There’s something comforting about slipping on a good pair of denim jeans. We wear them until they are worn-out and sometimes buy them to look already worn-in. The obsession we have with blue jeans means we may accumulate a pile of sturdy jean fabric to make these denim upcycling ideas. If you’re like me, you’ll wear a pair of jeans until they’re threadbare and then throw them into a bin of denim for upcycling.
What Makes Denim a Great for Upcycling
Worn-out denim is a great fabric for upcycling for several reasons. Here are some of my favorite reasons to make upcycled denim projects:
- Durability and Longevity: Due to the durability of denim fabric it’s perfect for upcycling projects that can withstand some wear-and-tear and last for a long time.
- Versatility: Walk the denim aisles at the thriftstore and you’ll see a wide variety of weights, finishes, stretch, and colors. This variety in denim fabric allows creative to upcycling denim into new clothing, fashion accessories, home decor items and more. The zippers, seams, and pockets make for great accents or individual uses.
- Timeless Style: Denim never goes out of fashion! Upcycled denim items retain this classic aesthetic, making them relevant and stylish across seasons and trends. The diversity of denim available can results in many different looks and styles.
- Abundance: Denim is readily available! If it’s not from your closet, yard sales and thriftstores are often overflowing with jeans. Discarded and donated jeans provide ample material for upcycling projects, promoting sustainability, and reducing waste.
- Easy to Use: Denim is relatively easy to work with, even for beginners. Its sturdy nature makes it forgiving when sewing or crafting, allowing for experimentation and creativity in upcycled denim projects. And with all the denim available to upcycle, it’s a great fabric to experiment with and practice techniques.
- Customization: Denim can be customized with fabric dye, distressing, embellishing, patchwork, and so much more.
- Environmental Benefits: Upcycling denim reduces the environmental impact associated with producing new fabric. By repurposing existing denim garments, upcycling contributes to waste reduction, conserves resources, and minimizes energy consumption and pollution.
- Affordability: Upcycling denim can be a cost-effective way to create fashionable items. Since denim scraps or old garments can often be acquired inexpensively or even for free, upcycling denim offers a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing new fabric making it a perfect fabric for experimenting with techniques and styles.
RELATED: Check out my Curbside Crossbody Sewing Pattern in Upcycled Denim and Leather
Denim Upcycling Ideas
From DIY home goods to refashioned accessories, there are enough denim upcycling ideas to clear the thrift store shelves of donated jeans. The sturdiness of denim fabric and variety of denim fabrics allow for a variety of upcycled projects that fit your style. From the waist to the feet, an entire pair of jeans can be upcycled into something new. Here are some upcycled denim projects to get your brainstorming ideas.
DIY Frayed Denim Pouch
Use a portion of a pair of old jeans to create this simple frayed edge zipper pouch. This simple project is a great way to get stated using upcycled denim and get that classic frayed denim look.
Upcycled Denim Stuffed Animals
Just about any stuffed animal sewing pattern can be made with upcycled denim jeans. I’ve made whales, bunnies, and bears with upcycled denim fabric. Denim stuffed animals can featured frayed denim, jeans pockets, or patchwork.
Upcycled Denim Luggage Tags
Get ready to hit the road in style with some upcycled denim luggage tags on your bags. These unique, handmade denim bag markers will make your suitcase stick out from the rest.
DIY Denim Rug
There are denim upcycling ideas from floor to ceiling. Turn a stack of jeans into a DIY rug that is sure to stand up to the wear and tear that rugs get.
How to Reuse Denim Seams
Learn how you can use up every last scrap of denim from your jeans upcycle projects. The side seams (called flat felled seams) are usually the thickest part of a pair of jeans. This portion of the jeans is often cut off when upcycling denim jeans, but that doesn’t mean they go to waste. See what you can do with that collection of denim seams.
