Distressing Denim, Topstitching And Attaching Jeans Rivets/Buttons

  ✂︎

Favorite

Comment

List

       

Share

• 

  Step 1

  I distress denim with #220 grit sandpaper. I try to find a foam handle for it to save my nails. 100% cotton distresses the best.
  The blue denim is 96% cotton/4% lycra and the black denim was "unknown" fibres. I literally count how many "rubs" I give to every piece of fabric when distressing with sandpaper - for consistency. It took six times as many rubs on the black "unknown" fibres denim than on the blue 96% cotton denim. The black still doesn't look as good.

• 

  Step 2

  It helps to put the finished jeans on when rubbing with sandpaper too. Then crotch wrinkles and wear at the knees or thighs can be made according to your own body.

• 

  Step 3

  I use a topstitching sewing needle and topstitching thread (not in my bobbin though) and my 1/4″ sewing foot and my blind hem sewing foot to make the stitching lines straight. I like a #4 stitch length on my sewing machine.

• 

  Step 4

  Attaching jeans rivets/buttons is tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you will be fine.
  Supplies needed:
  Nail or brad awl
  Hammer
  Masking tape
  Wood
  Jean rivet kit
  Jeans button kit
  Use your hammer to tap your small nail (I couldn't find a small enough nail so I used a cork screw!) through all your denim layers where you want your rivet hole to go. Make sure your chunk of wood is underneath.

• 

  Step 5

  Poke your rivet post through the hole you just made to open it up.

• 

  Step 6

  Assemble your rivet tool with your rivet top on one side and your rivet post on the other side, as described on your package directions.

• 

  Step 7

  Place your loaded rivet tool with the post back under your denim layers into the hole you already made. Hold the rivet tool closed and give it a few taps (it took 4 or 5 for me) with your hammer. Pop your rivet tool open and your rivet is attached.

• 

  Step 8

  If your rivet has to be applied away from the edge, still use your nail and hammer to make a hole, then place your rivet post in the hole. Load your rivet tool with your rivet top only. Hold it down and give it a few taps - don't hit your thumb - and your rivet is attached.

• 

  Step 9

  Jeans buttons - the technique is the same, the tool and button a bit bigger. Make your hole with your nail and hammer.

• 

  Step 10

  Poke your jeans button post through your hole. Load your jeans button front on your tool.

• 

  Step 11

  Place your loaded jeans button tool on your post and tap a few times (7 or 8) with your hammer.

• 

  Step 12

  Pop off your jeans button tool and there it is - finished jeans button. Practice how many taps it takes to attach it BUT not crush it!

• 

  Step 13

  Tip - I hammer really thick layers of denim before I sew them. The masking tape secures all the layers so I can hammer. Hammering distresses fabric, so hammer the wrong side if you don't want a distressed look.

Comments

Leave your comment