How to Decorate Denim Fabric

Rhinestones

Whether it's a pair of denim jeans for a young girl or a grown woman, denim handbags or totes, decorating adds a whole new dimension to the word "fashion" when it comes to this durable type of material. Denim can be decorated in specific designs or in free-form style, whichever appeals to the crafter's age, interests and artistic ability.

Things You'll Need

• Rhinestones Dimensional fabric paint Buttons Needle and thread Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Decide which embellishments will be used to decorate the denim item you want to enhance: buttons, rhinestones or fabric paint. These are some of the most popular, easy to use and inexpensive.

2. 

   Draw a design, structured or free-form, on a sheet of paper. Excellent areas to decorate are pockets and just above the knee on a pair of denim jeans, or the front of a denim handbag.

3. Free-form designs are easiest to use for decorations, especially if you are decorating denim for the first time. Sew a variety of colorful and different-size buttons, clustered together on a pocket.

4. Push the metal backs of rhinestones through the denim from the back with prongs open. Insert the proper rhinestone on the right side, and close the prongs to keep the rhinestones securely in place with the flat side of a flathead screwdriver. Add each rhinestone in this manner until satisfied with the design.

5. Practice on paper first before creating a design on denim if using dimensional fabric paint. The trick is to let the paint dry thoroughly before touching it.

6. Arrange buttons on the denim before sewing them on. Mix and match. In any decorative form, buttons add an interesting effect to the item decorated.

Tips & Warnings

• Incorporate a theme into the design, such as all-one-color buttons or favorite colors of fabric paint. Embroidery by hand or sewing machine is another way to decorate denim. Choose decorating mediums that will survive washings and wear.

• Avoid using embellishments that may fall off or fail to remain secure. Examples are glitter and hot glue.