4 Denim DIY Ideas to Upgrade Your Tired Old Jeans
When you finally find the right denim that fits you perfectly, you want to treasure it forever. But let’s face it — for every pair of MVP jeans in your capsule wardrobe there is a slew of outdated or ill-fitting jeans that you haven’t touched in ages. This is the denim you’ll want to DIY. Follow along below to learn the four perfect DIYS that you’ll want to master to turn average denim Instagram-worthy.
Follow along to learn the four denim DIYs that you need to know.
Distressed Denim
Distressing denim takes a little bit of time, but it’s worth it. This is a great project to work on with boring boyfriend-style jeans while you catch up on your latest Netflix binge.
Let’s take a look at the materials.
Materials and Tools:
- denim that has little to no stretch
- zester or cheese grater
- jewelry pliers
- fabric scissors
- seam ripper
- pen
Stretchy jeans are the sh*t, but they are not ideal for distressing. The stretchy fibers of the jeans will leave you with distressed white strands that look like a bowl of spaghetti. Stick to jeans that have a hefty weft for that classic distressed look.
Use a pen to mark where you’ll want distressed patches. Cut two lines and use a zester to help loosen the navy threads. Pull out the navy threads using pliers or a seam ripper.
Add more areas of distress by cutting slits in the jeans and distressing the edges or just taking a cheese grater straight to the denim.
Distressed to perfection.
Denim Cutoffs
Finding the perfect pair of cutoffs is extremely tricky. Our best advice? DIY your own!
Let’s take a look at the supplies.
Materials and Tools:
- denim that has little to no stretch
- zester or cheese grater
- fabric scissors
- measuring tape
- chalk
Pro Tip — You can always cut off more, but you can never add extra back on. This is the golden rule for creating cutoffs. Measure five inches down the inner leg of the jeans and cut off. Try the jeans on and use chalk to measure the perfect length for your body. When trimming off the extra jean, you’ll want to cut a straight line that slightly curves up once you reach the outer edge. This will give your cutoffs more of a polished look.
There is a time and a place for skin-tight stretched denim, but that time isn’t now. Use a pair of jeans that are loose in the legs — no one wants the shorts to be digging into their thighs.
Who wears short shorts?! (But not actually short, just the perfect length)
Patched Denim
Patches are a standout trend for 2017. From quirky, colorful swatches to statement slogans — we love them all. Sarah Jessica Parker was our main inspiration for this piece because, come on, she does style right :)
Let’s take a look at the supplies.
Materials and Tools:
- denim
- 1/4 yard of denim fabric in different shades
- fabric scissors
- Fabri-tac
- chalk or pen
Time to patch it up! Trace the leg of the jean on top of other jean fabric to help get the perfect width patch for your jeans. Use Fabri-Tac to glue onto the jeans and make sure you really get those edges to avoid fraying.
Patch it up and get ready to slay.
Denim on denim on denim — we love it!
Embroidered Jacket
Who can’t get behind a Canadian tuxedo? Get ready to turn all the heads with a denim embroidered jacket that is the perfect finish for any outfit.
Let’s take a look at the materials.
Materials and Tools:
- boss babe print out
- denim jacket
- fabric scissors
- embroidery floss
- embroidery needle
- chalk
- marker
Print out your stencil and trace the back of the letters with chalk. Place (face up) onto your jacket and use a capped pen to trace the letters. Remove the sheet and trace the chalk outline with a washable marker. Use a chain stitch to stitch in the phrase of your choice.
You know what they say… snitches get stitch-ed… jackets.
Boss babe fo’sho.
Dog days of denim.
Show us your latest project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Hair and Makeup – Misty Spinney
Models: Alyssa Rusin, Kelly Bryden, Elena Buenrostro, Rebecca Fong
Photography: Chris Andre
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