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Q&A
By Gena Bloemendaal
I recently saw jean capris that were frayed at the bottom. I have a pair with a wide hem that I should be able to fray. How do I do that?
Sally F.,
e-mail
Raw edges and frayed hems are very popular, and it only takes a little ripping and rubbing to achieve the look you desire.
When working with a wide hem, use sharp scissors or a seam ripper to cut along the fold at the lower edge of each pant leg (1).You'll end up with two layers of fabric below the hem stitching (2).
To help achieve a distressed look, use a rasp or coarse file to rub across the fabric and shred the fibers.
Pull away the threads that wind around the pant leg; pull up to the hem stitching and leave the vertical threads in tact. If the threads are difficult to pull, make snips every 1" around the hem. Snip from the cut edge to the hem stitching and pull small sections of threads at a time. Use a seam ripper to pick out stubborn threads.
Once most of the horizontal threads are removed, wash and dry the pants. Throw a pair of tennis shoes in the washer and dryer for more abrasion. Each subsequent washing will cause the fraying to be more pronounced.
When the hems are frayed to your liking, add an optional preshrunk trim or embellishment at the hemline directly above the fray line.
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