top of page

Tips For Softening Stiff Denim

Hi, Darlings! I recently made another version of our Sew It Academy Utility Jacket. I used a really great denim from Spoonflower, but when it arrived, it was incredibly stiff! I washed it several times and dried it, which helped a bit. I still needed a bit of the stiffness to keep the structure of the jacket, so I didn't mind it much, but I got curious as to what methods I could use to soften denim in the event I ordered again. I thought I would share some Tips For Softening Stiff Denim.


Look at my jacket; I love this pattern so much. It was our December course, so if you are a student log in and get started. If you'd like to learn to sew in a fun and non-frustrating way or want access to our monthly patterns join at sewitacademy.com


Tips For Softening Stiff Denim


Tips For Softening Stiff Denim: A Step-by-Step Guide


Stiff denim can feel uncomfortable and frustrating to work with, whether you’re sewing a new pair of jeans, upcycling an old jacket, or tackling any other denim project. Luckily, there are several tried-and-true methods to soften denim fabrics, making them more enjoyable to wear and easier to handle. Here are some effective techniques to soften stiff denim, along with step-by-step instructions to help you achieve that perfectly soft feel.


Tips For Softening Stiff Denim

Why Is Denim Stiff?

Denim is a durable cotton fabric woven in a twill pattern, often treated with heavy finishes during manufacturing. These treatments can leave the fabric feeling rigid and unyielding. Softening denim not only improves comfort but also enhances the drape and workability of the fabric for sewing projects.


Techniques to Soften Denim


1. Wash with Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that helps break down stiff finishes in denim.


What You Need:

- 1 cup of white distilled vinegar

- Washing machine

- Mild detergent


Steps:

1. Place your denim garment or fabric in the washing machine.

2. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to the machine during the rinse cycle.

3. Use a mild detergent during the wash cycle.

4. Allow the denim to air dry or tumble dry on low heat for a softer feel.


*Pro Tip:* If you’re pre-washing denim for sewing, avoid using fabric softeners as they can leave residues that might interfere with your sewing process.


2. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is another natural option to soften denim by reducing stiffness and neutralizing odors.


What You Need:

- ½ cup of baking soda

- Washing machine


Steps:

1. Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum.

2. Wash the denim on a regular cycle with cool or warm water.

3. Air dry the fabric or tumble dry on low heat.


*Pro Tip:* Repeat this process for especially stiff denim to achieve your desired softness.


3. Break It In

For pre-made garments, wearing and washing your denim frequently can naturally soften the fabric over time.


Steps:

1. Wear the denim garment as often as possible to allow natural movement to loosen the fibers.

2. Wash the item after every few wears, following the care instructions for the fabric.

3. Over time, your denim will soften and mold to your body.


4. Salt Soak Method

A salt soak is a traditional technique for softening stiff fabrics, including denim.


What You Need:

- 1 cup of salt

- Large basin or bathtub

- Warm water


Steps:

1. Fill a basin or bathtub with enough warm water to fully submerge the denim.

2. Add 1 cup of salt and stir to dissolve.

3. Place the denim in the water and let it soak for 4-6 hours (overnight for best results).

4. Rinse the denim thoroughly with clean water.

5. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.


5. Use a Fabric Softener or Conditioner

Liquid fabric softener or even hair conditioner can help break in denim and add softness.


What You Need:

- Fabric softener or hair conditioner

- Washing machine

- Dryer with dryer balls (optional)


Steps:

1. Add fabric softener or diluted hair conditioner to the washing machine during the rinse cycle.

2. Wash the denim with a mild detergent.

3. Dry the denim with dryer balls, which help soften the fabric further by breaking up stiffness during the drying process.


*Pro Tip:* If you use hair conditioner, dilute it with water first to avoid residue buildup on the fabric.



Additional Tips for Sewing Stiff Denim

Pre-wash the fabric: Always pre-wash denim before cutting and sewing to reduce shrinkage and stiffness.

Use the right needles: Denim needles are designed to handle heavy fabrics without breaking or skipping stitches.

Consider steam pressing: Use a hot iron with steam to help relax the fibers further after washing and drying.


Final Thoughts

Softening denim is an easy process that can greatly improve the feel and versatility of your fabric. Whether you prefer natural methods like vinegar and baking soda or mechanical options like dryer balls, these techniques will ensure your denim is soft and ready for wearing or sewing. Experiment with these methods to find what works best for your project, and enjoy the comfort of perfectly softened denim!



Tips For Softening Stiff Denim

DIY LEOPARD JACKET

DIY LEOPARD JACKET

DIY LEOPARD JACKET

DIY LEOPARD JACKET

DIY LEOPARD JACKET

DIY LEOPARD JACKET

Thanks so much for reading!


8 Comments


Shikha Rawal
Shikha Rawal
3 hours ago

De Montfort University acceptance rate has relatively high, making it accessible to many international students. If you're considering applying, focus on meeting the entry requirements and preparing a strong application. Need guidance? Gradding can help you with expert study abroad consulting!

Like

Hurda Fiyatları - Adalar Hurdacı - Arnavutköy Hurdacı - Ataşehir Hurdacı - Avcılar Hurdacı - Bağcılar Hurdacı - Bahçelievler Hurdacı - Bakırköy Hurdacı - Başakşehir Hurdacı - Bayrampaşa Hurdacı - Beşiktaş Hurdacı - Beykoz Hurdacı - Beylikdüzü Hurdacı - Beyoğlu Hurdacı - Büyükçekmece Hurdacı - Çatalca Hurdacı - Çekmeköy Hurdacı - Esenler Hurdacı - Esenyurt Hurdacı - Eyüpsultan Hurdacı - Fatih Hurdacı - Gaziosmanpaşa Hurdacı - Güngören Hurdacı - Kadıköy Hurdacı - Kağıthane Hurdacı - Kartal Hurdacı - Küçükçekmece Hurdacı - Maltepe Hurdacı - Pendik Hurdacı - Sancaktepe Hurdacı - Sarıyer Hurdacı - Silivri Hurdacı - Sultanbeyli Hurdacı - Sultangazi Hurdacı - Şile Hurdacı - Şişli Hurdacı - Tuzla Hurdacı - Ümraniye Hurdacı - Üsküdar Hurdacı - Zeytinburnu Hurdacı -

Hurdacılık, kullanılmaz hale gelmiş, eski ya da hasar görmüş eşyaların toplanması, geri dönüştürülmesi veya tekrar kullanılabilir hale getirilmesi amacıyla yapılan bir faaliyettir. Hurdacılık, sadece çevre dostu bir iş değil, aynı zamanda ekonomik bir süreçtir. Çünkü eski malzemeler, yeniden işlenerek yeni…

Like

😎Your article was very useful to me, I hope to read more of your article, I also found several online games that are very good with food, the fun sandboxels unblocked and The New York Times's charade tool Connections solver, if you have time, you can join me to play. Thanks for sharing great information.

Like

😎Your article was very useful to me, I hope to read more of your article, I also found several online games that are very good with food, the fun Sandboxels game and The New York Times's charade tool Connections solver, if you have time, you can join me to play. Thanks for sharing great information.

Like

amys81776
amys81776
Jan 27

Hi! To complete the look, you can still add jewellery such as lab grown diamond rings. These diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural processes of diamond formation, greatly reducing time and environmental impact.

Like
DSC00225.jpeg

Hi, thanks for stopping by!

Hey Besties! thanks for stopping by and make sure to sign up below to get all things Mimi G in your inbox.

  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Purchase Mimi G's Book! #1 Best Seller

Purchase Here

Shop Fabrics, Patterns and Notions

at melanatedfabrics.com

bottom of page