer natural methods like vinegar and baking soda or mechanical options like dryer balls, these techniques will ensure your denim is soft and ready for wearing or sewing. Experiment with these methods to find what works best for your project, and enjoy the comfort of perfectly softened denim! Thanks so much for reading!