I’m the first stop on the Indygo Junction Crossroads Blog Tour! Since my tour date happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day, I couldn’t resist choosing Midtown Moss for shorts for my two youngest boys. I used my Sand & Sidewalk Boardshorts pattern and paired the shorts up with store-bought tops. Now my boys are ready to celebrate their Irish heritage in handmade style!
I’ve been sewing with Crossroads Denim for years, and I adore it! It’s a great weight, it’s super soft, and it washes and wears beautifully. It is heavy enough that you may need a denim needle when you’re sewing – you’ll definitely need one for topstitching over multiple layers.For a beautiful finish that gives your denim a professional look, topstitch! Using a twin needle is the simplest option, but if you only have a single needle on hand, just stitch two lines of stitching side-by-side for the same look. Be careful to keep your stitching distance consistent and use a steady hand, especially when sewing the second line of stitching.For topstitching that pops, choose a thread color that is lighter or darker than your fabric. If you’re not sure where to put your topstitching, check your pattern for suggestions, or take a look at a pair of ready-to-wear pants to determine the best locations. Generally, you’ll want to stitch the pockets, the hem and the outside seam. I took a few shortcuts with these shorts, leaving off the belt loops, snap and fly since my boys will always wear them with their shirts un-tucked and those details will mostly be missed. The topstitching, though, can be seen regardless, and it definitely makes them stand out nicely. This pattern has a separate knee panel which adds even more detail … and more topstitching!To celebrate the tour, Indygo Junction is offering 20% off of all purchases from their website using the code “xroads20”.
Follow along with the rest of the tour!
3/17 Fishsticks Designs <<<<<< You are here!
3/18 Today’s Creative Blog
3/19 Cool 2 Craft
3/20 JediCraftGirl
3/23 Sulky
3/24 See How We Sew
3/25 Crafty Planner
3/26 Therm O Web
3/27 Coats and Clark Sewing Secrets
3/28 Indygo Junction
Lizzie says
These are fabulous! I may be dating myself, but they make me think of the Green Jeans story line in the comic, Brenda Starr!
Bonnie says
Thank you, Lizzie! That is so funny! I kept thinking of Mr. Green Jeans from Captain Kangaroo while I was sewing!
Kelly Nagel says
Bonnie, These are great! I bet your boys will be the best dressed today. I love your suggestion to use a topstitch thread that is lighter in color so it will pop. Great Tip! Thanks!
Bonnie says
Thank you, Kelly! They look adorable, and they love their new shorts. I love playing with different thread colors for topstitching. I totally forgot to mention in my post that I did a lighter color for the topstitching on one pair of shorts and darker for the other, both to give them a slightly different look, and so I can quickly tell whose is whose when I’m folding laundry!
LadyD says
Great shorts!
Carmen says
Awesome shorts! I love the color, and they look great on the boys.
Alisa says
Very nice, Bonnie! Your topstitching looks perfect!
Jeanne says
Totally cute website name! Love these shorts and your models are perfect!
I have not sewed with jean fabric before, looks like a great project.