Jean Genius

A contemporary, step-by-step guide to repairing, restyling and repurposing the denim in your closet.

Give new life to your favorite jeans with these simple techniques and inventive designs: repair, restyle, reimagine - and experiment with these genius denim upcycling projects.

Discover that satisfying feeling of turning something old into something new with this practical book from denim expert Janelle Hanna. Teaching sewers of all levels a range of genius jean repair, repurpose and restyling skills, Janelle’s designs will show you how to breathe new life into good denim.

Your favorite jeans can be patched, visibly mended, reworked into a new style, or even cut up to form a completely new garment or accessory. Whether you want a tote bag, a bucket hat, or a fresh new silhouette, this book will inject new life into one of the most loved staples of your wardrobe (and introduce you to a new eco-conscious craft in the process!).

Projects include:

REPAIR
Darning
Crotch repairs
Knee repairs
Patch techniques
Repair pocket bags and pocket scoops
Repair belt loop rip
Hand-stitched repairs Sashiko style
Taking in the waist
Expand the size
Hemming

RESTYLE
Straight to wide leg
Straight to flare
Cut-off shorts
Jeans to skirt
Simple jacket or waistcoat
Splicing

REPURPOSE
Sun hat
Scrap patch pouch
Patchwork tote bag
Visor
Slippers
Patchwork styles