How to Make Denim in Photoshop

There are numerous uses for denim fabric in today's designs. The popular material can work equally well in westerns, apocalyptic grunge and chic alike. The variations in color, tone and weathering on denim is countless. However, this How to Make Denim in Photoshop tutorial will demonstrate one way to create it in Adobe Photoshop.

This extremely simple how to will take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. All you need to know to accomplish this task is where to find the basic tools in Photoshop. If you are working with a different image editor, you will have no problem using the process described in this article.

To start, you will learn how to make a denim micro pattern. Since the real world fabric is woven with a twill pattern, it stands to reason that replicating the same process digitally will yield the same results. Making a micro image can be time consuming, but it is actually quite simple to do.

You will also find out how to use noise and motion blur for weathering effects. Along with this task, you will get to experience blend modes.This step is completely optional. However, it does add a subtle touch and makes the picture appear more authentic.

First, you will open a new document. It can be any size you like. Just keep in mind that you'll want to final image to be big enough to cover whatever you are texturing completely. Then, you need to establish your base color which will be a mixture of two blues.

1. Create a new document by typing Ctrl+N.
2. Set the width and height to 500 pixels and give the file a transparent background.
3. Name the transparent layer base.
4. Change your foreground color to #6a6c6d and the background to #4d4e4f.
5. Go to Filter -> Render -> Clouds.

This step is the backbone of the process. By making your own micro pattern, you open yourself up to countless subtle color variations that you can't achieve by just using a filter.

1. Create a new document.
2. Set the width to 14 and height to 4 pixels. Give the file a transparent background.
3. Fill the layer with the color #7e8891.
4. Zoom in to 1600% by holding down Ctrl and tapping the + key until the image is maxed out.
5. Place a guide line along each 1 x 1 pixel square.
6. Use Shift + Ctrl + N to add a new layer. Name it twill.
7. Activate the rectangular marquee tool with the M shortcut.
8. Drag a 1 x 1 pixel square in the top right corner. The guides will help show you how many pixels you are selecting.
9. Fill the pixel with black.
10. Refer to the image below and fill in the rest of the black squares.
11. Select the whole image with Ctrl + A then go to Edit -> Define Pattern. Name it twill.
12. Save the pixel file and close it.
13. Go back to your original file and create a new layer called twillPattern.
14. Fill it with your pattern. Use the shortcut Shift + F5. Then, choose the one you just made.
15. While still on the twillPattern layer, add grain by picking Filter -> Noise -> Add Noise. Choose Gaussian and Monochromatic at 15%.
16. Change the layer blend mode to Overlay.

Note: To learn more about micro patterns, visit How to Make Micro Patterns in Photoshop.

Since most denim that you see isn't in pristine condition, it's a good idea to add a little weathering to it. This will copy the process of distressing jeans to make them softer and appear worn out in various areas such as the knees. To really heighten the effect, use the dodge tool on your finished picture to add even more scruff marks.

1. Bring up the fill menu. From the Contents section, pick 50% Gray.
2. Add grain by picking Filter -> Noise -> Add Noise. Choose Gaussian and Monochromatic at 15%.
3. Next, stretch the pixels by picking Filter -> Blur -> Motion Blur. Give Angle a value of -90 and Distance a value of 41.
4. Use Ctrl + T to activate the free transform tool. Drag the jagged top and bottom edges off the image boundaries.
5. Change the layer blend mode to Linear Light.

Now, it's time to test your creation on a sample cloth to see if it looks realistic. As with any process that uses the blend mode, the final result will depend heavily on the tonal values in the cloth that you use with it. So, keep in mind that you may need to experiment with a different blend to get the desired effect.

1. Select all of your original document and go to Edit -> Copy Merged.
2. Save and close the old file.
3. Paste the image into a new document.
4. Make a new layer named cloth then drag it under your denim.
5. Using the gradient tool, fill the background with a black to white transition. This tool can be accessed with the shortcut G.
6. Change the mode on the tool to difference then make a few short horizontal drags. This layer will represent a cloth texture you can blend with your texture.
7. Change the layer blend mode to Multiply. Blend modes are located in the top left corner of the layer window.