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How to Distress a Knit Sweater

Distressing is an inexpensive and effective technique to make sweaters look old. Even the most modern knit sweater can undergo a distressing session and come out changed. Distressing involves several different household tools and requires approximately seven days for completion of the task. The distressing process is used often in stage productions when an article of clothing must appear worn and tattered. Distress several identical knit sweaters when working on a play to ensure you have backups in case one is lost or becomes permanently damaged.

Things You'll Need

  • Cold coffee
  • Spray bottle
  • Wood hanger
  • Stones
  • Wire brush
  • Scissors
  • 120 grit sand paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a spray bottle with cold coffee. Dampen the sweater with the coffee. Spray heavily in some areas and lightly in others to make the staining process inconsistent. Set the sweater outside to dry for at least 48 hours. The outdoor elements will also begin to naturally distress the fabric.

    • 2

      Put the sweater on a wooden hanger and hang it from a tree branch. Place semi-heavy stones into the pockets to stretch the material. Allow the sweater to hang outside for an additional three to four days.

    • 3

      Remove the stones from the pockets. Rub a wire brush over the sweater to fray the knitting.

    • 4

      Poke a few holes through the sweater with a pair of scissors. Remove a button or two from the sweater with the scissors as well. Rub 120-grit sand paper over any remaining buttons or snaps to dull the surface.

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