Itch to Stitch: Liana Stretch Jeans

Itch to Stitch released three new patterns end of November, and I was happy enough to test them all. The first one I want to show you is the Liana Stretch Jeans pattern. This is a real winner. I wear my version nearly every day!

IMG_7023_bear_Bildgröße ändern

IMG_7015_Bildgröße ändernIMG_7018_Bildgröße ändern

This season is just not the best for taking pictures….

Fabric:

I used a stretch corduroy fabric from my stash. It has a bit more than the recommended 25% stretch. For topstitching I used Gütermann topstitching thread (Zierstichgarn). The fabric tended to stretch out when I topstitched so I always made sure to press it back to its original shape afterwards.

Alterations:

I started with a size 4. However, it felt a bit tight so I added 1cm to the side seams as well as to the inseam. In the end, I am not sure if this would have been necessary as the fabric stretches when wearing. But I am not used to the skin tight fit (which is what the Liana Jeans are designed for) and feel more comfortable with a bit of ease. I scooped out the front and back crotch a little bit. Next time I would lengthen the legs a few cm and maybe tweak the waist band a bit. There is no real gaping in the back but it feels a bit like that when I am sitting down. I also could take out a bit of fabric below the seat to reduce some wrinkles. And there is still too much fabric at the front crotch.

Construction:

The instructions from Kennis are detailed as always with tips for topstitching and distressing your fabric. I followed the instructions step by step, not only because I was testing the pattern. This was the first time that I sewed a pair of jeans so I was happy to have someone hold my hand.

As with the Angelia shorts the zipper went in smoothly. Kennis has you put twill tape to the top of the waist band to prevent it from stretching out. This is really such a helpful technique.

IMG_7126_Bildgröße ändernIMG_7125_Bildgröße ändern

Topstitching:

With all the topstitching the construction takes time. I always had to change the thread in my machine. If you are lucky and own two sewing machines, it would save a lot of time if you set up one machine for topstitching and the other one for construction.

I tried to get creative with the back pocket topstitching:

IMG_7124_Bildgröße ändern

From the right side I like the result. From the wrong side it does not always look neat. I especially had problems with the belt loops. The thread often made a real mess. Any tips how to avoid this?

IMG_7128_Bildgröße ändern

Also my front button hole did not come out as it should. The thread bars were too narrow and I cut the thread when I tried to cut it open. My machine had problems as the center of the waistband is hollow and the fabric is moving up and down while stitching. I have this problem also when sewing the buttonholes in sleeve cuffs. Next time I will try to insert a piece of fabric so that the place where the buttonhole will be is even with the edges.

IMG_7129_Bildgröße ändern

What I learned:

  • use a good quality thread
  • you will need more thread than you think, so buy two spools
  • increase your stitch length (I used 3.5 on my Pfaff)
  • loosen your thread tension (for me the best was just below 4)
  • always make a stitch sample
  • note your setting, you will forget them when you can not work on your project continuously

Conclusion:

I am just happy with this project. I always get a lot of compliments when wearing this pair of jeans. I love the fit (and this is the first time I say this about pants!!). Due to the stretch fabric the pants are very comfortable to wear. This will definitively not be my last make of this pattern.

Have you sewn your own pair of jeans already?

8 Replies to “Itch to Stitch: Liana Stretch Jeans”

  1. I love your fabric and you pocket design. I have made a couple of pairs of jeans already, but I plan on doing one more in the near future. You’re right, I went through A LOT of thread, regular and topstitching. I did practice sewing the fabric before I started and I wrote down all my settings – I certainly didn’t want to forget them!

    1. Thank you, Linda. You are already so much more experienced with sewing your own pants!

  2. I haven’t heard of this pattern label before, I like the three patterns you linked to. Also, the measurements in her size table are pretty close to mine, not to mention different cups! Could these be enough reasons to get me over my dislike of taping pdf pattens together….

    1. Hi Olga, I am also rather reluctant to tape pdf patterns together especially as my printer is always off in one direction for nearly 0.5cm….On the other hand if you mess up your pattern you can just print it again.

  3. Great looking jeans and love the back pocket details. Are you using regular thread in your bobbin when you use the Topstitching thread? I do this for my jeans and you can’t tell the difference on the public side and that is what counts. Remember you still need some of those wrinkles in back to sit down and jeans are a very different fit/style to pants.

    1. Yes, I use regular thread in the bobbin. And I am still undecided if I should change anything for the next pair or not.

  4. […] The main image is the skinny leg Liana jeans by Gray All Day. The red corduroy pair is by My Little Sewing Dreams. For fabric, you could try a classic dark denim, or even a pinstripe denim (both from Minerva […]

  5. […] So bin ich auch zu dem Ginger Jeans Schnittmuster gekommen. Ich brauche dringend neue Jeans. Meine Liana Stretch Jeans mag ich sehr gerne, aber die Farbe ist schwer zu kombinieren und der Bund sitzt für meinen […]

Leave a Reply