Upgrade the look of denim jeans by adding lace-up ribbon

When it’s time to revamp the wardrobe to include some staple pieces with feminine flair, there's no need to spend lots of money. Well-loved and frequently worn denim jeans provide material that's just right for some fashionable upgrading. A few strategic cuts into the leg will make it simple to design an entirely new look that’s both stylish and versatile.

Incorporating simple eyelets along the length of the denim is all that’s required to create space to loop decorative ribbon. Picking a ribbon in a vibrant hue creates eye-catching contrast to the denim. Once the ribbon is laced, tying it into a charming bow completes this feminine look. Wear lace-up denim jeans during the day or transition them into a piece that’s just right for an evening out.

Materials
- Pair of denim jeans
- Scissors
- Ruler
- White chalk
- Cutting mat
- Eyelet and backing set (8)
- Grommet setting tool
- Hammer
- Yellow ribbon
- Lighter

1. Place a pair of denim jeans on a flat work surface.

2. Cut a slit in the side of the jean leg following the seam from the bottom up approximately 8 inches.

3. Position a ruler along the cut, and mark four points on either side of the ruler where eyelets will be positioned. Use white chalk to make the markings 2 inches apart on both sides.

4. Place the pant leg on a cutting mat and use scissors to cut holes at each of the eight chalk marks.

5. Create eyelets at each of the eight holes using the grommet setting tool and hammer.

6. Cut a length of ribbon that can easily be laced through each eyelet with some excess fabric at the ends.

7. Lace the ribbon through the eyelets, and tie it into a bow at the end of the pant leg.

8. Cut the ends of the ribbon into an angle, and run the lighter lightly along the ends to melt the edges and prevent fraying.

9. Wear the fashionable lace-up denim jeans or create the identical lace-up look on the other pant leg for added feminine flair.