DIY Tips for Denim Jeans
Giving a basic pair of jeans personality and style is easy, requires only minimal sewing skills or none at all, and can add life to old or out-of-date jeans. You can also create a designer look for less by putting a bit of time into aging a new pair of jeans. Add variety to your wardrobe by buying several of that perfect pair and making them your own. DIY jeans looks can vary from suburban to punk, but the right jeans are an essential in every woman's wardrobe, young or old.
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Aging and Distressing
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If you want that old, faded and worn look, distressing your own jeans is one option. You will need dishwasher detergent, small sharp scissors and sandpaper. You may also want dryer balls or tennis balls for your dryer as well as a dremel tool or angle grinder. Cut off excess length with scissors, leaving the edge unfinished. Use sandpaper, a dremel tool or an angle grinder to shred and wear the denim where desired. Apply liquid dishwasher detergent to areas that would wear naturally. Knees, the bend at the top of the leg, the hip, and the hemline are all common areas. Allow the detergent to sit on the denim for 30 minutes to an hour. Wash and dry, using tennis balls or dryer balls to increase the fraying on your newly distressed denim.
Paint Your Jeans
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You can paint denim using oil-based paints. You will also need a mixing palette and a flat, fairly broad paintbrush. Start with clean jeans. If you are working with new jeans, wash them prior to painting. You can work on any color of denim and paint as much or as little of the jeans as you like. Allow to dry thoroughly. Oil paints should remain wearable and flexible. You can opt to combine two pairs of jeans if you would prefer a solid black back and a painted front. You could also simply paint the hemline or a few details for a more subtle painted look.
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Ribbons, Trims or Fabric
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Add a playful touch to your jeans with ribbon or other fabric trims. This option is a good way to hide hem alterations or repair a frayed hem. These can be attached with a needle and thread by hand or sewn on by machine if you prefer. You can also add purchased appliques to your jeans. While some iron-on appliques are available, these may wear poorly. Consider stitching down iron-ons after ironing them into place. Save old jeans with these tricks or simply give a new pair a fresh look.
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