<![CDATA[RawrDenim Forum - Maintenance & Care]]> http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/ A place for sharing tips and insights about denim washing, wear maintenance, storage, etc. en Sun, 19 May 2013 02:23:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[RawrDenim Forum - Maintenance & Care]]> http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/ Darn your own jeans http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/showthread.php?101381-Darn-your-own-jeans&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 01:06:05 GMT I got a small hole in my jeans and didn't want another patch so close to my crotch patch, so I decided to give darning a go. Denim websites all seem to suggest that you need a specialist sewing machine to properly darn but I figured it must also be possible by hand. It turns out to be very easy! I bought a cheap needle combo box and some black thread for less than a dollar and followed a sock darning tutorial

The basic idea is that you use a single piece of thread and do a basic stitch (I don't know anything about sewing but it seems like there could not be a more simple stitch), starting vertically to add new warp to the existing fabric and then horizontally to add new weft. The smaller and closer your stitches, the stronger the darn will be. I was impatient and did large stitches, so ended up having to add diagonal stitching to create enough strength; it's not beautiful but it's held up great for the last 2/3 weeks!

I would advise using a thimble, it gets pretty tough once you have a few stitches on the needle. I had to improvise and use my belt. Also try to get a large darning needle, it makes it easier to pick up more stitches and is less likely to bend under the strain. My jeans are 15oz and I think it would be hard to darn anything much heavier by hand.

I wouldn't recommend this to someone who wants an invisible repair but it's a cheap fix and a useful skill (I'll never have to throw out holey socks again!).

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]]> lpww http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/showthread.php?101381-Darn-your-own-jeans Starching non-raw denim? http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/showthread.php?96639-Starching-non-raw-denim&goto=newpost Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:38:46 GMT Hey guys, I was wondering, if you haven't noticed, I had a for sale thread up for a pair of "rough rinsed" LVC levi 501's, I've decided to keep them. Being that they aren't "raw" in actuality, I was wondering, if I starched them to bring them back to a stiffer denim, if I would get better creasing and fading? I don't plan on washing these jeans any time soon, I personally like to hang my clothes on a line unless of course they are pretty stinky. Anywho, let me know what you think. Thanks guys! ]]> Spoonylove http://www.rawrdenim.com/forum/showthread.php?96639-Starching-non-raw-denim