Things to Consider for Upcycling Denim Jeans
- Sewing Needle: Since denim fabric is dense and thick compared to many other fabrics, using a jeans or denim needle when sewing upcycled denim jeans projects will allow for better results overall. Jeans needles jeans needle is specifically designed with a reinforced shaft and a sharp point to penetrate through heavy fabrics. These denim sewing needles will help navigate those thick seams and avoid skipped stitches. Make sure to use a jeans needle in the right size to match your thread weight.
- Stabilizing Stretch Denim: Many denim jeans are made with stretch denim fabric. This is great for some uses in clothing or stuffed animals, but not great for other denim upcycling projects. Stabilize the stretch with a lightweight interfacing adhered to the wrong side of the stretch denim fabric. Adding interfacing to the stretch denim will allow you to easily mix stretch and non-stretch denim in your upcycled projects. I recommend Schmetz Jeans Sewing Needles.
- Thick Seams: Denim jeans come with some thick seams down the legs (called felled seams), around the pockets, at the leg openings, and in the waistband. This is important to keep in mind when using denim in upcycled projects. You can use these thick seams in your designs or cut them away (but don’t throw, because they’re useful too). These thick seams can become too thick when folded into the seam allowance. Make sure to test sewing through those thick seams to make sure your machine and needle can handle the thickness.
- Felled Seams: As mentioned above, the thick seams that run down the length of the legs in a pair of jeans is called a felled seam. This thick seam makes sure that the raw edge of the fabric is tucked between the layers to prevent fraying. Consider using the felled seam in your upcycled denim projects as this is a very heavy-duty and durable part of a pair of jeans.
- Pockets: The look of the pockets on a pair of jeans is a classic and well-know shape and look. You can remove the pockets and reuse in projects (like I did in this Kids Upcycled Denim Backpack), leave them intact as a design element in your project, or use them to feature the often unique stitching details used on jeans pockets (like used in the Denim Fabric Drink Coasters).
- Hardware: Keep those jeans zippers, buttons, snaps, rivets, and other hardware that’s often used in the construction of a pair of jeans. As you deconstruct jeans for upcycling you may collect several jeans hardware pieces to use in new projects. Snaps, rivets, and zipper make great facial features for denim stuffed animals.
Upcycled Denim Toiletry Bag
Upcycled denim fabric can be used as the material in many sewing patterns, especially bag sewing patterns. Here I used denim scrap to create a patchwork design and then use the fabric for the exterior of the Tri-Fold Toiletry bag. The heavy-duty denim fabric will withstand the wear-and-tear of traveling paired with a waterproof fabric for the interior.
DIY Coasters Made from Jeans
If you’ve cut up every other part of a pair of jeans and have some leftover jean pockets, make a set of upcycled denim coasters from the pockets of jeans. They are very durable, machine-washable, and make great gifts!
Upcycled Denim Placemats
Create a set of beautiful denim placemats with frayed details. This is a fantastic way to use up strips of denim left unused from other denim projects. Best of all, these placemats are machine-washable!
Upcycled Denim Quilt
Making a patchwork quilt with upcycled denim is an upcyclers dream! Just imagine how durable this quilt will be. As a longtime quilter, Claudia shares some great tips on how to achieve the best results in a denim quilt.
Upcycled Denim Hot Pad and Oven Mitt
Scraps of denim, felt designs, and copper material were quilted with thermal insulation batting to create unique upcycled denim kitchen textiles.
DIY Denim Feathers
Claire is a genius of upcycling ideas, especially with denim jeans. These feathers are a great way to use up denim scraps and feature that ever-so-desired frayed denim look.
DIY Jeans Bag
If you’ve never made a DIY jeans bag, you should. Here is an easy to follow tutorial that’ll have you packing your bags for a weekend getaway. Bonus tip, use an old belt for a strap.
Cute Denim Crossbody Purse
Here’s another denim bag using the back pockets from a pair of jeans. This is such a cute bag purse that carries the essentials for quick errands or shopping trips with friends.
Upcycled Denim Baby Shoes
DIY baby projects are some of the most fun things to make. Upcycled baby projects are even better as they outgrow their clothes so quickly and stains often leave baby clothes unable to be donated. These denim shoes are some of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.
Denim Basket
When you’ve used up the rest of your denim with other upcycled projects, turn the felled seams into a basket with a unique look and durable structure.
Upcycled Denim Star Bean Bags
Make a set of upcycled denim bean bag stars to use for some yards games with the family. These denim bean bags could be used for a variety of games.
Upcycling Denim Ideas for Christmas Decorations
This denim upcycling ideas list wouldn’t be complete without some handmade Christmas decorations made from denim jeans. These tabletop trees can be customized in so many ways to match your holiday theme.
RELATED: Check out this Upcycled Sweater to Christmas Stocking
Upcycled Jeans Backpack
Learn how to turned a pair of jeans into a backpack. This upcycled denim backpack will be durable and sturdy for carrying all of your extra things.
RELATED: Check out my Upcycled Latch Hook Rug made from Upcycled T-shirts
DIY Denim Tote
Turning an old pair of jeans into a tote bag is a great upcycle project that’s easy and functional. This is another way to take advantage of the durability of denim and makes a great market tote.
DIY Wreath with Denim and Felt Roses
If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I’m a huge fan of DIY wreaths, always updating mine for the seasons and holidays. This DIY wreath made with the felled seams of denim jeans is on my to-do list!
DIY Denim Basket Tutorial
I’ve shared my DIY Rope Easter Basket before and they are so sturdy. Add some denim wraps around that rope and you will have an everlasting basket.
Denim Purse
Make this upcycled denim purse from your old jean legs. There’s a second option to create a beautiful woven bag too.
Denim Jacket Refashion
Turn those old pairs of jeans into a DIY denim jacket. Those mismatched pockets on the front of this one are my favorite part!
Denim and Lace Windsock
Wave the American spirit in the wind with a DIY American Flag Windsock made with lace and fabric with upcycled denim jeans at the top.
RELATED: Make a Witch Windsock with Witch Hat Template for Halloween
Denim Jeans Upcycling Idea
Try this easy-to-follow DIY denim tote bag tutorial video. This tote even features some front pockets.
Upcycled Denim Stuffed Animal Pattern
Turn your old jeans into durable stuffed animals for kids. This large size will be loved!
DIY Denim Pouch Upcycled Craft
I can’t get over this idea! Everyone is getting a little jeans pocket for Christmas this year.
DIY Wall Organizer from Jeans Pockets
This oldie-but-goodie upcycled denim jeans project puts those butt pockets to good use for craft room storage. This is a great way to use up jeans pockets while creating some vertical organization.
Denim Stuffed Animals
Give your old jeans new life by turning them into denim stuffed animals. They are more durable than many store-bought stuffed animals. You can find my free stuffed animal patterns here.
Upcycled Denim Purse
This cute bucket bag was created from an old pair of jeans and some fabric scraps. Make sure to watch her other inspiring videos while you’re over there!
Upcycled Denim Backpack
When my husband offered me an old pair of Levis, I turned them into a small backpack for our toddler. The felled seams, pockets, and stitching details helped bring the design together.
RELATED: Check out my Upcycled Bandana Laundry Bag (I’ve been using this for seven years now and it still works great!)
DIY Denim Throw Pillow
With some careful cutting and piecing you can sew a brand new chevron denim pillow made from upcycled jeans.
Woven Denim Basket
Create a very sturdy woven basket using JUST denim scraps. This project is another that’s high on my to-do-list.
Upcycled Denim Rug
Who wouldn’t want this beautiful denim rug in their home? Get all the details on how to make your own.
How to Mend Jean Holes
Before you start cutting into well-worn jeans, have you considered hand-mending? Here’s how to get started.
Do these upcycled jeans projects have you sorting through your old jeans? I hope you’re inspired to turn those denims into something new and useful. Share your denim upcycling ideas in the comments below.
yessss! thanks for these great ideas for old jeans, I have so many of those and usually just give them away! I’ll definitely try some of these!
