Thinking About Sewing with Denim? Here's What You'll Need Whether you're diving into your first handmade pair of jeans, planning a structured denim jacket, or creating a classic denim skirt or overalls, one thing is clear: sewing with denim requires a few specialized tools and supplies. Denim behaves differently than lighter fabrics. It's thicker, more structured, and can be hard on machines and needles if you’re not prepared. But with the right supplies, it's absolutely manageable—and the results are worth it. Below, you’ll find a clear list of must-have tools (essentials you shouldn’t skip), plus nice-to-have items that can make your sewing experience smoother and your final project look more polished. Must-Have Supplies for Sewing with Denim These are the essentials you’ll want to gather before you start: 1. Denim Fabric Choose your denim weight based on the project: Lightweight (4–8 oz): Best for shirts, skirts, or lighter dresses. Midweight (8–11 oz): Great for jeans, jackets, and most patterns. Mid to heavy weight (11 oz +): Great for jeans, jackets, and workwear. 2. Denim Sewing Needles Use a denim or jeans needle (size 90/14 or 100/16). These are built to penetrate thick fabric layers without snapping. 3. Sturdy Thread Use polyester all-purpose thread for seams. Consider topstitching thread for decorative seams—usually in a contrasting color like gold or copper for a classic denim look. Tip: Use topstitching thread in the needle only, and regular thread in the bobbin for smoother stitching. 4. Fusible Interfacing Medium-weight interfacing is ideal for waistbands, collars, and pocket facings—anywhere you want to add structure or stability. 5. Denim Hardware (Buttons, Rivets, Zippers) Jeans buttons: Typically no-sew and secured with a hammer or hand press. Rivets: Used at stress points like pockets for reinforcement and a professional finish. Metal zippers: For pants or jacket closures. Nice-to-Have (But Helpful) Tools These aren’t essential, but they’ll improve your results and make the process easier—especially for more advanced or repeat projects. 1. Walking Foot Feeds thick, layered fabric evenly under your machine. Great for bulky seams and keeping things aligned. 2. Edge Stitch or Topstitch Foot Makes neat, even topstitching much easier—especially useful on jackets and jeans. 3. Clapper A wooden pressing tool that helps flatten thick seams after pressing, giving you a crisp, professional finish. 4. Hand Press or Rivet Setter If you’re adding a lot of hardware, this tool makes setting jeans buttons and rivets faster and more accurate than a hammer. 5. Seam Finishing Tools Denim bias tape or twill tape: For clean seam finishes without bulk. Serger (optional): Helps finish raw edges neatly and securely, especially if you're not binding seams. Quick Project Tips by Garment Type Jackets: Use mid-to-heavyweight denim. Topstitch for structure and style. Press all seams well (a clapper helps here). Jeans: Focus on durable seams (use flat-felled or mock-felled seams), reinforce stress points, and consider a jeans pattern with good instructions. Skirts: Lighter or midweight denim is easier to handle and creates a cleaner drape. Overalls: Heavier denim adds structure, but make sure your machine can handle it. Reinforce straps and stress points. Where to Buy Denim Sewing Supplies Item Canada USA Thread, Interfacing Fabric + Flow Fabric + Flow or Wawak Hardware & Tools Etsy or Cleaners Supply Stylemaker or Wawak Final Thoughts Sewing with denim is a satisfying, long-lasting way to expand your handmade wardrobe. It’s a bit more technical than working with lightweight cottons, but once you’ve got the right tools and a bit of patience, you'll be amazed at what you can create. Start with the basics, add tools as you go, and you’ll be sewing jeans, jackets, skirts—and everything in between—with confidence.

Community Spotlight: Meet Cortney — @s.is.for.sew We’ve been lucky to partner with Cortney — known on Instagram as @s.is.for.sew — for the past few years, and it’s truly been a joy watching her beautiful makes come to life. Her sewing projects are always thoughtful and full of detail, but what we especially love is the romantic, dreamy vibe she brings to her pieces(and her love for denim). Whether she’s sewing with florals, ruffles, or soft silhouettes, Cortney has a way of making every garment feel like a love letter to slow fashion and personal style. To celebrate her inspiring presence in the sewing community, we asked Cortney a few questions about her journey — how she got started, which makes stand out as favourites, and what she’s looking forward to stitching next. Tell us how you got started sewing! "I have always loved crafts, but I didn’t really get into garment sewing until my husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas in 2017. Once I started — and found the Instagram sewing community — that was it." What are some of your favourite makes so far? "It’s a toss-up between my Vogue trench coat and my recent denim jacket. Both have a lot of detail, are worn frequently, and feel like a big accomplishment. Of course, my favourite thing to make is jeans. I love the process." Is there anything you’ve been hesitant to try? "I haven’t really gotten into quilting or shoemaking. I have made a few quilts — it’s a different type of craft than garment sewing, to me!" What’s a sewing goal you’ve set for yourself this year? "My goal this winter is to take all my scraps and make the ultimate quilted jacket. I’m just about ready to get into a long, cozy project that will clear out my scrap basket." (Anyone else read that and think YES - this we need to see!? A quilted scrap jacket is such a thoughtful blend of sustainability and creativity — and with Cortney’s signature style, we know it’s going to be something special.) Cortney’s Top Tips for Sewing Denim With jeans being one of her favourite things to make, we couldn’t resist asking Cortney for her best advice when it comes to sewing denim — and of course, she delivered with some super practical, real-world tips: "Here are my top tips:"1. Use the heaviest needle you can — I usually go with a 110/18 denim needle.2. Steam, pressing, and hammering thick layers really help make sewing easier. A humper-jumper (not sure what else they’re called, haha) is super handy, too — or even a folded-up piece of paper in a pinch.3. I don’t use specific topstitching thread — just regular thread, with the same colour in the bobbin and top. The only thing I change between topstitching and regular seams is the stitch length. I always test on a scrap first to be sure, but 98% of the time, it works great for me! Cortney’s Go-To Jean Patterns: (all 3 work with non-stretch denim) Just My Luck Jeans  - offers a virtual sewing workshop if you want more guidance Helene Jeans  - based on heritage style jeans  Gizeh Trousers - balloon fit with cool finishes If you enjoyed getting to know Cortney, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @s.is.for.sew and show her some love. Her makes are always full of care, creativity, and that signature style we’ve come to love. She’s a true source of inspiration in the sewing community.  Ready to sew up your own denim project - check out our curated Denim Collection!

Flecks, No Stretch, All Flex: Recycled Denim for DIY Sewing Projects Let’s talk denim — but not the stiff, overdone kind. We're talking recycled denim fabric that brings texture, sustainability, and a serious style upgrade to your next DIY sewing project. This isn’t just fabric — it’s a vibe. Created using recycled cotton denim fibres, this eco-conscious material is as stylish as it is sustainable. Whether you're making a statement piece or adding edge to a wardrobe staple, this fabric delivers. Available in three versatile shades: Acid Wash – bold, bright, and unapologetically eye-catching. Washed Grey – neutral with a twist of cool. Washed Black – sleek, moody, and always on-trend. Each colour is flecked with tones from different recycled denim, creating a confetti-meets-industrial texture — perfect for anyone who wants their fabric to tell a story. Fabric Details: 100% cotton denim Medium-weight, non-stretch Durable, textured, and ideal for structure Perfect for: Sewing denim jackets Making sustainable bags Crafting home decor like cushions Creating modern overalls and pants This recycled cotton denim is what happens when fashion, function, and values collide. Ready to sew something that looks good, feels good, and does good? Check out our entire Denim Collection.