If you read this blog you know I’m a huge fan of distressed jeans. Specifically of the boyfriend variety. You know what I’m not a fan of? That, “hey there’s my naked thigh beneath the distressing” look. For one thing, it just looks, I don’t know, drafty and uncomfortable, to say nothing of the fact that your jeans wear out in about a tenth of the time. I’ve got a great pair of boyfriend jeans from ZARA that came pre-lined on the distressing (bless you ZARA), but it’s a pretty simple process, and I thought I’d share with you all how to do it yourself, since finding lined jeans is nearly impossible.
First, you’ll need distressed jeans (obviously), scizzors, heat-n-bond (you can find it at walmart in the sewing section or at any fabric store), some scrap pieces of denim big enough to cover the distressing. Since I’m a shorty and have to hem every single pair of pants I own, these are easy to come by. If you are a little taller and don’t have to trim the bottom of all your pants, an 8th of a yard of denim should do it. Oh, and you’ll need an iron. (side note: I have a serious crush on my iron–it’s literally changed my life, anyways if you’re in the market, it’s the Rowenta DW8080 Iron Pro Master and you can find it here.)
Step 1: Cut denim about an inch bigger on each side than the distressing.
Step 2: Preheat iron to medium (wool) setting. Turn off steam.
Step 3: Cut out heat-n-bond to match scrap denim. Place adhesive, paper side up on the right side of the denim. (normally you’d do the wrong side, but everything is backwards on this one. ;-) Place and hold iron on the paper side of the heat-n-bond for 2-4 seconds, gliding iron to the new area and pressing, slightly overlapping until the entire surface is bonded. Allow denim to cool.
Step 4: Peel off paper backing.
Step 5: place scrap denim, right (adhesive) side down on the wrong side of the pant.
Step 6: Press and hold iron for 10-15 sec. on each section until entire piece is bonded.
Allow to cool and Voila`!
It’s a pretty simple process, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask away in the comments. And never be afraid to mess with your clothes and make them your own. ;-)
Thanks…really cool and simple idea…will be trying this out form myself!
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
I feel the same way! I prefer to have a lining, mostly because I am pasty white and that peeking out from the hole looks so akward, but I also hate to feel the cold air on my knees this time of year! Thanks for the tip, seems pretty easy. I usually just take my to my husbands grandma and she adds a fun different colored jean patch for me :) but now I can try this on my own!
I have a serious crush on ripped jeans and this is such a good idea for preserving them…thanks for the tutorial!
Love this tutorial, what a great idea!
http://www.loveandclothing.com
Such a smart idea! The distressing on my jeans doesn’t go all the way through but this will be great if it does eventually from washing.
~Cheryl
http://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the idea–I’d never considered lining the distressing!
Best idea ever! I hate when I order distressed jeans online and they look lined in the picture only to have them show up and then have half of my hip and thigh exposed (or rather my G’s)! Thanks for the tip!
First of all, I adore your blog and I think your style is absolute perfection. I love the look of distressed jeans but I never wear them because I think my legs would get cold, so this tutorial was perfect!! Question-Have you ever tried distressing jeans yourself? It’s something I would like to try but I’m too chicken!! Thanks for being such a style inspiration!!!
Such a good idea! I’m going to have to try it.
First and foremost, let me say I’m a longtime reader- a quiet lurker, if you will..
Buuuutt today, my FIRST comment ever!
Thanks so much for this tip- bare knees of the world rejoice!! However, how well does the bond hold up? As a “first-time bonder”, any special handling or washing instructions?
Hi Lindsey! Thanks for reading and the comment! You can wash as usual, but I would leave them turned right side out, that way the patch won’t get pulled at in the wash. ;-)
I love the look of distressed jeans but hate my exposed flesh so this is a great idea. My local fabric store sells denim patches with the heat and bond already on there. Pretty cool!
What a clever idea! Thank you so much for sharing!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Also known as maybe I won’t get my toe stuck in my distressing everytime I get dressed. Thanks for the idea Cori!
Hey Cori! Thank you so much. Have you ever done a tutorial on how you hem your jeans? I used to pay about $10 a pair to have it done and have always wanted to learn how. (Now that I am a mommy on a budget, I just cuff;)
thank you for this!! i had a pair of distressed jeans that i loved until i accidentally punched my entire leg through the distressed hole… multiple times. i tend to dress in a hurry :) i still wear them but they look ridiculous. i’ll have to try your technique with the next pair!
Seriously, best tip ever! I have tried a ton of distressed boyfriends lately but they all have major thigh showing (and there is nothing less attractive than G’s peeking out!) Can’t wait to try this!
I JUST tried this. My very very very most favorite pair of boyfriend jeans split down the knee and are getting dangerously threadbare on the backside, so I took a pair of scissors to another pair of old jeans that just don’t work anymore to create patches for my favorites. Like magic. Still so soft and comfortable and perfect … and I’m fully contained. Thank you, Cori!
I found this article on Google! Very Cool! I am guessing this procedure will work using other types of fabrics for the lining (instead of scrap denim). I have a whole bunch of old jeans that have been “retired” over the years due to holes.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.
-Pete
Thank you! I want to try this! I’m just wondering what happens with all the Heat and Bond stickiness that’s exposed through the hole. Does ir stay there and attract pet hair and stuff? Or does it transfer to the ironing board?
I have this same question… worried the stickiness will transfer to the other side of the jeans through the hole…
Perfect! Exactly the advice I was lloking for! Going to try this with my new jeans ;-)