Gluesticks

How do I add custom fabrics to my jeans? Should I glue, stitch by hand or machine?

I find that old navy & express bootcut jeans fit me perfectly...the problem is they all look the same and have little flavor. being jamaican, i need to brighten things up a bit. I want to cut slits in the jeans and place some bright colors & designer fabrics in the gaps. I havnt found detailed info on how to do this. What I have in mind is to use a box cutter / razor to cut the slashes, turn the jeans inside out. attach the fabric with a typical hot glue gun then stitch over the glue. Does this sound like a good plan? and will it hold up if the washing machines? I was planning to do this by hand but is there any way to do this with a sewing machine without stitching my jeans shut? Also, I was thinking of maybe spicing up the back pockets. Any suggestion? Tips? Advice?

Public Comments

1. allways ues a swewing machine or hand stich because if u use glue it will erode with time and may dammage ur other cloths in the wash
2. never use glue if you need help with sewing them on a sewing machine find a semtress in your area to help you or do it for you or ask anyone who works in sewing dept. where you are going to buy the fabric good luck
3. Don't use glue. It will bleed thru the fabric and look bad, it may be lumpy and uncomfortable, it's easy to burn yourself on hot glue, it is likely to do something horrible in the washer/dryer and it may peel off. Go ahead and cut the slashes. Baste or pin the fabric patches in place and then stitch them down. I sometimes slide a book through the layers to make it easier not to sew or pin the two layers together. Depending on your sewing skill and equipment, consider opening the side seam in the jeans so you can sew the patches in flat. One of the leg seams is a regular seam and the other one will be a flat fell (a big, thick seam) You would want to open the "regular" seam. Anything that irons on will be easier to use on a back pocket. Be careful not to make this area too lumpy.
4. You can use seamstress glue to tack in in place before a good sturdy hand sewing. It would give it an extra flare.
5. A product called "Patch Attach" found in craft stores & at Walmart works great for patches or appliques. Follow the directions though, so it will stay put! http://www.beaconcreates.com/cgpatch.html