Decorate your own denim!

To make the paper patterns, cut out each flower and baste (temporary running stitches that will later be removed) one of the patterns to the jeans. Working around the outside of the pattern, backstitch the petals, stem, and exposed areas of the flower center. If your pattern begins to curl up as you stitch, use small pieces of double-sided tape to hold the paper in place. When you have stitched around the pattern, carefully lift off the paper by snipping and removing the basting threads. If you are uncomfortable eyeballing the rest of the flower center as you finish backstitching the design, cut the petals and stem from the pattern and baste the flower center pattern back in place; remove the paper and basting threads when finished, if applicable. Stitch the accent lines on the petals with running stitches that start from the flower center and point to the tips of the petals, as shown on the pattern.

Place the remaining patterns where you wish on the jeans. I stitched 8 orchids on the outside of the right leg that start near the ankle and extend toward the hip. I did not stitch on the knee of the jeans because that is where the jeans get narrow, making it difficult to turn the needle; keep this in mind when you choose the placement of your orchids. Mix up the number of orchids, placement, and colors as you wish-anything goes! Wash jeans in cold water.

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