Step 1: Choose the jeans

Select a pair of jeans you want to customize. They could be an old pair that needs some revamping or a new pair. Make sure you’re comfortable with potentially damaging the jeans in case things don’t work out as planned.

Step 2: Gather your materials

To cut knee holes in your jeans, you will need a marker (like a fabric pencil or chalk), sharp scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and sandpaper or a small grater.

Step 3: Wear the jeans

Put on your jeans and stand in front of a mirror. This helps to determine the exact location where you want to cut the holes.

Step 4: Mark the area

Using your fabric pencil or chalk, mark the center point of where each kneecap is on the jeans while you’re wearing them. You can also make horizontal lines above and below your kneecap for better guidance.

Step 5: Lay your jeans flat

Remove the jeans and lay them on a flat surface with the marked area facing up.

Step 6: Measure and mark again

Use your ruler or measuring tape to measure equal distances above and below the center points marked earlier. This measurement depends on how big you want the holes to be. For example, if you want a 2-inch hole, mark one inch above and below each center point. Draw parallel lines to connect these marks, creating rectangles around each kneecap area.

Step 7: Insert cardboard or magazine

Place a cardboard piece or magazine inside each leg of your jeans to prevent accidentally cutting through both layers of fabric.

Step 8: Start cutting

Using sharp scissors, carefully cut along the top line of each rectangle. Make sure you only cut through one layer of denim at a time.

Step 9: Cut through individual threads

Once you’ve cut the top line of each rectangle, use the tip of your scissors to cut through individual threads at regular intervals without cutting the bottom line. This creates a frayed effect and helps achieve a distressed look.

Step 10: Sandpaper or grate the edges

To enhance the distressed look and soften the edges, rub sandpaper or a small grater along the cut lines and the frayed areas. This will remove any excess fabric and give your knee holes a natural, worn appearance.

Step 11: Wash and dry your jeans

Toss your jeans in the washing machine and then in the dryer to further distress the knee holes. The laundry process will help fray the cut edges more naturally.

Step 12: Try on your customized jeans

Put on your newly customized jeans with knee holes to see how they fit and show off your unique style.

By following these 12 simple steps, you can create fashionable knee holes in your jeans, giving them a trendy and personalized update.