What is denim fabric?

Jeans are an iconic fabric that has survived the ages and trends, becoming a must in our wardrobes. Whether you're a casual style fan or a fashion enthusiast, it's hard to deny the cultural impact and fascinating history behind this fabric. Are you familiar with its captivating story?

The history of jeans

The word "Jean" itself has interesting origins since it comes from a cotton twill fabric called "Fustine de Gênes"; often used to make durable workwear. 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 famous for exporting this textile, which was sought after throughout Europe. Genoese sailors were particularly known for wearing denim clothing, as this material was durable and hard-wearing. The sails of Genoese ships were also made of this textile. As sailors traveled and traded, jeans began to spread to other regions, gaining popularity and becoming synonymous with quality and longevity.

It was thanks to this reputation and the diffusion of jeans through trade that Levi Strauss, a German immigrant, chose this textile to create his famous denim pants at the end of the 19th century in California. Levi Strauss' pants, initially intended for manual workers, quickly conquered a wider audience, transforming jeans into a must-have garment thanks to their quality and robustness.

So, although the term "jeans" originated in Italy, it was thanks to the ingenuity of Levi Strauss and the growing popularity of jeans in the United States that this garment gained its worldwide fame and place in the world. fashion history. Today, jeans remain a symbol of style, versatility and durability, carrying on the legacy of its past while remaining an essential piece of our modern wardrobes.

Now that you know the fascinating history of jeans, you are surely curious to discover the secrets of their manufacture. Dive into the details and explore the artisanal techniques as well as the modern processes that transform these raw materials into an iconic fabric. Prepare to be amazed by the innovations and milestones that go into creating the jeans you know and love.

The making of jeans

Manufacturing jeans is a process that combines both traditional artisan techniques and modern technological advancements to achieve the durable, versatile and timeless fabric we all appreciate.

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

Denim is primarily made from cotton yarns, chosen for their strength and durability.

Spinning

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

Weaving

Weaving is a crucial step where the warp and weft threads are intertwined to form the fabric. Jeans are usually woven using a technique called "twill weave". This creates a distinctive diagonal texture, known as the "z-diagonal effect", which characterizes jeans.

Dyeing

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

Finishes

After dyeing, the jeans undergo various finishes to give them the desired final look. Washing, brushing, aging and treatment processes can be used to create effects such as faded denim, distressed denim or raw denim.

Once the jeans are made, they are ready to be used in the making of iconic garments such as jeans, jackets and shirts.

How to sew with jeans?

Denim is a versatile and sturdy fabric that offers many creative sewing possibilities. Whether you want to make pants, a skirt, a jacket, or even accessories, sewing with jeans can seem daunting at first. But don't worry, in this handy guide, we'll provide tips and tricks to help you succeed with your sewing projects using jeans. Discover the specific techniques, the tools needed, as well as tips for finishing and maintaining your denim creations.

Choice of jeans

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

Classic jeans are a go-to choice for many sewing projects. Whether you prefer stretch or non-stretch, you get exceptional versatility. You can create an impressive variety of clothes and accessories, such as pants, jackets, overalls, skirts, dresses, bustiers, shorts, cushions, bags and even poufs.

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

Choice of accessories

Use a suitable needle, such as a jeans needle or a good quality universal needle. We advise you to sew with Schmetz 130/705 90/14 or 100/16 needles for larger thicknesses.

Use a presser foot suitable for sewing on jeans, such as a denim presser foot or a dual feed presser foot.

Feel free to lengthen your stitch length if you use reinforced stitches, such as the zigzag stitch or the triple stitch, to ensure the strength of the seams.

Jeans Care

The specific care instructions for our jeans to preserve its durability are specified on the site. The jeans are washable at a maximum of 30°C, can be 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 jeans inside out before washing to prevent excessive wear.

Sewing with jeans can be a real pleasure once you master the proper techniques and tricks. So, get out your sewing machine and get started on creative projects with jeans!

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