Cut Out + Keep

Distressing Denim, Topstitching And Attaching Jeans Rivets/Buttons

It's not difficult to make a pair of jeans look lived in - whether store bought or Me-Made!

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/distressing-denim-topstitching-and-attaching-jeans-rivets-slash-buttons • Posted by Linda of Nice dress! Thanks, I made it!!

You will need

Project Budget
Getting Pricey

Time

1 h 00

Difficulty

Tricky
Medium 116504 2f2017 06 14 052059 img 3387

Description

Instructions

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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

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

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

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    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!

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    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.