How to Fray Jeans
Nothing shouts "love my jeans" louder than a frayed pair of jeans. You can spend money to buy a new pair of jeans that was made to look old, or you can fray your own jeans, save money and achieve the same look.
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Instructions
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Wash and dry the jeans you want to fray. This is especially important if you're using a new pair of jeans as they may shrink after being washed.
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Measure the length of your desired fray. If you cut too much off, you're out of luck. You can mark the place with a pencil and then use a ruler to extend the line across your pant legs.
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Cut off the hem of your pant legs to allow the fabric to begin fraying. Make sure that you don't cut above the fray line or your fray will be too high and look funny rather than cool.
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Fray the edges. You can use a variety of tools to help the edges of your jeans fray. A comb or wire brush rubbed along the edge of the pant leg works especially well. This loosens the fibers and allows you to grab the cross threads. Pull the cross threads out to create longer fray.
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Add sections of wear and tear to your jeans, rather than just fraying the hems. You need to pick areas that naturally wear over time. Use fine grit sandpaper or file and rub horizontally across the jean. This creates a natural worn look without destroying the threads.
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Launder your jeans again after you finish starting the fray. The wash helps to loosen the fibers and increases the amount of fray on your jeans.
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Let time takes its course, if you don't want to artificially fray your jeans. To do this, buy a pair of jeans with an inseam longer than yours. You must wear these jeans often and allow them to drag on the ground as you walk. As they begin to fray, you can pick at the hemline and help the fray along.
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