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Trousers and Waistcoats

Selvedge Denim Jeans

Learn to draft, fit, and construct your own selvedge denim jeans based on an original 1873 pair. Follow the complete process from custom pattern and fitting through pockets, fly, felled seams, waistband, rivets, and finishing, with modern variations included.

59 lessons 8 modules 75 students

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Selvedge Denim Jeans

Draft, fit, and make your own pair of selvedge denim jeans from the ground up. Based on an original pair dating to 1873, this course walks you step by step through creating a custom pattern, fitting a toile, and constructing a durable pair of jeans using traditional single-needle sewing techniques.

You’ll learn to make back yokes and riveted pockets, front and watch pockets, a one-piece button fly, felled seams, waistband, and back adjustment belt, along with the hand-sewn buttonholes and hardware that give early jeans their distinctive character. Modern variations, including belt loops and a zipper fly, are also covered so you can apply the same techniques to a more contemporary pair.

Lesson by lesson

Course curriculum

59 lessons across 8 modules.

More lessons on the way.

Module 01

Selvedge Denim Jeans

 2 lessons
  1. Not completed Measurements
  2. Not completed Supplies
Module 02

Drafting

 9 lessons
  1. Not completed Drafting the Front
  2. Not completed Drafting the Back
  3. Not completed Drafting the Yoke - 1873
  4. Not completed Drafting the Yoke - Modern
  5. Not completed Restoring the Yoke Pattern
  6. Not completed Seam Allowances
  7. Not completed Drafting the Fly and Waistband
  8. Not completed Drafting the Pockets and Accessories
  9. Not completed Drafting the Back Cinch Belt
Module 03

Muslin Toile

 6 lessons
  1. Not completed Cut the Muslin Toile
  2. Not completed Sew the Back
  3. Not completed The Left Fly
  4. Not completed The Right Fly
  5. Not completed Join the Legs
  6. Not completed Waistband
Module 04

Fitting

 6 lessons
  1. Not completed Cutting the Jeans
  2. Not completed Waist Width
  3. Not completed Waist Height
  4. Not completed Hip Width
  5. Not completed Crotch Width
  6. Not completed Crotch Height
Module 05

The Back

 11 lessons
  1. Not completed Cutting the Jeans
  2. Not completed Sewing Machine Tips
  3. Not completed Finishing the Raw Edges
  4. Not completed The Back Yoke - 1873
  5. Not completed The Back Yoke - Modern
  6. Not completed The Back Pockets
  7. Not completed Arcuates
  8. Not completed Attaching the Back Pockets
  9. Not completed 1873 Yoke Pleat
  10. Not completed The Seat Seam - 1873
  11. Not completed The Seat Seam - Modern
Module 06

The Front Pockets

 4 lessons
  1. Not completed Preparing the Pocket Bags
  2. Not completed Modern Watch Pocket
  3. Not completed Installing the Pockets - Part I
  4. Not completed Installing the Pockets - Part II
Module 07

The Fly

 9 lessons
  1. Not completed Preparing the 1873 Button Fly
  2. Not completed Preparing the One-Piece Fly
  3. Not completed Preparing the Buttonholes
  4. Not completed Working the Buttonholes
  5. Not completed 1873 Button Fly - Part I
  6. Not completed 1873 Button Fly - Part II
  7. Not completed One Piece Fly - Part I
  8. Not completed One-Piece Fly Part II
  9. Not completed Zipper Fly
Module 08

Finishing the Jeans

 12 lessons
  1. Not completed The Inseam
  2. Not completed The Side Seam
  3. Not completed Belt Loops I - Modern
  4. Not completed The Waistband
  5. Not completed 1873 Watch Pocket
  6. Not completed Belt Loops II - Modern
  7. Not completed Buttonholes
  8. Not completed Hemming
  9. Not completed The Back Cinch Belt
  10. Not completed Leather Washers
  11. Not completed Rivets
  12. Not completed Buttons