Long overdue post is long overdue.

Finally found the time to edit/post the photos hehe :) This is for everyone asking me how to make ombre jeans ~ I added a cute polkadot roll-up design too! I’m going to use white since it’s easier to dye. Colored fabric (medium-dark) will require some bleaching :) I actually tried it on my black denim shorts and it’s a bit tricky — Will tackle this one next time.

***

MATERIALS:

• White Jeans — Got mine from BENCH since it’s reasonably price and quality is commendable

• Mod Podge Fabric Glue (DIY Modge Podge Tutorial here) or

• Sew no More Glue ( Carolinas / Ace Hardware / True Value )

• Rubber Gloves

• Medium-Large Brush for applying the Glue

• 6-8 packs Venus Fabric Powder Dye (any color you want — Venus brand is available in National Bookstore for only P 5.00 a sachet)

• Empty Syringe and Atomizer — For color trial / If you’re the messy type

• Scotch Tape / Fabric Tape / Masking Tape

• Preferred fabric design for jeans roll-up — Size depends but you won’t be needing that much

***

Imaginary guidelines before starting. You can use a pencil (light) to mark where you want the darkest shade to start and end. I recommend it to be just a bit below the hips. You wouldn’t want it to be covered when you’re wearing a long top, right?

Now you can mark where the middle shade will end (thigh part). For the washed up ( going to white) part, I suggest you mark it just above the knee. Don’t worry, you can always adjust in the process. We just want to avoid dying the entire thing ~ make sure you leave some white parts :)

***

Use 6-8 packs of Venus fabric dye (Use at least 8 if you’re using a light shade) in any color that you prefer. If you’re a beginner, using light shades are easier to control and remedy if you make a mistake.

Add about half an inch HOT water and mix it. 

***

PS: While you’re making your dye mixture, soak your jeans in HOT/WARM water. Don’t soak the parts you don’t want any dye on.

***

It’s important to work in/near an area where a faucet is easily accessible because you’ll be gradually adding more water to lighten the color concentration thus creating an ombre effect. 

First you have to dip section 1 (darkest/most concentrated) for around 5 minutes. You can dip it longer but you have to keep an eye on it to avoid any harsh lines forming. It helps to have a cup of clear water beside you so you can gradually pour in some water on the are where the white part meets the dyed part so wash out the harsh lines. You can also ‘rub’ on the clear water while pouring to better remove harsh lines.

Once you’re satisfied with the color, add more water ( about 20-30% more of what you initially have on the sink) and slowly dip 1/3 of section 2. Don’t forget to mix the water with your hands! As you dip more parts of section 2, gradually add more water to your mixture to lighten the color — this will create the ombre effect. You can run down a bit of water on your jeans as you work on section 2 to avoid any visible/harsh color transitions. Don’t let the water run too much as we don’t want the color to wash out entirely, YET.

PS: Don’t forget to check the back part of your jeans from time to time :)

***

For section 3, repeat the steps for section 2. Notice how my water is now semi-clear. If you picked a dark shade, you can drain down half of your mixture then add clear water. Remember to leave out the bottom part of you want visible white areas. 

PS: The color will be 1-2 shades lighter when dried so don’t panic if the color is too dark for your taste. 

Once you’re satisfied with the ombre, drain out the mixture and replace it with clear water. Soak your jeans in for a bit (except the lightest-white part) 

***

If you decide to reverse the ombre, don’t forget to dry it opposite (left) of what’s seen on the photo above. The reason why the white part should be on top is that color might bleed/drip on the white parts while drying —yuck.

***

JEANS ROLL-UP

This is optional but I think it’s cute :P

***

INVERT YOUR JEANS

Cloth: Thicker cloth is easier to work with but might make your jeans (ankle area) a bit tighter than usual (for skinny jeans). I used chiffon — which is very rebellious and a pain in the butt but since it’s a pink + polkadot pattern — worth it.

You don’t need that much cloth for this :) Just about 3-4 inches in height. Width will depend on the circumference of your jeans (ankle area)

***

Cut out your fabric and make sure it covers the entire circumference. You can cut out any excess fabric after. 

***

Get your brush and fabric glue ready. It’s better to use mod podge as opposed to no sew glue. You can get Mod Podge on ebay and other online crafts store. That OR you can always make your own (DIY Modge Podge Tutorial here) 

***

Position the cloth (leave the folded bottom part of the jeans clear) and tape it in place — one side first.

***

Flip your cloth and begin applying glue generously but not too thick!

***

Glue on your fabric.

Be careful to remove any creases formed when doing this.

You can now work on the other leg/part while allowing the glue to dry.

After you finish both sides, flip your jeans and repeat the process on that side. Connect both ends of your fabric and cut out any excess cloth. You can apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on the fabric (sides) and intersection (where the ends meet) to make sure it stays in place while drying. 

***

Once dry, glue and fold up the folded bottom part of the jeans (The one I told you not to cover with fabric earlier) — allow to dry.

***

Once fully dry, you can wash and iron it to remove any dye and glue residue. This is how it should look like :)

If you don’t want to see the jeans roll up, simply roll it back down and you’re back to your basic ombre jeans (duh)

Hope this helps! :) What do you think about this DIY?

Show me yours if you make one !

Likes, Comments, and Reblogs are always loved <3