How to Stone Wash Denim for a Soft, Distressed Look

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Stone washed denim feels soft and looks fantastic, but do you have to go to the store to buy the look? Actually, stone washing is super easy to do at home—all you need are some pumice stones and a washing machine! In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to give the denim you already own that comfy, chic stone washed look. Go ahead and grab your jeans, because today is laundry day! [1]

Steps

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    Pumice stones were used in the original technique to create the stone washed look because they are abrasive and move thorough the clothes like sandpaper and remove the dye particles from the surface of the yarn. [2]
    • Start by using one small pumice stone in your wash if you're concerned about overdoing it.
    • If you have not achieved the desired affect on your clothes repeat the wash with 2 or more pumice stones.
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    [3]
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    Remember not to overdo the pumice stone method as you may destroy the fabric of the material causing it to rip easily.
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    Bleach helps fade the denim slightly, giving it a more distressed look. [4]
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    This is known as acid washing where dry clothes are bleached then placed in a washing machine. [5]
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    The granules of pumice are removed.
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    [6]
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The Takeaway: Making Stone Washed Denim

Place your denim garment in the washing machine and add 2 to 3 pumice stones. Start the machine and take your garment out when it’s done. If the garment isn’t stone-washed to your liking, add a few more stones and a splash of bleach into the washer.

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  • Question
    What type of machine are you using with one stone?
    Community Answer
    The article states to use two to three stones, not one, in your regular washing machine. Be warned that your washing machine could be damaged by this process. See the warnings section in the article.
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      Warnings

      • Pumice stones may damage the drum of your washing machine.
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      • When too many pumice stones are used, the fabric is damaged especially at the waistband and hem. Rivets and metal buttons may be damaged along with the clothing's dye. Jeans can be ruined with this process.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bHsU1Oeyg
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUehPE_pt8w
      3. ↑ https://sewguide.com/distressed-jeans-diy/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bHsU1Oeyg
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUehPE_pt8w
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bHsU1Oeyg

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