Unknown to many due to its sturdy and thick structure, denim, or that blue fabric usually used in pants and jackets, is made from cotton fibers. Woven in a twill pattern, denim fabric is more durable than most textiles. Some of you might even have those hand-me-down denim pants from your parents or ates and kuyas.
One thing is for sure: denim pieces are among the most dependable closet staples, as they can truly stand the test of time. In this article, the Style Weekend team explores some Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects you can try at home to give a personal touch to your denim pieces, whether they’re new or old.
Denim patches: Unleash your creativity
The team recently joined Old Navy’s Denim Painting Workshop, where artist Angelica So taught participants how to create painted patches.
Materials needed:
- Canvas cloth cut into square or rectangular pieces
- Textile paints
- Mod Podge acrylic sealer
- Paint brushes
- A pencil.
Instructions:
- Choose a design for your denim.
- Begin drawing or painting the design on the pre-cut canvas cloth.
- Wait for the paint to dry completely.
- Once dry, cut the canvas to match the shape of your design, or leave it square, depending on your preference.
- Seal the painting with acrylic sealer, and let it dry.
- Finally, attach your artwork to your denim using the acrylic sealer and allow it to dry.
Angelica advises that to waterproof the canvas design, let it dry on the denim for 10 hours, then wash the item. This will make your design more durable and resistant to water.
Denim painting: A pop of color
If you prefer direct fabric painting, you can try techniques such as freehand, stenciling, or stamping.
Materials needed:
- Fabric paint (designed for textiles)
- Acrylic paint (a versatile option for various surfaces, including denim)
- Textile markers (for fine details or writing)
- Paint brushes or sponges
- Clothes iron
- Parchment paper.
Instructions:
- It’s best to sketch your ideas on paper before painting them onto your denim.
- After finalizing your design, test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the color and coverage are as expected.
- Start working on your design using a sponge or paintbrush.
- Once finished, allow the paint to dry completely.
- After it’s dry, heat-set the paint by ironing over a piece of parchment paper.
Enjoy this fashionable and artistic DIY project this weekend! If you’re in the market for a new pair of jeans, check out Old Navy, an iconic American brand and denim authority for 30 years. They offer a variety of designs for both men and women, including straight-fit, boyfriend-fit, wide-leg, utility, and carpenter jeans for women.
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