If you’ve been wondering what to do with old jeans, I’ve rounded up some great ideas to help you recycle old blue jeans into practical and functional items for your home.
GRAB OLD PAIRS OF JEANS AND GET READY TO TRY SOME OF THESE SUPER CUTE UPCYCLED DENIM PROJECTS.
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THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO CRAFT WITH OLD PANTS AND WORN-OUT JEANS.
And the ideas below prove it! When I went looking for some cool ideas, I was shocked by some of these projects.
Not only are they cost-efficient, but they are just downright stunning. Who knew you could turn an old pair of pants into a pillow that holds a remote or make a denim rug?
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET OLD PAIRS OF JEANS?
Chances are you’ll have some old denim lying around somewhere, but if you don’t, no worries! You can find old blue jeans from another family member, thrift shops, or places like Goodwill. Don’t forget to check the local chapter of your “Buy Nothing” Facebook group. You would be amazed at what people have lying around if you just ask!
When I made this DIY Denim Pumpkin, I used a pair of recycled jeans I had on hand.
And depending on the size of the pants you’re using, you can typically get a few projects done with just one pair. I only used a section of one of the pant legs, which left a lot more to make many more pumpkins or other things.
Another awesome tip to consider is you don’t need a lot of craft supplies. All you need are a few pairs of old jeans and a new project idea like the many ones below.
Denim Projects with Old Pairs of Jeans
I searched high and low, and here are my top picks.
1. Make a Pair of Denim Baby Shoes
Source: Make a Pair of Denim Baby Shoes by Heather Handmade
Denim is a great material when you need something flexible, especially when it comes to making a pair of baby shoes. Whether you want to make set for your baby or give them as a baby shower gift, they are sure to be cute and cherished!
2. Garden Apron
Source: Garden Apron by Practically Functional
You won’t need the belt loops for this homemade garden apron, but hang on to the pockets as they’ll be used for holding your garden accessories.
3. Multifunctional Aprons for Kids and Adults
Source: Multifunctional Aprons for Kids and Adults by A Girl and A Glue Gun
Use your family’s favorite jeans to create a set of multifunctional aprons that are greats for kids and parents alike. Use different colors of fabric to line the seams to make them unique and one-of-a-kind.
4. Denim Pocket Pillows
Source: Denim Pocket Pillows by Underground Crafter
These pocket pillows are an easy way to keep up with your remote controls, cell phones, and other items that would normally get lost in the couch.
5. Refurbished Denim Rug
Source: Refurbished Denim Rug by A Beautiful Mess
Turn your old denims into a functioning refurbished rug that would go perfectly in a mud room or near the back door.
6. No Sew Denim Basket
Source: No Sew Denim Basket by Oh Oh Deco
This cute denim basket doesn’t require a sewing machine, only ripped pieces of jeans that will be tied and looped together.
7. Hanging Organizer Made from Old Jeans
Source: Hanging Organizer Made from Old Jeans by Pillar Box Blue
I absolutely love this idea of using old jeans pockets to make one huge hanging organizer. You can store lots of things in here. In fact, this would be cute in a craft room.
Unique DIY Projects with Upcycled Jeans
I searched high and low, and here are my top picks.
1. Turn them into DIY Cat Toys
Source: Turn them into DIY Cat Toys by Swoodson Says
Give your cats something to play with by making upcycled denim cat toys. Add a little catnip in there and they’re sure to go crazy.
2. Upcycled Denim Planters
Source: Upcycled Denim Planters by Swoodson Says
Create the cutest covers for something of your green plants. It’d match perfectly with cactus or succulents.
3. Easy Denim Curtains
Source: Easy Denim Curtains by Vicky Myers Creations
Making denim curtains is super easy with this tutorial. The different denim colors really bring the look to life and would be perfect in a bright room.
4. Advent Calendar
Source: Advent Calendar by Vicky Myers Creations
Turn the pockets of your old pants into an advent calendar. All you need are at least 25 pockets and a white paint marker for drawing on the numbers.
5. Rag Quilt
Source: Rag Quilt by Modern Handcraft
This denim quilt would be an amazing quilt to keep in the family, especially if you used old jeans from everyone in the family. It would actually make a great project for everyone to do together.
6. DIY Denim Pumpkin
Source: DIY Denim Pumpkin by The Crazy Craft Lady
Hang on to an old pair of jeans and keep this craft in mind for the fall season. It’s quick, easy, and something that can last all season long. You can also use a denim scrap or pick up some old denim jeans from thrift stores.
Upcycled Denim Bags and Totes
I searched high and low, and here are my top picks.
1. DIY Denim Tote Bag
Source: DIY Denim Tote Bag by Vicky Myers Creations
You’ll definitely want to show off this stylish denim tote bag. It brings out the creative side and is perfect for beginner sewers. Learn how to repurpose old jeans for denim sewing projects like this.
2. Modern Denim Purse
Source: Modern Denim Purse by Simple Practical Beautiful
Instead of throwing out or donating your old pants, consider keeping them and turning them into a modern denim purse.
3. Crossbody Purse
Source: Crossbody Purse by Jembellish
Crossbody purses are fairly popular, so making your own would not only be in style but be special. This tutorial will show you how to add an extra special design touch that is sure to be the topic of conversation.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN THESE DENIM PROJECTS FOR LATER:
MORE FABRIC CRAFT IDEAS
- If you’re looking for a unique way to show your love for spring, this fabric pocket spring door hanger is the perfect craft project for you! Made from Dollar Store supplies, this door hanger craft is totally customizable.
- Grab a few books on your next Dollar Store or Thrift Store trip and make fabric covered books. This book stack will give your bookshelf, living room table, or side table a cute farmhouse-themed update.
- I love projects that involve using my scraps and leftovers, so these watercolor style no sew fabric bookmarks were a must-make craft!
More Roundups of Upcycle Craft Ideas
- Crafting With Old Books
- Creative Ways to Upcycle Old Teacups
- My Favorite Creative Map Paper Crafts
- DIY Button Crafts for Every Style
- Creative Newspaper Crafts
- Upcycled and Repurposed Garden Projects
- Decorate with Old Thrift Store Picture Frames
- Cardboard Crafts that will Blow You Away
- Beautiful Upcycled Tin Can Crafts
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