17 Fun Ideas to Upcycle Jeans
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Get inspired to create with these fun ideas to upcycle jeans. There are so many sewing projects you can do with unwanted denim.
Jeans and denim is one of the best fabrics to work with. It’s durable, washable, and comfortable, and you can use old jeans from around the house or from the thrift store. Jeans have so much fabric the you can cut up and sew to make something new.
I put together a great list of projects for upcycling jeans since there are so many things you can do. Whether you are looking for a new project or just want to learn more about upcycling, you’ll be inspired by this fun list.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.
I love upcycling because it saves time, money, memories, and the environment. It saves times since you can reuse details. It saves money since you are using what you already have. It saves memories because you can do something with a loved ones clothing. It saves the environment by keeping fabric out of landfills.
Love upcycling? Try these sewing projects:
- How to upcycle clothing for kids
- Dress upcycle and refashion ideas
- T-shirt upcycle and refashion ideas
- Men’s shirt upcycle and refashion ideas
- Pants upcycle and refashion ideas
Fun Ideas to Upcycle Jeans
Upcycled Jeans Fabric Basket
Learn how to make an upcycled jeans fabric basket using the hems cut off of jeans. These small diy fabric baskets are perfect for organizing drawers!
Upcycled Baby Shoes: FREE Sewing Pattern!
Learn how to make upcycled baby shoes with a free sewing pattern. It’s a great way to reuse and recycle denim for durable fabric shoes! I love making baby shoes.
How to Upcycle Jeans Into a Tote Bag
Learn how to upcycle jeans into a tote bag. This beginner sewing project is a quick and easy bag to sew, and it already has pockets!
Upcycled DIY Bike Bag
Learn how to make a DIY bike bag by upcycling the leg of a pair of pants. This sewing project is quick and easy, and it holds all the essentials on your bike!
DIY Water Bottle Dog Toy + Free Pattern
Learn how to make a DIY water bottle dog toy with a free sewing pattern! The crinkly sound is fun for dogs, and the bottle is easily replaced.
Free Baby Shorts Sewing Pattern + Bloomers
Use the free baby shorts pattern and free baby bloomers pattern to make upcycled shorts! Reuse the hem of any shirt or patterns for a fast sewing project!
Upcycled DIY Water Bottle Holder
Learn how to make a DIY water bottle holder by upcycling a pair of pants. Reuse the hem for quicker sewing for this easy, summer sewing project!
Easy upcycled crayon holder diy tutorial
Combine denim and fabric to make a really fun crayon holder. This is great sewing project for traveling!
Recycled Denim Beaded Bracelet
Add pretty beads to the thick seam of jeans to make a really fun and unique bracelet. I love that you can you different seams for different looks.
How to Make a Cute Denim Apron from Old Jeans
Make a cute denim apron that is quick and easy, and it upcycles an old pair of jeans. You can customise it with details you like and it’s great that there are already pockets.
DIY Distressed Denim Pot Holder
Turn your old jeans into a cute distressed denim pot holder. The denim is durable and washable, to make this sewing project quick and easy.
Colored Denim Scrap Wreath
Turn all your denim scraps into a cute and colorful wreath. Keep it monochromatic or use a bunch of differents colors for a bold look. This is a great way to use the tiny pieces of fabric you have.
DIY Denim Bunting
Another great way to use up scraps is to turn them into a decoration. It’s easy to turn them into a DIY bunting. There are so many ways you could make this for a unique look.
Easy To Make Unique Denim Handmade Chevron Rug
Use a bunch of jeans together to make an awesome looking rug. I love all the different colors of blue, and the denim would last forever even under constant use.
DIY Repurposed Denim Checkered Picnic Blanket
Turn all that unwanted denim into an outdoor picnice blanket. The jeans are so sturdy and easy to wash which is perfect for enjoying the warm weather.
Sew a Phone Stand from Old Jeans
Use jeans to make a great phone or table stand. I love using one of these whenever I’m working on a sewing pattern and need to keep reading something on my phone.
Easy Sew Denim Pen Organizer
Turn jeans into a pen organizer. This is a great sewing project to use around the house to organize all the coloring and drawing tools I found left around my house.
If you make something using one of these sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather