Dive into the world of original denim fabric with our comprehensive exploration of its origin, distinctive features, and current trends. Learn how this iconic cloth has evolved over time and get inspired to incorporate denim into your creative projects.

What is denim fabric?

Denim is an iconic fabric that has stood the test of time and trends, becoming a staple in our wardrobes. Whether you favor a casual style or are a fashion enthusiast, it is hard to deny the cultural impact and fascinating history behind this fabric. Are you familiar with its captivating story?

The history of denim

The word "Denim" itself has interesting origins as it comes from a cotton twill cloth called “Fustian of Genoa”; often used to make durable work clothes. In the United States, workers called their work clothes “Jeans,” named after the city of Genoa, where the fabric was originally woven.

At the time, the Republic of Genoa was known for exporting this cloth, which was sought after throughout Europe. Genoese sailors were especially known for wearing clothes made from original denim, as this material was sturdy and long-lasting. The sails of Genoese ships were also made from this fabric. As sailors traveled and traded, denim began to spread to other regions, gaining popularity and becoming synonymous with quality and durability.

It is thanks to this reputation and the spread of denim through trade that Levi Strauss, a German immigrant, chose this fabric to create his famous denim trousers in late 19th-century California. Levi Strauss’s trousers, initially intended for manual workers, quickly won a broader audience, turning original denim into a must-have garment due to their quality and toughness.

Thus, although the term "denim" originates in Italy, it is thanks to Levi Strauss’s ingenuity and the growing popularity of denim in the United States that this garment gained worldwide fame and its place in fashion history. Today, denim remains a symbol of style, versatility, and durability, continuing the legacy of its past while remaining an essential piece in our modern wardrobes.

Now that you know the fascinating history of denim, you are surely curious to discover the secrets of its making. Dive into the details and explore the traditional crafts as well as modern processes that transform these raw materials into an iconic fabric. Prepare to be amazed by the innovations and key steps that contribute to the creation of original denim you know and appreciate.

The making of denim

The making of denim is a process that combines both traditional craft techniques and modern technological advances to produce the durable, versatile, and timeless fabric we all appreciate.

The jeans we offer are recycled, thus they are labeled "Global Recycled Standard".

Denim is mainly made from cotton threads, chosen for their strength and durability.

Spinning

Cotton fibers are carefully spun to form threads. These threads are then twisted together to create warp and weft threads, which are the fundamental elements of denim.

Weaving

Weaving is a crucial step where warp and weft threads are interlaced to form the fabric. Denim is generally woven using a technique called "twill weave," which creates a distinctive diagonal texture, known as the Z diagonal effect, characteristic of denim. To work this sturdy fabric with precision, many workshops opt to rent Juki sewing machines, thus ensuring professional quality and great reliability during making.

Dyeing

Once the fabric is woven, it is dyed to give it its iconic blue color. Indigo dye, widely used, is applied through successive dye baths. The fabric is then aired to allow the color to fully develop.

Finishing

After dyeing, denim undergoes various finishing processes to give it the desired final look. Washing, brushing, aging, and treatment processes can be used to create effects such as faded denim, aged denim, or raw denim. To ensure strong and neat seams throughout these steps, the use of a Juki overlocker is often preferred by textile professionals.

Once denim is made, it is ready to be used in making iconic garments such as jeans, jackets, and shirts.

How to sew with denim?

Denim is a versatile and sturdy fabric that offers many creative possibilities in sewing. Whether you want to make trousers, a skirt, a jacket, or even accessories, sewing with denim may seem daunting at first. But don’t worry, in this practical guide, we will provide you with tips and tricks to help you succeed in your sewing projects using denim. Discover specific techniques, necessary tools, as well as advice for finishing and caring for your denim creations.

Choosing the denim

Choose the ideal type of denim that perfectly suits your sewing project. Consider the weight of the denim depending on the type of garment or accessory you want to make.

Classic denim is a must-have choice for many sewing projects. Whether you prefer stretch or non-stretch, you benefit from exceptional versatility. You can create an impressive variety of garments and accessories, such as trousers, jackets, overalls, skirts, dresses, bodices, shorts, cushions, bags, and even poufs.

Also explore the endless possibilities of fine denim, whether stretch or not, for making summer clothes and trendy accessories such as shirts, dresses, skirts, flowing trousers, shorts, light jackets, bags, cushions, waist bags, and even tablecloths.

Choosing accessories

Use a suitable needle, such as a denim needle or a good quality universal needle. We recommend sewing with Schmetz needles 130/705 90/14 or 100/16 for thicker layers.

Use a suitable presser foot for sewing denim, such as a denim foot or a walking foot. Juki machines, known for their sturdiness and precision, greatly facilitate this type of sewing. Do not hesitate to lengthen your stitch length if you use reinforced stitches, such as zigzag or triple stitch, to ensure seam strength.

Denim care

Specific care instructions for our jeans to preserve their durability are detailed on the site. Original denim can be washed at a maximum of 30°C, dry cleaned, tumble dried, and can also be ironed at a maximum of 110°C but do not use bleach on this fabric. Avoid overloading your washing machine and turn the denim inside out before washing to prevent excessive wear.

Sewing with denim can be a real pleasure once you master the right techniques and tips. So, get your sewing machine out and start creative projects with denim!

We offer several simple tutorials on our blog if you are new to sewing, also find us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!