A complete, step-by-step course for mastering the art of jeans construction!
Sewing Classes
Learn to Sew Jeans | Sewing Class
CHOOSE YOUR PATTERN:
Includes your choice of our bestselling jeans patterns:
Frank Jeans, Ginger Jeans, Morgan Jeans or Jude Flares.
Related products:
You don’t need to be fearless — you just need to get started.
Sewing your own jeans isn't about mastering impossible skills or getting everything perfect on your first try. It's about learning techniques that work, building confidence as you go, and finishing with something you're genuinely excited to wear.
This online class shows you how.
Master the art of sewing a classic pair of jeans, using just your home sewing machine. Our bestselling jeans class has been completely refilmed with all new content, bringing you hours of clear, entertaining instruction that breaks down every step of the construction process — and includes your choice of any bestselling Closet Core jeans pattern so you have everything you need to get started!
Over 12 detailed lessons, you'll master the complete jeans construction process — from selecting the right denim and cutting to prevent leg twist, through professional seam finishes and flawless topstitching, all the way to installing rivets and hardware like a pro. We cover both stretch and non-stretch denim, with every technique demonstrated for home sewing machines. You'll learn how to choose a size that's right for you, construct fly zippers or button flies with confidence, and nail the finishing details that make your jeans look store-bought but better (because YOU made them!) This course doesn't just show you what to do — it teaches you why techniques work, when to use them, and how to troubleshoot when things don't go exactly as planned.
With over a decade of teaching jeans construction in person to hundreds of real students, your instructor Heather Lou knows exactly where people get stuck and what makes everything suddenly click. She's distilled all of that classroom experience into online lessons that are genuinely entertaining to watch — because learning complex techniques shouldn't feel like homework. You'll get her proven methods delivered with humor and insight, plus the insider tips and shortcuts she's developed over years of hands-on instruction that you simply won't find anywhere else.
Our teaching philosophy prioritizes progress over perfection. We want you to have fun, build confidence as you go, and celebrate when you're done. You'll finish with jeans you're genuinely proud to wear plus a deep understanding of construction techniques you can apply to any jeans pattern, with skills that improve every time you sew.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Choose Denim, Supplies & Tools with Confidence
You’ll learn how to confidently select denim for your project including:
- How denim weight, composition, and recovery affect fit and wear
- How denim is woven and and how to prevent leg twist
- When to use stretch vs. non-stretch denim
- Raw vs. pre-washed denim and how to get natural fades
- Where to find quality denim and what makes it worth sewing
You’ll also build the right tool kit – needles, thread, feet, and hardware — so nothing derails you later.
PROFESSIONAL RESULTS FROM HOME
Discover our Core Jeans Sewing Techniques
You’ll master the foundational techniques that make jeans look professional and store-bought, such as:
- Durable seam finishes with both a regular sewing machine and a serger, including flat fell seams and a quick serged version
- Consistent, straight topstitching (even on thick layers!)
- Thread, tension, stitch length, and needle setup for flawless results
- Pressing tips and tricks for thick fabric and bulky seams
- How to find the perfect size for your body and grade in-between sizes to get the best fit out of the package
BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
Sewing & Finishing Your Jeans
Following along step-by-step, you'll construct your jeans from beginning to end, including:
- Two pocket styles, including a supportive pocket stay
- Perfectly sewn back pockets, with tips on locating them to emphasize your best ass-ets
- Both a classic zipper fly and traditional button fly closure
- A comfortable, stable waistband that moves with your body
- Strong side seams and inseams that will stand the test of time
- Classic details like belt loops and hems
- Rivets and jeans buttons installed at home using tools you already have
- Final buttonholes and finishing touches
- Care tips to extend the life of your jeans
Is This Class Right for You?