Glad you can enjoy! :)
I have saved jeans for over 30 years now. It is time to do something with them. Thank you for sharing your idesa.
Wow! That must be quite the collection. Time to start making :)
Dang! And I feel I’m pretty good with my grammatical skills. Updating right now :)
Thanks a bunch! Teaching students to sew and recycle and needed ideas! You have been a great help!
Both are great topics to learn young. Glad to hear I could play a part in your teaching and their learning :)
I make quilts, pillows and teddy bears for widows, grandchildren, children…. Then they always have a bit of their “daddy” right there with them.
Bean bag chair. Made one for a boyfriend back in high school (way before you were even born!) – he loved it!
Yesssss! It would so durable too. :)
I made my Husband’s retriever a warm coat.son-in-law’s jeans and lined with corduroy. Some wadding across the back for extra warmth.
Pups need warm (upcycled) coats too :)
I use denim on my coffee cans to make canisters and I use the pockets to hold little things in. I just started using denim two years ago. I will try alot of your patterns. Thank you
That’s an awesome idea that would work well in my craft studio!
When we get a house of our own again I’m go to try and do more things with the denim projects what is yours and mine. I have ideas of my own too. See we moved to Alabama to help out my husband’s dad and mom
I do have one question: can demin be heated in the microwave?
I don’t see why not, just as long as there are no metal rivets or anything. Fabric is used in the microwave often in our house for hot moist towels and homemade rice filled heating pads.
Upholstered chair & car seats with denim.
Ooooh, I’d love to see a car interior covered in denim!
I make bucket hats from old jeans. I buy them from the op shops for $2 a pair. I search out woven fabric as stretch too hard to handle for hat fit. You have some great ideas for using the off tuts. That pocket wall hanger is a must for the pockets. I’m working on using the pockets for a hand towel hanger. Great post so pleased to find it. Thank you
Thanks Marilyn – Denim is so versatile and durable, it’s hard to not use them up for other things. I have a bag of denim scraps and old jeans ready for new projects. I would love to make bucket hats. Do you have any good tips or a pattern to reference?
I design and make little denim gift plaques for all occasions, denim trim chalkboards and denim magnets. Currently on a range of denim prints for greeting cards too. I love old denim jeans. One day I cut an old pair up and started creating!
That’s wonderful! My first ever sewing project was made from an old pair of jeans over 20 years ago. And I still make with upcycled denim.
Wow some great ideas thank you so much!!!!!
You’re welcome! Glad to hear you’ve been inspired. :)
Thanks all these denim patterns have been so helpful for my high school fashion class!
That’s so wonderful to hear Emily! Thank you for sharing. :) I would love to see pics if you have them.
Amazing ideas thank you, my art class, will never know I stole your website.
“Borrowed” 😉
Send pics! I would love to see what your art class is up to. :)
The reason I am on your site is the fact I just inherited lots of blue jeans. I want to make good use of them.
Reusing denim is fun and gratifying!
So many cool ideas! Thank you so much!!! You’re awesome!!
Thanks for stopping by! :)
yessss! thanks for these great ideas for old jeans, I have so many of those and usually just give them away! I’ll definitely try some of these!
So many cool ideas! Thank you so much!!! You’re awesome!!
The reason I am on your site is the fact I just inherited lots of blue jeans. I want to make good use of them.
So many cool ideas! Thank you so much!!! You’re awesome!!
I make quilts, pillows and teddy bears for widows, grandchildren, children…. Then they always have a bit of their “daddy” right there with them.
I design and make little denim gift plaques for all occasions, denim trim chalkboards and denim magnets. Currently on a range of denim prints for greeting cards too. I love old denim jeans. One day I cut an old pair up and started creating!
Upholstered chair & car seats with denim.
Why do you put the following link, “You can find my free stuffed animal patterns here.”, and the link to a paid etsy page?
Thank you for your comment. I have corrected the links.
This is a great list of things to do with denim, some of them I haven’t seen yet. I have not done a lot with denim. I would love to make that rug. Thank you for sharing all of these.