How to Shred Denim

Shredding denim is as easy as separating horizontal and vertical woven fibers.

The best part about shredding fabrics is that during the process, no mistakes can really be made because the finished project is supposed to look ripped, deconstructed and worn. When shredding denim, there are a few basic steps to get a solid shred across the fabric. As one of the most durable fabrics on the market, denim is woven with horizontal and vertical fibers. The goal in shredding these fibers is to separate them.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Using scissors, cut two slits in the denim piece where you would like the shred to be, making sure to cut at minimum above the hem line. The folded and sewn hem of a pant or short is tough to cut through, let alone shred.

2. Pinch garment with thumb on the inside of fabric and index finger on the outside. Run thumb and index along the cut starting the shred on any loose strings.

3. Holding the slit denim segment, use the tweezers to pull a vertical string out of the cut section. As you pull the vertical weave from in between the slits, the horizontal weave between the slits will resemble the shred.

4. Continue pulling vertical strands between the slits to create the shred width as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Shreds will continue to develop as you wash and wear the denim, giving a more worn and aged look.

References

• You Tube: Deconstructing Denim: How to Create Areas of Shredding/Distressing on Your Jeans!
• Jeans Hub: Destroying/Distressing Jeans