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How to Upcycle Jeans with ITH Embroidery Inserts: Creative Denim Makeover Using Tree Skirt Panels & Crazy Patch Blocks
Transform old jeans with ITH embroidery panels for an easy, creative denim upcycle anyone can stitch.
If you’ve ever held a pair of outgrown or well-loved jeans and thought, “These still have potential!”—this project is for you. Adding embroidered inserts is such a fun way to refresh denim, and with Designs by JuJu’s assortment of whimsical tree skirt panels and beautiful quilt blocks, the results are pure joy.
In this post I’ll walk you through the two sets of inserts I recently made for my 7-year-old granddaughter, using panels from the cozy Snowman Tree Skirt and a couple of bright Crazy Patch blocks full of color and texture. Each one turned a simple pair of jeans into a keepsake she’ll treasure.
I’ll guide you through each step so you can make your own with confidence. You’ve absolutely got this!
Supplies
Check out the DBJJ team’s favorite supplies in the Designs by JuJu Amazon store.
- Jeans (any size)
- Fabric scraps in coordinating colors
- Pellon® SF101
- 505® Temporary Adhesive
- Designs by JuJu+ loftySOFT™ Batting
- Designs by JuJu+ tearEZ Tear-Away Stabilizer OR magicMESH Cut-Away Stabilizer
- Embroidery backing (Cloud Cover/Tender Touch)
- Embroidery machine
- Sewing machine
- Seam ripper, rotary cutter, ruler, pins/clips
- DBJJ designs used in this project:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure Desired Insert Area
For my project I wanted the inserts only from the knees down (I’ve seen some online examples of adding inserts from the hip down), so I measured not only my granddaughter’s inseam, but also from her knee down. These two measurements helped me know not only how long to make the insert, but also whether or not I needed to adjust the original hem of the jeans.
I also wanted the bottom of the insert to be about 5” wide, to allow enough space to use some lovely DBJJ blocks and create a nice flare.
Create Insert Template
Create a paper pattern for the inserts using the desired measurements and adding ½” for seam allowances. Draw a long, tapered triangle on paper. This will help your inserts sit smoothly inside the jeans and keep everything even.
Mark and Cut Jeans
Lay the jeans flat and mark a straight line across each leg at the desired distance from the hem, just below the knee.
Open the Outer Leg Seams
Using a seam ripper, carefully open the outer seams of each leg from the hem to the marked line, just below the knee. This creates space for the embroidered insert.
Tip: Go slowly—denim is strong and likes to fight back, but patience pays off.
Stitch Your Embroidery Panels
Using coordinating scraps and batting, I created embroidered panels to be used for the inserts. For one pair, I used the Crazy Patch Blocks Series 1, Set 2 and Set 3 and included beautiful details like webs, florals, and vibrant fabrics. For another pair, I used panels from the ITH Snowman Tree Skirt to add a sweet, wintery twist.
Option A: Crazy Patch Panels
If you love color, texture, and a little bit of quilting magic, this version is pure fun.
- Stitch two Crazy Patch blocks (Set2, Block 8 and Set 3, Block 9).
- Cut coordinating fabric strips in colors that match your patchwork.
- Sew additional strips to extend the blocks into long tapered shapes.
- Cut batting and backing for the panels using the paper pattern.
- Stitch in the ditch and around the outside edges of the panels to join the top, batting, and backing layers.
Option B: Snowman Tree Skirt Panels
These sweet, wintery snow people are perfect for seasonal jeans. Stitch one each of your choice of the Inner, Middle, and Outer blocks to form a triangular panel following the tree skirt instructions.
I chose to add some fusible backing to each panel to protect my granddaughter’s skin from the stitching and to produce a more finished look before sewing inserts into each leg opening.
Trim Your Embroidered Panels
Place the template on the stitched panel and trim the edges so the panel will fit perfectly into the opening.
Pin the Panels into the Jeans
Slide the panel behind the open seam and pin along the exterior side of the jeans that has the original folded seam.
Sew the Inserts
Using a straight stitch, sew the original folded denim seam to the panel insert. In this step you’re basically topstitching along the original folded seam to attach the panel insert. Ensure that the point of the insert lies flat under the point of the opening so that the end result is smooth.
To sew the remaining side of the insert into place, turn the jeans leg inside out and align the raw edge of the insert with the raw edge of the jeans, starting at the hem. Pin or clip in place, being careful to work the point of the insert into the point of the leg opening to keep it smooth.
Bonus: Add a Sweet Surprise Inside
I used glitter HTV (heat transfer vinyl) to add “By Nana” inside the waistband—because those little touches become the memories our loved ones treasure.
Finished Looks
Crazy Patch Jeans
Bright, bold, and full of movement—these inserts make every step look magical.
Snowman Jeans
These wintery friends peek from the hems when the jeans move—so playful and sweet.
Bonus Inspiration
Another talented stitcher, Robin Riley, used panels from the ITH Crazy Patch Tree Skirt to create a charming pair of refashioned jeans. With soft vintage floral fabrics and quilt-style piecing, her version shows just how versatile this idea can be!
Wrap-Up
Upcycling jeans with embroidered inserts is such a fun and creative way to reimagine clothing and showcase your favorite ITH designs. Whether you choose the colorful Crazy Patch style or the cozy Snowman version, each pair becomes a wearable piece of art stitched with love.
Upcycling jeans with embroidery machine designs is the perfect combination of practical and playful—and a creative way to use smaller panels or leftover blocks from other projects. Whether you’re stitching for a child or looking to give your own wardrobe a refresh, this is a project that’s sure to turn heads and warm hearts.
Please share your projects in the Designs by JuJu Embroidery Blessings Facebook Group or anywhere on social media using the hashtag #designsbyjuju. We love to see what you create!
