Upcycling denim because we needed to get back into the retro feel with our ugly old jeans!
So let's get started, shall we!
Step 1 Collect your old denim; anything you aren't planning to keep in it's current state, get ready to rip it up and bleach it.
Step 2 Cut it! Technically, the cutting is optional. If you want tie-Bleach denim PANTS, you obviously don't have to cut it up, so just skip this step.
However, if you do want to make shorts like we did, it would be a good idea to get a pair of shorts you already own and use it as a template to make your cuts. Cutting shorts so that the legs are the right length can be very tricky. Sometimes you may end up showing too much butt-cheek and then your shorts are useless.
Step 3 TIE IT! You can tie it with whatever durable material you have, remember, it's tie bleach so you'll be dipping this in bleach, a significantly harsher chemical than fabric dye. We used twine and rubber bands, as shown above, both are durable and won't snap in the bleaching process. feel free to twist, curl, fold and tie the fabric in any way you want. The best part about this project is that no matter how much you try to customize the design, you'll be surprised with the turn out.
Step 4 BLEAAACH IT! With a bucket, rubber gloves and bleach (we used Clorox), pour an adequate amount of bleach in the bucket. The amount of bleach will vary, but start with a small, dip-able amount and if need be, add more accordingly. Don't forget to put on rubber gloves because bleach is a skin irritant and corrosive. Dip or even soak your tied up denim in the bleach. Depending on where you do this, it may take a while for the bleach to set in. Based on trial and error, we found that doing this outside on a hot and sunny day will produce optimal results, the bleaching process will take only minutes before you see your denim changing. If done inside, it may take longer because the heat from the sun, when done outside, acts as a catalyst, thus speeding up the reaction process as the bleach takes effect.
Step 5 UNTIE IT! Be careful, you can use scissors or simply use your hands WITH GLOVES and cut or remove the ties from the denim. Leave it out in the sun and watch the bleach take effect.
Step 6 When it looks bleached to your liking, remove it from the sun and wash out the bleach with a hose (if you're outside) or rinse it under a faucet with running water until most of the bleach is washed out.
Step 7 Run it through the washing machine, use the standard amount of detergent and softener for the denim as you would for any load and set it to a denim cycle if your washer has the option.
Step 8 Dry it in the dryer.
Step 9 When the denim is dry and you're satisfied with the look you'll have a retro NEW pair of denim shorts. HOWEVER, it is optional to stud them as we did with ours. There are several ways to embellish your new upcycled shorts, but we used studs with grip teeth as opposed to using hot-iron studs. Either should work. Design the pattern any way you want, the entire project is custom designed to your liking!
*Just a side note, the image quality obviously isn't the best; but we did take them from our iPhones and ran them through instagram filters.
Don't worry, our next DIY projects will have better quality images, I promise!
