How to Make Cuts in Jeans With Bleach

Torn, bleached jeans have been going "in" and "out" of style for decades, a pattern that continues to linger. If you'd like to experiment with this trend but refuse to spend extra dough on ripped denim, you can easily create your own pair of distressed jeans at home. Use that well-loved, faded pair hanging in the back of your closet or purchase an inexpensive, plain pair on clearance or at a thrift store.

Instructions

1

Cover your workspace with multiple layers of newspaper.

2

Spread the jeans out on the newspaper. Rub the pumice stone across the jeans to create rips, using horizontal swiping motions.

3

Alternate the pressure you use to create the rips. To create larger holes, rub the jeans vigorously. To create a small cut that will fray slightly, swipe the pumice stone across the fabric only three or four times.

4

Create frays in other areas of the jeans, such as at the bottom cuffs or around the pockets, by rubbing the pumice stone lightly along those areas.

5

Put on the gloves. Pour the bleach into the spray bottle and dilute it with water. The more water you add, the less prominent the bleach spots will be.

6

Spray the jeans with the bleach. Hold the bottle at least one foot away from the jeans when you spray. Spray large amounts of bleach to create intensely distressed denim. For a more subtle look, apply only two or three mists of bleach.

7

Allow the jeans to rest, undisturbed, for approximately 15 minutes. Transfer the jeans to a washing machine. Do not add other clothing items. Wash the jeans in plain water, without detergent.

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