How To: Turn old jeans into a skirt

Summer is just around the corner and those jeans that seemed perfect for winter aren't looking so hot. Put those jeans to use, and make your very own jean skirt. Grab a pair of scissors and a sewing machine and get started.

Turn your old jeans into a cute skirt and embrace your inner designer.

You Will Need

* A pair of jeans
* A ruler
* A pencil
* Scissors
* A seam ripper
* Straight pins
* A sewing machine

Step 1: Measure the length

Measure the length you want the skirt to be from the top of the jeans' waistband down the side seam, adding an inch for the hem. Mark the length across the legs with a pencil.

Step 2: Cut off the legs

Cut off the legs along the pencil line for an even skirt hem. Save the legs for later.

Step 3: Cut along inseam

Turn the jeans inside out and undo the inside seam with the seam ripper to open the legs and crotch.

Step 4: Cut open side seam

Rip open the side seams in the legs to make two scrap pieces.

Step 5: Trim the two pieces to fit the open space

Trim the two scrap pieces to fit the open spaces in the front and back of your skirt.

Step 6: Pin pieces in place, then stitch

Turn the jeans right-side out and pin the scrap pieces into place with the pins running horizontally. Then stitch them into place, topstitching to match the style of the jeans.

Fold the inseam ½ inch before pinning to keep the patch from fraying when you stitch it down.

Step 7: Turn inside-out and hem

Turn the skirt inside out and trim any remaining fabric at the hem. Then pin the hem up ½ inch and sew it.

Step 8: Turn right-side out, wear

Turn your new skirt right-side out, put it on, and show off those gams!

Did you know? In 1974, Volkswagen introduced a line of special edition "Jeans Beetles" with denim seats, colored stitching, and pockets on the back of the headrests.