Where can I find material to make jeans out of? The material in fabric stores is usually really thin.?

Answer 1

The better fabric stores have several different weights of denim. I think you are looking at the shirt weight. It is used mostly for shirts and dresses as it drapes better.

Feel each of the bolts of denim fabric and get the one that feels best to you. I have made jeans out of the lightweight shirt denim, and it worked for what I was doing at the moment. I have also gotten the heavier stuff to make skirts out of. I was questioned by one of the clerks one time because I was buying the heaviest stuff I could get.

My daughter and I are still wearing those skirts 15 years later because that is what we wanted.

I got some really nice denim about 8 oz, at Joanne's last summer. But you might look at a site:
http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/catalog_items.aspx?TypID=95&Viewby=Types&Page=1

they have some really good offers.

No, home sewing machines will handle even very heavy canvas without burning out the motor. You just need heavier needles, threads, etc and a good space for laying out your fabrics for sewing heavier fabrics so they don't pull one way or another while trying to sew.

Have fun making jeans and everything else.

Answer 2

I have a feeling they don't sell the thick stuff because it's expensive, and because the $80.00 sewing machines used by most hobbyists won't last long with real denim. It would burn out the motor trying to pull it through the feed dogs. You may have better luck if you try for upholstery denim. There are upholstery fabric stores online, but it would be even better if you could find one locally so you can feel it and make sure it's what you want.
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Answer 3

Go to a place that sells decorating and upholstery fabrics instead of lighter weight goods.

In this area there are places with light-weight only, heavy-weight only and some that have both. A Joann's SuperStore would have both. Specify upholstery-weight.

If you haven't already, lay in a supply of heavy-weight needles and change them as they get dull. I heard some people say that a needle is only "good" for one pair of jeans or similar, after that, it's just too dull.

Answer 4

GO 2 a larger city