Here's how to know if this comprehensive jeans-making course is a good fit:
✔️ You've been intimidated by jeans but want to try
✔️ You've sewn garments before and want to level up
✔️ You want jeans that fit your body, not a size chart
✔️ You value understanding over shortcuts
This might not be for you if:
❌ You want a quick one-hour project
❌ You're not interested in learning foundational skills
Preview the Class
Lifetime access ~ Watch anytime ~ Revisit techniques forever
Choose Your Jeans Pattern:
You're welcome to use any jeans pattern you already own, including men's jeans or patterns from other companies. However, to make getting started as easy as possible, your enrollment includes your choice of any bestselling Closet Core jeans pattern, so you can jump straight into sewing with a pattern you can trust. Choose from the following:
- Frank Jeans, our latest “build-your-own” jeans designed for non-stretch denim with three leg shapes and two rises, available in PDF format (sizes 0-20 + 14-32)
- Ginger Jeans a skinny jean designed for stretch denim in high or low rise in PDF format (sizes 0-20 + 14-32) and Print format (sizes 0-20)
- Morgan Jeans, a more relaxed non-stretch jean in PDF or print format (sizes 0-20) and Print format (sizes 0-20)
- Jude Flare + Bootcut Jeans for stretch denim in PDF format (sizes 0-20 + 14-32)
- Want to choose another pattern from our library, or coming with your own pattern? Choose “no pattern” in the dropdown when it’s time to checkout and enjoy a reduced price!
Print patterns will be shipped directly to you. For instant gratification, choose a PDF pattern; see our guide to printing and assembling PDF patterns .
FRANK JEANS - STRAIGHT LEG
FRANK JEANS - WIDE LEG
FRANK JEANS - STRAIGHT LEG
FRANK JEANS - BARREL LEG
Ginger Jeans
Morgan Jeans
Ginger Jeans
Jude Flare Jeans
Also Included:
Beyond the video lessons, you'll get practical resources to make construction easier and help you customize your jeans:
- Detailed supply lists for fabric, notions, and tools
- Downloadable jeans & pants fitting guide to help you diagnose common fitting issues
- Printable resource of over 30 back pocket designs to help you personalize your jeans
- Watch anywhere video lessons with closed captioning
Designed to Help You Succeed:
Meet Your Instructor
Heather Lou is the force behind Closet Core Patterns and Core Fabrics. As a pattern designer and sewing educator, she has been writing and teaching about sewing for over a decade, and has taught thousands of people to sew, both online and in sold-out sewing workshops across North America & Europe. Her work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, Seamwork, Love Sewing and Sewing World magazine.
With her contagiously positive attitude, Heather’s teaching style is fun, approachable, and filled with helpful tips and techniques to help you transform the outfits in your imagination into a self-made wardrobe you love — not one you’re limited to buying off the rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm pscyhed about making my own jeans! How do I get started?
Welcome to the class that changes everything about how you make and wear jeans! To get sewing, click on the button at the top or bottom of this page, choose your pattern format, and you'll be automatically enrolled in your class after checkout. The link to login to the class will be sent to you via email. Please check your spam folder if you don't receive it after finalizing your purchase.
When does this class start and finish?
The class includes on-demand video lessons you can watch anytime, at your own pace. You’ll have lifetime access so you can revisit techniques whenever you need them.
Can this class help me fix fit issues?
This class focuses primarily on jeans construction rather than in-depth fitting. That said, it does include guidance on choosing the best size and making basic pattern modifications. You’ll also receive access to our Jeans Fitting Guide, which walks you through common adjustments to help fine-tune the fit of your jeans.
In addition, a dedicated staff member is available in the private class forum to answer questions and help you refine the fit as you work through the course.
Will I learn how to topstitch and finish seams like a professional?
Yes. The class breaks down topstitching setup (thread, needle, tension), marking and guide techniques, and seam finishing options like faux and true flat-fell seams. These methods are tailored to home sewing machines.
Does this class teach zipper fly and button fly construction?
Yes — both zipper fly and button fly methods are covered. You’ll learn the mechanics behind each, how to prepare pattern pieces accordingly, and step-by-step construction tips so your fly looks and functions like a professionally made pair of jeans.
What weight of denim should I use for this class?
