Embroidered and bohemian looks continue to be a perennial spring and summer fashion favorites, and  beading and textile embellishments on jeans continue to be a part of many fashionistas closets. Maybe you don’t have $100 to spend on a trendy new pair of jeans, can’t find anything that fits your fabulous plus-size curves right, or just plain like to do crafty things.

Solution: make you’re own! It’s fun, easy and affordable. Just take a new or old pair of plain, un-embellished $30 jeans, make a  trip to your local fabric store for another $5 worth of supplies, and add a little creativity. Voila! You’ve got a fab new pair of jeans that no one else in the world has!  These techniques can be used on skirts and jackets too, so use your imagination.

Here’s how to make your own embellished jeans:

Type A: Satin Cuff

This style goes great with the satin kimono tops and dresses that are so hot this year.

Supplies: 1 pair of jeans - any style; 2 yard patterned brocade band; 1 package satin blanket binding; scissors, iron,  fabric glue, fusing strips or needle & thread

• Cut two pieces of blanket binding the width of the pant leg plus 1 1/2 inches.
• Press open seam in binding.
• Cut four pieces of trim, the length of blanket binding.
• Stitch, glue or fuse two pieces of trim to the top and bottom edges of the blanket binding, making a “cuff”.
• Line bottom of cuff up with bottom hem of pant leg. Stitch, glue or fuse to jeans.
• Stitch, glue or fuse the top edge in place on jeans.
• Add a colorful scarf or piece of trim through belt loops for the final accent.

Type B: Embroidered Cuff Jeans

A little more BoHo in flavor, these jeans are great with hippie tunics.

Supplies: 1 pair of jeans - any style; 1 yard patterned woven band; 1 yard loop fringe; Scissors, Iron,  Fabric Glue, Fusing Strips or Needle and Thread

• Measure around bottom of pant leg and cut two pieces each of the band and the fringe, plus 1/2″ more for overlap.
• Line bottom of fringe up with pants hem and fuse, glue or stitch in place.
• Line bottom edge of band to top of fringe and glue, fuse or stitch in place.
• Hint: For a clean finish, turn under end of trim or fringe and attach over other raw edge. Also, start and end at inside seam of pants.

Type C: Leg Embelishments and Appliques

Let your creativity go wild, creating a unique pair of designer style jeans that no one else will ever have.

Supplies: 1 pair of jeans - any style; As many appliqués as you want;  Iron,  Fabric Glue, Fusing Strips or Needle and Thread

• Pin on appliqués until you work out a pattern that you like
• Stitch, glue or fuse appliqués in place.

Need to find your base pair of jeans or fashions to go with your fabulous new pair of jeans? Check out:

• Plus-Size Jeans Directory: Sizes 12-34w
• Young and Trendy Full-figured Fashion Directory
• Artsy and Ethnic Fashion Directory
• Elegant Plus Big Book of Style

So get those creative juices flowing and create your own fashion with flare.

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