How to Cut Knee Holes in Jeans: 12 Steps
Step 1: Choose the jeans
Select a pair of jeans you want to customize. They could be an old pair that needs some revamping or a new pair. Make sure you’re comfortable with potentially damaging the jeans in case things don’t work out as planned.
Step 2: Gather your materials
To cut knee holes in your jeans, you will need a marker (like a fabric pencil or chalk), sharp scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and sandpaper or a small grater.
Step 3: Wear the jeans
Put on your jeans and stand in front of a mirror. This helps to determine the exact location where you want to cut the holes.
Step 4: Mark the area
Using your fabric pencil or chalk, mark the center point of where each kneecap is on the jeans while you’re wearing them. You can also make horizontal lines above and below your kneecap for better guidance.
Step 5: Lay your jeans flat
Remove the jeans and lay them on a flat surface with the marked area facing up.
Step 6: Measure and mark again
Use your ruler or measuring tape to measure equal distances above and below the center points marked earlier. This measurement depends on how big you want the holes to be. For example, if you want a 2-inch hole, mark one inch above and below each center point. Draw parallel lines to connect these marks, creating rectangles around each kneecap area.
Step 7: Insert cardboard or magazine
Place a cardboard piece or magazine inside each leg of your jeans to prevent accidentally cutting through both layers of fabric.
Step 8: Start cutting
Using sharp scissors, carefully cut along the top line of each rectangle. Make sure you only cut through one layer of denim at a time.
Step 9: Cut through individual threads
Once you’ve cut the top line of each rectangle, use the tip of your scissors to cut through individual threads at regular intervals without cutting the bottom line. This creates a frayed effect and helps achieve a distressed look.
Step 10: Sandpaper or grate the edges
To enhance the distressed look and soften the edges, rub sandpaper or a small grater along the cut lines and the frayed areas. This will remove any excess fabric and give your knee holes a natural, worn appearance.
Step 11: Wash and dry your jeans
Toss your jeans in the washing machine and then in the dryer to further distress the knee holes. The laundry process will help fray the cut edges more naturally.
Step 12: Try on your customized jeans
Put on your newly customized jeans with knee holes to see how they fit and show off your unique style.
By following these 12 simple steps, you can create fashionable knee holes in your jeans, giving them a trendy and personalized update.