Distressing Denim, Topstitching And Attaching Jeans Rivets/Buttons

About

You Will Need (12 things)

Steps (13 steps, 60 minutes)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 5

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 9

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

10. 10

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

11. 11

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

12. 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!

13. 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.