Denim is a fabric essential in many sewists’ stashes. It comes in a wide range of weights and washes, and can be used for many garments.
Compressed denim can be used to make a variety of upcycled items, including knife handles. It can also be a great material for creating quilts, rugs and upholstery pieces.
Paracord or Leather Cord
Paracord is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope that was originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II. Though still used by the military today, it has also become a general purpose utility cord by civilians.
Its breaking strength is 550 pounds hence the name paracord or 550 cord. It consists of an outer sheath of thirty-two strands and seven braided strands inside the sheath all made out of nylon.
The inner strands can be separated and woven in different ways, or even melted together to create longer cord with higher break strength. It’s a must have survival item for preppers or anyone in need of a little extra power.
During World War II, soldiers found many uses for paracord, including boot laces that could be used in the field and in a survival situation. It was also used by astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Adhesive Tape
If your knife handle is covered in a leather guard or other material, you may need to add some adhesive tape for compression. KB Packaging stocks a range of strong double-sided tapes suitable for bonding plastic, metal, paper and wood.
PeelnStick Fabric Fuse Adhesive Tape is a permanent, double-sided, press-on tape designed for fabric, felt and ribbon. It’s washable after 48 hours and can be used to create hems, trims and decorative appliques.
Start by making a loop that matches the length and width of the handle. The loop should be centered in the middle of the handle.
Repeat this step with the other end of the cord. Cross the right end over the top of the handle, beneath your first loop. Slip the left end under the right, drawing it through from the bottom and out from the top.
The two ends should form a loose loop over the width of the handle. The intersection of this loop should be at the right side of the handle.
Knife Guard
Compressed denim makes a great material for making knife handles. It is lightweight and holds up well in a washer. You can also use it to make a sheath that will protect your knife blade from moisture and provide more protection from damage.
To create a sheath, fold a piece of fabric in half, right sides together, and then open it on a strip of heavy-duty bias tape. Machine stitch around the tape 1/4 inch from the fabric edges.
Next, line up your pattern pieces so that they match up, making sure that the edges are straight and that you have a visible embroidery design. Trace your template outline on the felt sheet using a disappearing ink marker.
Stitch the outside pinked edge of the sheath along the marked stitch line, forming a nice tight, clean edge. Be careful not to sew along the smooth edge, as that will cut into your embroidery design. If you have trouble getting the edges of your sheath to line up, try cutting the fabric pieces a bit wider before sewing.
Thread
For a knife sheath, you need a durable material to protect the blade from wear and tear. Plastic canvas is a good option because it doesn’t need to be treated with leather and can easily be found at most craft stores.
You can also use thread to make a sheath for your knives. Denim thread from Gutermann creativ is a great choice because it’s easy to use, secure and is resistant to wear.
It’s a strong polyester and has a little stretch to it so it can flex with the fabric. It comes in a variety of colours and is perfect for sewing denim.
Rather than using an iron-on patch, you can create your own by making a piece of compressed denim about 1-2 inches wider and longer on each size. Then stitch it in place with thread. You can then use the same method to repair other areas of your jeans. This will ensure your patch will last as long as the rest of the denim on your trousers.