I’m the first stop on the Indygo Junction Crossroads Blog Tour! Since my tour date happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day, I couldn’t resist choosing Midtown Moss for shorts for my two youngest boys. I used my Sand & Sidewalk Boardshorts pattern and paired the shorts up with store-bought tops. Now my boys are ready to celebrate their Irish heritage in handmade style!
I’ve been sewing with Crossroads Denim for years, and I adore it! It’s a great weight, it’s super soft, and it washes and wears beautifully. It is heavy enough that you may need a denim needle when you’re sewing – you’ll definitely need one for topstitching over multiple layers.
For a beautiful finish that gives your denim a professional look, topstitch! Using a twin needle is the simplest option, but if you only have a single needle on hand, just stitch two lines of stitching side-by-side for the same look. Be careful to keep your stitching distance consistent and use a steady hand, especially when sewing the second line of stitching.
For topstitching that pops, choose a thread color that is lighter or darker than your fabric. If you’re not sure where to put your topstitching, check your pattern for suggestions, or take a look at a pair of ready-to-wear pants to determine the best locations. Generally, you’ll want to stitch the pockets, the hem and the outside seam. 
I took a few shortcuts with these shorts, leaving off the belt loops, snap and fly since my boys will always wear them with their shirts un-tucked and those details will mostly be missed. The topstitching, though, can be seen regardless, and it definitely makes them stand out nicely. This pattern has a separate knee panel which adds even more detail … and more topstitching!
To celebrate the tour, Indygo Junction is offering 20% off of all purchases from their website using the code “xroads20”.
Follow along with the rest of the tour!
3/17 Fishsticks Designs <<<<<< You are here!
3/18 Today’s Creative Blog
3/19 Cool 2 Craft
3/20 JediCraftGirl
3/23 Sulky
3/24 See How We Sew
3/25 Crafty Planner
3/26 Therm O Web
3/27 Coats and Clark Sewing Secrets
3/28 Indygo Junction
These are fabulous! I may be dating myself, but they make me think of the Green Jeans story line in the comic, Brenda Starr!
Thank you, Lizzie! That is so funny! I kept thinking of Mr. Green Jeans from Captain Kangaroo while I was sewing!
Bonnie, These are great! I bet your boys will be the best dressed today. I love your suggestion to use a topstitch thread that is lighter in color so it will pop. Great Tip! Thanks!
Thank you, Kelly! They look adorable, and they love their new shorts. I love playing with different thread colors for topstitching. I totally forgot to mention in my post that I did a lighter color for the topstitching on one pair of shorts and darker for the other, both to give them a slightly different look, and so I can quickly tell whose is whose when I’m folding laundry!
Great shorts!
Awesome shorts! I love the color, and they look great on the boys.
Very nice, Bonnie! Your topstitching looks perfect!
Totally cute website name! Love these shorts and your models are perfect!
I have not sewed with jean fabric before, looks like a great project.