You probably have a pile of jeans somewhere. Maybe it's the ones your kids outgrew, a pair that never quite fit right, or the fashion mistake of 2016 that you can't quite bring yourself to donate (hi there, super skinny, low-rise, and bleached.)
This class is about turning that pile into something. Not a specific something; whatever you want to make. The goal is to give you a real understanding of denim: how it's made, how it behaves, and how to work with it. So you can make your own decisions instead of just following a formula.
Also it's genuinely fun. And you'll never look at a pair of jeans the same way again. (Sorry in advance.)
Not sure if it's for you?
Watch the free intro video, about 5 minutes, no sign-up required
What's in the class
7 modules plus a class intro and bonus videos. Over 2 hours of on-demand video and a PDF workbook with reference diagrams and checklists.
7
MODULES
2+
HOURS OF VIDEO
WORKBOOK INCLUDED
Yours
FOREVER
MODULE 1
Anatomy of a Jean
How denim is made, what all the parts are called, fiber content, and why any of it matters. Surprisingly interesting. Trust me.
MODULE 4
Deconstruct
Two methods: a quick one and a thorough one. The chain stitch removal section alone is worth the price of admission.
MODULE 7
Choosing Projects
Which sewing and quilting patterns work with denim and which will fight you. Includes a list of what to avoid.
MODULE 2
Choosing Jeans
What to look for at a thrift store, how to read a care tag, and what stretch denim actually means for your project. I might burn something.
MODULE 5
Cutting Shapes
Grain line, fat eighths, jelly roll strips. How to turn panels into usable fabric. And cinnamon rolls with icing.
MODULE 3
Tools
You probably own most of what you need. What matters, what helps, and what's worth buying if you fall in love with denim.
MODULE 6
Sewing & Quilting
Managing bulk, thread choices, how to quilt something heavy on a home machine without losing your mind.
Bonus videos: a deep dive on selvedge denim for anyone who wants to know why some jeans cost $400; How to use improv piecing to turn scraps back into fabric & tips and tools for hand-sewing denim coming soon.
Who this is for
Quilters who want to work with denim but aren't sure where to start
Sewists who want to make bags, garments, or accessories from upcycled jeans
Anyone with a pile of old jeans and a vague plan to do something with them someday
People who care about textile waste and want to actually do something about it
Basic sewing machine familiarity helps. The class is designed to work across a wide range of experience levels: beginners welcome, experienced sewists will find plenty of new material too.
Hi, I'm Radha
I spent 15 years working in the denim industry at Levi's (in product development, visiting factories, obsessing over seam construction) before leaving to focus on keeping those same jeans out of the landfill.
I don't teach right and wrong. I teach how it actually works, here's why, now go experiment. There's no single right way to upcycle: there's just the way that works for you.
A medium amount of silliness is included at no extra charge.
A few questions
Do I need to already know how to sew?
Basic sewing machine familiarity helps. The class assumes you've used a machine before, but doesn't assume any denim-specific experience. Absolute beginners should be fine.
What kind of sewing machine do I need?
Most machines can handle denim with the right needle and some patience. I use a Bernina, but I've also done denim repairs on lightweight Baby Locks at community repair clinics — it works. The class covers this in detail.
How is this different from Quilt Your Jeans?
Quilt Your Jeans focused on three specific quilting techniques and finishing. UnStitch Your Jeans is foundational: it covers everything from how denim is made to how to choose projects across sewing and quilting.
I've never upcycled anything. Is that okay?
That's exactly what this class is for. Welcome.
How long do I have access?
Forever. Buy it once, watch it whenever, rewatch the chain stitch section as many times as you want.
Questions? Email info@sewingthroughfog.com
