10+ Ideas to Upcycle Old Denim Jeans
When your old denim jeans start to show wear and tear it can be challenging to know what to do with them. As advocates for sustainability we want to keep clothing out of the landfill when possible!
Unfortunately, it's estimated that in 2018, 11.3 million tons of textiles were sent to the landfill. Instead of sending our unwanted blue jeans to the landfill we can pull out the craft supplies and repurpose our favorite pairs of jeans.
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You'll be surprised at just how simple it can be! From an eco-friendly upcycled pillow to a stylish denim tote bag, these projects are perfect for any sewer at any level of experience. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create stylish new pieces out of those old jeans!
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How To Upcycle Jeans Sustainably
Upcycling is taking something that is no longer used or wanted and turning it into something new and valuable.
Denim is a great material for up-cycling because it is a sturdy fabric, so giving it a new life and allowing the denim scrap to continue to be used is a great idea.
This blog post will show you how to upcycle jeans using seven different methods
Create a Denim Pillow
This is an easy sewing project as you just cut two squares from old denim fabric, sew together three of the four sides, stuff the pillow, and sew the fourth side up. You can even use the back pockets of the jeans if you want your pillow to have storage.
You can also get creative with it and create patchwork designs with strips of denim and add different shapes onto the pocket. This can be a sustainable home decor touch in your living room!
There are plenty of small businesses and etsy sellers who make pillows out of denim scraps if you're not big on sewing it yourself. Here is an in-depth guide and an example of a super cute up-cycled denim pillow if you’re looking for more guidance and inspiration.
Upcycle The Jeans Pockets
Pocket are such a practical element of jeans! Instead of letting them go to waste, repurpose the pockets! Here are a few ways to upcycle those pockets!
Coin purses: One easy way to upcycle jeans pockets is to use them as coin purses. Remove the pocket from the jeans, and then sew or glue it shut. You can also decorate the pocket with embroidery or fabric paint to add a personal touch. Check out this adorable coin purse tutorial!
Sunglasses case: Cut off the pocket from an old pair of jeans or use any part of the pants. Sew or glue the seams to create a sunglasses case.
Hanging pocket holder: Cut a hole in the top of the pocket. Tie a string or ribbon through the hole and hang it on a wall or door. Fill it with small items like keys, sunglasses, or coins.
Keychain: Another option is to turn the pocket into a keychain. Just cut a small slit in the top of the pocket, thread a key ring through, and you're all set!
Finally, if you're feeling creative, you can use jeans pockets to make a pair of custom up-cycled earrings. Just cut out the desired shape, add a backing, and voila! You've got yourself a unique and stylish piece of jewelry.
I made a coin purse to keep in my car using the above jean pockets. It’s perfect to keep there because the denim makes it durable enough to slide around in my glove box when I’m driving - plus, the size is perfect! I’m not an expert seamstress by any means, and sewing the seams together was super easy. Instead of adding a zipper closure, I used easy stick-on velcro strips.
Use Jeans As A Plant Holder
Do you have a pair of jeans that you no longer wear? Don't throw them away- upcycle them into a stylish plant holder or storage container! This project is easy to do and only requires a few supplies.
First, choose a pair of jeans that are in good condition. If the fabric is ripped or torn, it won't be able to support the weight of a plant.
Next, cut off one leg of the jeans halfway up the thigh. Once you've done this, you should have a long fabric tube. Fold the fabric in half, so the raw edges are aligned, then sew them together using a sewing machine or needle and thread. When you're finished, you should have a long, cylinder-shaped pouch.
To turn this into a plant holder, insert a pot into the pouch and fill it with soil. You can then add your plant of choice and enjoy your new upcycled creation!
Create A Denim Memory Quilt
Denim lovers often have an extensive collection of jeans, and when it comes time to clean out the closet, they may not be ready to part with their old jeans. One way to upcycle those denim memories is to create a quilt.
A denim memory quilt is a unique and personal way to commemorate your favorite jeans. To create one:
Start by collecting your old jeans.
Cut the jeans into small squares or other shapes.
Arrange the pieces on a piece of backing fabric.
Once you're happy with the design, sew the pieces of denim in place and add a binding.
Quilting is a great way to use up scraps of fabric, and a denim memory quilt will surely bring back memories every time you look at it. Be sure to check out this in depth guide on creating an up-cycled quilt.
Upcycled Denim Christmas Decorations
You can create sustainable holiday home decor items with jeans too!
Christmas Tree Ornament: Consider using a holiday cookie cutter ornament to trace a seasonal shape onto the denim fabric. Trace the same shape twice, cut out the two shapes, make a hole in the top of the fabric for string to hang the ornament, and begin sewing. Sew the two shape pieces of fabric together, add stuffing, and string for hanging on the tree. You can even reuse some of those belt loops on the ornament for hanging too! This guide has some in-depth tutorials and inspiration.
Garland: Similar to the Christmas tree ornaments use a cookie cutter and outline the shape you want to feature. Cut two of the same shapes out of the fabric. Make a hole at the top of each one so that you can tie it onto the garland string. Then sew the two shapes together, fill with stuffing, and tie to garland string. Repeat this process until your string is filled with as many shapes as you would like and display your garland in your home!
I made Christmas ornaments for my neighbors using the vintage cookie cutter shown above and they LOVED it! I also wrote our zip code in puffy paint for extra flair. Took me minutes to make, and they’ll treasure them for a lifetime.
Make A Denim Bulletin Board
There are plenty of ways to upcycle them into something new and valuable. For example, you can use an old pair of jeans to make a cute and funky bulletin board.
To get started, you'll need a pair of scissors, some fabric glue, and a piece of cardboard.
First, cut the legs off the jeans. Next, cut the jeans into strips and then into small squares. Once you have a pile of denim squares, start gluing them to the cardboard in a random pattern. You can make your bulletin board as big or small as you like.
When you're finished, let the glue dry, and then hang your new bulletin board on the wall. With creativity, you can turn an old pair of jeans into something new and helpful!
Other Things You Can Make From Upcycling
Check out the list below for more fun ideas on what you can make from upcycled jeans! There is some great inspiration on Pinterest!
Make a pair of shorts
A denim magazine rack
A tote bag
Upcycle into a pillow
Pom pom flowers
Hanging feathers
Storage box
Denim fun photo frame
Woven coaster
Cuff bracelet
DIY denim rug
Woven denim basket
Make jeans cross bag
There are endless possibilities for what you can make from upcycled jeans. So next time you want to get rid of an old pair, think twice and see if you can't turn them into something new and exciting!
There are many ways how to upcycle jeans. All these methods are simple and can be done using things you may already have at home.
By following these easy steps, you can create stylish and unique pieces for your wardrobe that no one else will have. You may be surprised at how much fun it is to upcycle denim!
Meet the Author
Paige is an independent strategic digital communications consultant and Richardson-centric blogger. She especially loves supporting and promoting small businesses with sustainable and ethical practices. Learn more about local businesses by following The Richardson Paige on Instagram.
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