• Stiffer denim can be easier to sew than washed “spongy” denim that has been washed mulitple times.
  
• Starch can be used to stiffen the pants if you want them stiff while you sew them.
  
• Emma One Sock
  
• Fabric.com
  
• Fashion Fabrics Club
  
• Denim will sometimes “crock” for several washings. This is when dye rubs off on hands, washer, legs, etc. There was quite a bit of discussion on whether vinegar helps. A dye catcher sheet will help "catch" the dye.
  
• You should process your new denim with 1 to 3 wash/dry cycles on the fabric first and then 1 or 2 more before I hem them.
  
• All denim is different. Beefier denim like 10.5-12oz is preferable for fitted jeans. Too thin and it shows any bump, bulge, and fabric wrinkle. Be sure to take stretchiness into account.
  

• There are many kinds of thread that can be used. eBay sells larger quantities of topstitching thread for a cheaper price.
  
• Try lots of different kinds of needles. It really does change the way the thread feeds. Try a topstitching needle or a jeans needle.
  
• Commonly used thread used for topstitching: Coats and Clark Dual Duty XP Heavy Duty, Gutterman upolstery thread, regular weight Gutterman thread, and Gutterman topstitching thread.
  
• Many people struggle when using the actual topstitching thread. Some found it was easier to use regular thread in the bobbin and heavy thread in the needle. Some gave up on the thick topstitching thread entirely and used something thinner.
  
• Adjust your tensions when using topstitching thread and it you find the "magic" tension that works, write the settings down so you can do it again.
  
• Emilie at Jalie used a triple straight stitch instead of topstitching thread. They didn't have to change spools of thread and the triple straight stitch lays down a thick line of stitches.
  
• Some people tried using two regular weight threads through the needle.
  
• Atlanta Threads 750y to 6000 yd spools.
  

• Grommet Mart They sell by the 100 but they will send you samples.
  
• Cast Bullet They will send you smaller lot sizes.
  
• Stans Sewing Supplies Jeans-style buttons
  
• Atlanta Thread Jean zippers
  
• eBay Seller Wood N Stuff Sells smaller lots of rivets
  
• You'll need between 4 and 10 rivets if you choose to put them on. The most common places were front pocket edges, coin pocket, and back pocket.
  
• Coats All Purpose Zippers are commonly used for jeans. They work fine and are easy to find.
  
• Both plastic and metal zippers are commonly used for jeans. They can both be shortened. Most people shorten the zipper from the top where they attach the waistband.

• Use glue instead of pins to hold seams in place before you sew them.
  
• Topstitching and edgestitching feet are somewhat expensive but worth it for precise topstitching.
  
• Be sure to reinforce back pocket edges at the top with a bar tack or strong stitches.
  
• Remember to "wash" your interfacing before you use them!! I use the downstairs tub and fill it with warm/hot water and dunk the interfacing. Then I let it dry on the curtain rod. You want it cool enough that the dot adhesives don't melt but warm enough to shrink it a bit. Try it on a little piece first to find the right temperature. If it feels slimy, it's too hot and all your fusible interfacing is now sew-in interfacing. Ask me how I learned that lesson. The Jalie jeans only require interfacing next to the zipper. Some of the other jeans require interfacing in the waistband.
  
• Use templates for the pockets. I know there is a picture tutorial out there. In fact I think I've done one. I just can't find it right now.
  
• Rocketboy's Waistband tutorial (p. 31 of Jeans Sew Along Thread)
  
• Emilie's Gaposis Tutorial: For darts in the yoke, I left the actual darts in the yoke for the first pair. For subsequent pairs, I took a wedge out of the pattern piece so I didn't have to have a dart in my jeans.
  
• Debbie Cook's Contour waistband with inside lining (p. 52 of Jeans Sew Along Thread)
  
• Debbie Cook's Fly Tutorial
  
• When using a serger, the 5-thread overlock is preferable. Use the standard needles (in a Viking that an 80 for the overlock and a 90 for the chainstitch)
  
• About marking the back pockets for stitching the decorative design. I've tried several methods and found only one that worked for me. I have two cardboard templates, one for each line of stitching. The bottom edge of the template is the same shape as the bottom of the pocket. The top edge is the same shape as the line of stitching.
  
• You can also embroidery a design on the pocket, cut it out, and apply it to the jeans.
  
• Back pocket size and placement is really important. Too small of pockets and the butt looks big. Too low and it "drags" the bottom down.
  
• Indio Denim gives good descriptions of pocket sizing compared to butt size.
  
• Article on placement of pockets.
  
• On RTW pants, the back pockets are centered relative to the topstitching, NOT the actual seams. You may want to measure and place your pockets relative to the topstitching.
  
• For jeans, use your size but add really wide (like 1”) seams to the side so you can do a bit of tweaking. Each denim is different and will have a different fit and stretch.
  
• Threads Article on fitting jeans.
  
• Ann of Gorgeous Fabrics Tips for Cutting Out Stretch Fabrics
  

• Rocketboy's Picasa Album
  
• The Jean Pocket Project
  
• Kelly's Sewing blog
  
• Just Sew It blog
  
• Fehr Trade blog
  
• Dawn's Two On Two Off blog - Bell Bottom Jeans
  
• Review from KG2
  
• Review from Mommymita
  
• Review from Dale C
  
• Review from becca a
  
• Dawn's Two On Two Off blog -- Jalie Jeans #1
  
• Dawn's Two On Two Off blog -- Jalie Jeans #2
  
• Dawn's Two On Two Off blog -- Jalie Jeans #3
  
• becca a's cool green jeans she made for her daughter.
  
• Jalie jeans from Sallygirl
  
• Jalie Jeans from Quixotic Pixels
  

------
dawn
www.twoontwooff.blogspot.com

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