How to Razor Jeans

Distressed jeans are the latest fashion trend. Although there are many ways to distress jeans, including using sandpaper, the easiest and quickest way is to take a razor to your jeans. Using an inexpensive disposable razor, it is possible to create worn, faded areas in your jeans, as well as gaping holes and frayed edges.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric chalk (optional)
• Block of wood
• Disposable razor(s)
• Straight-edge razor
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Decide where you want to work on your jeans. Mark off areas you would like to fade, as well as areas that you might want to create holes or tears. You can use fabric chalk or a light pencil.

2. Create faded areas. Place a wood block underneath the fabric (you may have to insert it into the leg of the jeans). Pull the fabric tight and "shave" the fabric using the disposable razor so that lint comes off. Blow the lint out of the razor occasionally. Continue shaving until the color fades to the look you prefer.

3. Create holes by using a straight-edge razor. Take the razor and press down hard on the jeans and against the block of wood until you have a hole. Use the razor to pluck individual threads out for a torn, ragged look, or grab some scissors and make a big hole.

4. Fray the edges of your jeans by running a razor along the bottom leg holes of the jeans, as well as any seams, including pocket seams.

5. Wash and dry the jeans to remove any clinging lint, then examine the finished product. If it's still not to your taste, break out your razor and work on the jeans again.

Tips & Warnings

• Scissors and box cutters also work if you do not have a razor or a straight-edge razor.