How to DIY a Cute Denim Patch Mini Skirt From Jeans

Tools and materials:

• Two pairs of stretch denim jeans
• Paper for pattern
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Seam ripper or razor blade
• Measuring tape
• Tailor's chalk
• Design ruler (optional)
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

1. Draft pattern

Draw the basic skirt shape first on to a piece of paper, substituting your measurements for mine.

Half my waist measurement is 15.5 inches (39 cm), half my hip measurement is 20.5 inches (51 cm) and I added half an inch (1 cm) to this for the lower edge width.

My skirt length is 17 inches (42 cm).

Add the patchwork cutting marks to the basic shape as I've shown. I designed the patches so the fronts and backs match in the center, so I recommend you measure and mark yours to match mine.

You might want to make a second copy of this before you cut it, so you know how the patches fit together.

Cut out the individual patch pattern pieces.

2. Prepare jeans

Use a razor blade or seam ripper to remove the waistband from both pairs of jeans.

Cut along both inner leg seams, leaving the stitching intact. 

Fold the jeans lengthways matching the raw edges.

3. Cut out patches

See the video at 1:36 - 2:19 for how and where I cut the various patches.

4. Assemble the main skirt pieces

Working with the dark lower pieces of the skirt first, pin the light triangle pieces to the wide side edges, with right sides together.

Pin the smallest light patches to the other side, also with right sides facing.

Sew the pieces together with a half inch (1 cm) seam allowance. Trim the edges if necessary.

Attach the dark triangle patches to the light upper pieces of the skirt in the same way and top stitch the seams.

Match the assembled pieces as shown and pin the diagonal seams, with right sides together, aligning the patch seams carefully.

Sew and top stitch the seams.

5. Adjust for fit

Fold one skirt piece in half lengthways, matching the waist edges.

Check the measurements and trim the skirt as necessary so both sides are even. Measure off your skirt length below the waistband from the waist edge. Measure and mark a waist edge of a quarter of your total waist circumference.

Make further marks 8 inches down from the waist for the hip line, a quarter of your hip circumference from the center fold along the hip line and a quarter of your lower edge measurement at the hem line.

Don't add any seam allowances to these measurements as we're using stretch denim.

Draw a curve that follows the measured points along the side edges and trim off the excess fabric.

Use this skirt piece as a template to trim the second piece in the same way.

Measure half an inch down from the waist edge on the fold of the front section and draw a diagonal line to the waist edge.

Cut along the line to create a front slope.

6. Side seams and hem

Join the skirt pieces at the side seams, with right sides together.

Turn up a double half inch hem on the lower edge and sew in place.

7. Attach the waistband

Measure your waist circumference along the waistband from the button.

Then, cut off any excess at the buttonhole end and sew that end closed if necessary.

Starting at the zipper, insert the waist edge between the layers of the waistband and pin. Sew along the lower edge of the waistband on the right side.

Make a new buttonhole if needed to match the position of the button.

8. Finishing

Optionally cut off the back pockets, leaving the rivets and seams attached.

DIY mini skirt from jeans

You can wear this skirt with the zipper at the front, the side or the back, for three different looks.

If you match the seams carefully when sewing the patches will be perfectly aligned, so it's worth taking a bit of extra care there.

I love my denim patch skirt, and I have fabric over to make a bag or other accessory. 

If you make this, I'd love to know how it turns out. Please leave me a comment below.

For more denim upcycling content, check out my post on How to DIY a Super Trendy Denim Jacket.