How to Easily Fray Jeans

Frayed jeans are always in fashion and are easy to create.

Frayed jeans are always in fashion in one way or another. If this is your first attempt to fray jeans, make sure you use an old pair in case you mess up. Once you get better at fraying jeans, you can buy new pairs and customize them with your personal flare. Fraying jeans makes them look old anyway, so it saves you money to fray your own.

Things You'll Need

• Jeans
• Nail file or sandpaper
• Skissors
• Wire brush
• Pencil or chalk
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Wash, dry and iron the jeans. If you are buying a new pair, they shrink in the dryer, which will help you determine the length.

2. Measure the length of the fray. Use a pencil to mark off the length that you want and a ruler to make sure the cut-off will be even. It is best to wear the jeans when marking them so you know what the fray may look like when finished.

3. Cut off the hem of the pant legs to may the fray easier, and then cut along the line you marked where you want the fray. Do not cut higher than your line or your pants could be ruined.

4. Tear along the edges of your cut using the wire brush to create the frayed look. Continue combing the fabric until it begins to acquire the desired look. If you want to create a longer fray, pull at the loosened threads with your hands to help unravel the denim.

5. Rub the nail file or sandpaper repeatedly on the desired fray location along areas that are not at the bottom of the pants. Choose areas that are subject to wear and tear to make your work look more realistic. Splatter paint or bleach on the jeans if you want to create an even more frayed look.

6. Wash the jeans again to see if your work created the desired effect.

References

• "Great Clothing from Sweatshirts, T-Shirts and Denim"; Susan Parker Beck; 1998