Jeans hardware: The perfect details for your denim project
You’ve found the perfect denim and the pattern fits – but a true pair of jeans is only complete with the right hardware. Sturdy metal zippers, heavy-duty buttons, characteristic rivets, and the perfect thread turn a simple sewing project into a long-lasting garment that can easily compete with premium store-bought brands. Discover what matters when it comes to these small, metallic details.
Rivets are not just decoration. They were originally patented in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis to reinforce the parts of work pants subject to the most strain—especially the corners of the front and back pockets. They reliably prevent the fabric from tearing under tension.
Rivets are not just decoration. They were originally patented in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis to reinforce the parts of work pants subject to the most strain—especially the corners of the front and back pockets. They reliably prevent the fabric from tearing under tension.
For heavy denim fabrics, only metal zippers are suitable. Plastic coil zippers break too easily under the tensile force of the stiff fabric. Look for sturdy metal teeth (usually made of brass, copper, or nickel)—the exact long-lasting qualities we offer in our shop, perfect for denim projects.
For heavy denim fabrics, only metal zippers are suitable. Plastic coil zippers break too easily under the tensile force of the stiff fabric. Look for sturdy metal teeth (usually made of brass, copper, or nickel)—the exact long-lasting qualities we offer in our shop, perfect for denim projects.
You will often need two types of thread. For the invisible, inner construction seams, a strong universal polyester thread is sufficient. For the iconic, often amber-colored outer seams, you need special jeans topstitching thread (buttonhole thread). This is significantly thicker and more tear-resistant. You can find both variants in our accessories range.
You will often need two types of thread. For the invisible, inner construction seams, a strong universal polyester thread is sufficient. For the iconic, often amber-colored outer seams, you need special jeans topstitching thread (buttonhole thread). This is significantly thicker and more tear-resistant. You can find both variants in our accessories range.
This is surprisingly easy to do at home. You don't need a special sewing machine, just a punch pliers (to pre-punch the fabric) and a hammer. Important: Always attach the rivets on a hard, completely solid surface (such as an anvil or a concrete floor). A normal kitchen table is too springy, which can cause the rivets to bend. Alternatively, there are also special snap fastener pliers.
This is surprisingly easy to do at home. You don't need a special sewing machine, just a punch pliers (to pre-punch the fabric) and a hammer. Important: Always attach the rivets on a hard, completely solid surface (such as an anvil or a concrete floor). A normal kitchen table is too springy, which can cause the rivets to bend. Alternatively, there are also special snap fastener pliers.
The absolute classic for vintage jeans is the button fly. Instead of a zipper, three to four smaller metal buttons are sewn in behind a placket. For many sewers, sewing in a button fly is even easier than inserting a zipper and gives the trousers an incredible heritage character.
The absolute classic for vintage jeans is the button fly. Instead of a zipper, three to four smaller metal buttons are sewn in behind a placket. For many sewers, sewing in a button fly is even easier than inserting a zipper and gives the trousers an incredible heritage character.