We recommend denim between 10–12 oz for your first pair – the sweet spot is 11 oz, which is easy enough to work with without being too stiff or heavy. The class includes guidance on identifying denim weight and choosing fabric that will sew well on a home machine.
What supplies do I need to get started?
The class includes a complete supply list, along with guidance on where and how to source each item. At a minimum, you’ll need a sewing machine (a serger is optional), an iron, denim needles, denim fabric, pocket lining fabric, both regular and topstitching thread, and a jeans button.
Any additional tools or specialty items are clearly explained in the class so you can decide what’s worth adding to your setup. You can find everything you need at our sister brand Core Fabrics.
How long does the class take to complete?
It’s completely up to you. The full class includes just over 8 hours of video across 12 lessons, but you don’t need to watch every lesson start to finish. You’re welcome to dip in and out, focusing on the techniques and sections that are most useful to you.
Binge-watch in a weekend, take it slowly over time, or return to specific lessons whenever you need them — there’s no time limit and you can revisit the class as often as you like.
How do I get my patterns? Are print and PDF patterns included?
Yes — you may choose either print or PDF for your included pattern. PDF patterns are available for instant download after checkout (which you can print at home or at a copy shop) while print patterns are shipped directly to you.
Can I use this class with any jeans pattern — not just Closet Core?
Absolutely. While your enrollment includes one Closet Core jeans pattern, all of the techniques you learn (fabric selection, cutting, fit adjustments, topstitching, hardware installation) apply to any jeans pattern you choose — including patterns from other designers.
How long can I access the class?
All day, every day — but yes, for real, this class includes lifetime access. Once you enroll, the class is yours to revisit as often as you like, on any device, with no expiration.
Customer Reviews
I just finished the most recent jeans making class and have learned so much. I used the Frank Jeans pattern and am delighted with the fit and the whole sewing process. Heather provided excellent instructions and recommendations for making adjustments and personalizing the pattern, details and fit. An excellent class. Also loved the surprise at the end. Many thanks to Heather and the Closet Core team for another exceptional resource.
This class is an absolute must (especially the lovely revised edition!) for when you are making your first jeans. Heather takes you through each step in an beautifully clear instructional way - you understand why, you see her do it and then you have the confidence to try. She also gives many tips for when things go wrong. I have rewatched this everytime I make jeans if it has been a while as there is always something I have forgotten.
I’ve been sewing my own clothes since I was about 6. (I still remember my first skirt with blue corduroy in the front and white sheeting in the back.) I wondered how much I would learn with an online class. I’ve just finished assembling the back (lesson 8), and I can say I’ve learned a lot that I will be able to use going forward, including tricks for serging, keeping top stitching even, and inserting the zipper. I’m not thrilled with how much too long my zipper is right now, but I have what I need to shorten it. My hands are quite blue from the indigo in my denim. I am absolutely thrilled with the class, and have watched everything all the way through once and then gone back and re-watched sections as I need them. I know I will watch again as I plan to use the denim I have leftover to make a pair of shorts and then will continue my adventures in jeans. I’ve re-watched the lesson on flat-felling several times as I have done that across the yoke. I just bought some beautiful plaid suiting so I’ll probably go for the class on the suit jacket, and I might take the class on the winter coat because I have one I’m planning to make with an interlining. I think my jeans are looking way more professional than they would have without the class. Things would have been a bit easier without my helper, but he is a cute terror.
Honestly I didn't think there would be much of a difference from the original jean class and this new one.... Boy, was I wrong! Heather never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge and teaching style! Love it! I also REALLY appreciated the section on making muslins and pattern grading.
What a wonderful class. I signed up with the original version, and 2.0 dropped shortly after. I learned so much from both. My first pair of jeans is in a stretch twill (a kind and gentil fabric to start with). I have 3 different denims to try next and I cant wait!
I haven’t even started the sewing techniques portion and am so glad I bought this! I already made a pair of jeans before taking this course. I now know how to cut the fabric so that the jeans won’t twist and how to grade! This is worth every penny I paid for it.