Crocheted Edge Denim Cut Off Lace Shorts

Does that title make sense to you? I am trying to improve my search ranking, lol!

Okay, let's see a virtual show of hands. Who knows how to crochet a lace edge? Aaaand who knows how to do basic embroidery? Aaaand, who likes these cut off shorts?

Crocheted edge denim cut off lace shorts

I gained inspiration for these from a few places. First, I love all of the lacy dolphin tail cut offs that have been floating out there in Pinterest-land since last year. Second, I love the vintage style crocheted edge on pillowcases, also seen out there in Pinterest-land lately. Why not combine the two? 

Crocheted edge denim cut off lace shorts

Cute, right? I included a bit of a dolphin tail in the cut of the leg.

Crocheted edge denim cut off lace shorts

Since I rarely photograph myself making stuff I will just tell you how to do this.

1. Cut the legs from your shorts. Save the legs 'cuz there are oodles of things you can do with denim. Or just send them to me. I can't get enough of them!
2. Head to your sewing machine. Do not fold a hem if you like the tattered look. Use a fairly small zig zag stitch above the cut, maybe 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Not too far. Sew all the way around each leg. 
3. Thread an embroidery needle with size 10 cotton crochet thread, in the color of your choice (haha, obviously!). Here is where embroidery skills come in. Do a back stitch all around each leg, immediately above your zig zag stitches, about 1/4 inch or a little shorter per stitch.You want to be able to crochet into these stitches using a size E or F crochet hook. (If you turned your hem, use a blanket stitch here instead)
4. Using a size E or F crochet hook, single stitch into your back stitches, inside of the leg, all the way around. Remember to start from the inside so that your frayed edge still shows. 
5. Crochet the edge pattern of your choice. Here is what I did: in first sc, HDC, DC, HDC, sl into next two sc, repeat all the way around. Fasten off, cut a long-ish tail and use your embroidery needle to weave end in.
6. Wash your shorts. This will tatter the edge of the denim and it will relax the crocheted edge, softening it. 

Crocheted edge denim cut off lace shorts

So what do you think?