52 Week Challenge: #21 DIY Cut-off Shorts

Saturday, June 16

This week's diy is more of a makeover if anything. I just wanted to share with you a couple of distressed, high waisted cut-offs I made, using some thrifted mom jeans. 
I don't have a step-by-step tutorial, but I do have a few tips on how I made mine:

>>>When you cut the legs off, leave them longer than you intend, because you can always cut them shorter if you want to. But you can't add length after they're cut. I've definitely made this mistake before.
>>>Look for Levi's 501's, personally I think they make the best cutoffs.
>>>Take into account the front pockets, if your cutting your shorts really short, decide whether or not you want them to hang out. If you do, make sure to pull them inside out while cutting, so you don't cut the pocket off like I did one time.
>>> I wanted to splash some bleach on mine. I experimented with different strengths of bleach (above), I ended up using a %100 bleach, because I liked the "galaxy" look. Either way, I think it's a good practice to test the bleach on some left over scraps to make sure you love it.
>>> Luckily, I didn't have to go far for studs. Chris had an old studded belt, so I scrapped it for parts using screwdriver and pliers to pry them off. 
>>> I attached them to the back pockets and the front of the pockets, in a scattered pattern.
Then, I remade these Levi's, but I just ripped them up, with some some light distressing. I used sand paper to wear down the denim, and then I used the razor blade to shave off the fabric and expose the threads. Like this. I figured I'd start with small holes, give them a wash, and then decide if I wanted to destroy them more.
You'll end up with a bunch of cotton puffs like this.
Here's how these ones came out!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $75 to Shabby Apple until June 22nd! Have a wonderful weekend!

22 comments:

  1. I've never paint-splattered my clothes..what a cool idea!

    Talia
    http://girlzofgodbook.blogspot.com

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  2. Oh I love those! The galaxy one is super and the studs looks lovely!!
    -britney of Lemonwood and Honey

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  3. Those galaxy looking shorts are gorgeous!

    Love,
    Evamaria

    http://despite-the-style.blogspot.com/

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  4. this post is amazing! <3 I'll share it on my FB page :) Galaxy shorts looks awesome; I'll try to do something similar as well :) xx

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  5. these are SO cool!! dang! totally stealing your idea... :)

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  6. I love the pale cut-offs. I've always had a hard time finding chic highwaisted 'mom' jeans at the thrift store. Now I know to limit it to the Levi's 501s. I'm going to have to go thrifting now. Thanks for the tip! :)

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  7. The toothbrush is definitely the best tool ever invented!
    Nice sharing :)

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  8. I love the bleached shorts. I really want to try them out!

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  9. gahhhh i want those shorts! both of them! youre so creative!

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  10. such a cool DIY! I need to find some jeans for shorts asap!

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  11. I have to make these asap! Love the 'galaxy' shorts. what a brilliant DIY! Thanks for sharing! x

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  12. Thank you so much for this DIY! It's so totes perf ;)

    curlsandfrills.blogspot.com

    ps - did you do your own blog design? if not, can I ask who did? I'm looking for a makeover and need suggestions!

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  13. So very very cute! Thanks for sharing!!

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  14. OMG.... this is amazinggg!
    love it!!


    xoxo, www.sundaesins.blogspot.com

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  15. I decided to make the galaxy pants out of the blue today--added some fabric paint and hemmed up the bottoms. They look fantastic, and now I'm inspired to make so many more bleached and dyed shorts this summer. So exciting! Thanks so much! :]

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  16. The galaxy shorts are awesome! I love that the 90's style is slowly making a return, but in small doses :) Definitely a project for me to try with my old worn down jeans.

    http://www.charmcolorfully.blogspot.com

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  17. I love those black shorts. Super awesome! I want.

    http://www.lookwhatmelissamade.com/

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  18. Whoah, I love the black pair. The bleach and studs look awesome!

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  19. These festival shorts are awesome! I must try my hand at them :)

    xo Shane

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  20. Very cute! I may try this later this week.. did you just use the toothbrush to spash the bleach on?

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  21. This is an amazing tutorial!!! I have given it a shot but they didn't turn out as nice as yours. How did you get the ripped holes look?
    Thanks sooo much :)
    Izzy

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  22. I've seen shorts that looked just like this at stores and loved them! Awesome tutorial :)

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