DIY Upcycled Bed Sheet and Distressed Jeans

When I got to the thrift store I went straight to the bedding section. I figured this is where I would find the most fabric. As soon as I saw this orange flat bed sheet, I knew it would be perfect for a skirt or top. Then I headed over to the men’s denim section. I wanted a boyfriend cut fit and knew I would be able to achieve this look with a pair jeans from the men’s section.

I decided to make a top from the bed sheet using McCall’s 7757 view B. I apologize but I don’t recall what size the sheet was. It was either a twin or a full size. This pattern is very beginner friendly and only has a few pattern pieces. I did add 2 inches to the bodice length as I did not want it to show too much mid drift. Also, I made a large but maybe I could have fit a medium? The shoulders were way too big based on the elastic guide for a size large. I ended doing a whole lot of gathering and probably cut off 4-5 inches of elastic. Just gather the elastic to fit. I also removed 2-3 inches from the waist elastic. I love the way the top came out. I made this top a few months ago in a different view for a fashion show. You can read all about it HERE.

Now on to the jeans. I will be doing a very detailed tutorial very soon, but for now he is a quick explanation. I put a cutting board inside the pant leg. Then a cut the jeans in a straight line using a serrated kitchen knife. Make as many lines as you like, one on top of the other. You can make them as close or as far part as you like.

As you see in the photo above, you’ll get those stringy white threads. Using your fingers or tweezers, pull at the white threads and separate them from the blue threads.

I used sandpaper on the right pant leg. I sanded the denim down until it made a hole. Once I got my distressed spots how I wanted them, I sprayed the jeans with bleach. I added bleach to a spray bottle and sprayed the jeans. Make sure you’re in a ventilated area. Let your jeans sit for about 10 to 15 mins to let the bleach do it’s thing and then throw your jeans in the washer and dryer. That’s it! Now you have distressed jeans.

I am so in love with the idea of recycled fashion. Being able to take a fabric from one thing and sew something entirely different is so cool, I think. I have always admired all the folks on Instagram that are so amazing at upcycling.

Make sure you read all about my very 1st upcycling project HERE. Make sure you subscribe to my blog because you don’t want to miss my next upcycle project.

Until next time,

Johanna