Best Ideas for Upcycling Jeans

Best Ideas for Upcycling Jeans

If you're on Pinterest, you've probably run across at least some ideas for upcycling or reusing old jeans. But start looking around in earnest, and you may become overwhelmed! (Not to mention you'll kick yourself for all the pairs of jeans you've thrown away in your lifetime.) Whether you want to renovate worn jeans so you can still wear them, or you want to turn them into something beautiful or practical, I've scoured the web finding what I think are the very best ideas - 82 in all. 

But first, let's talk about whether or not it's worth it to upcycle old jeans. If the jeans are threadbare, the answer is no. No amount of clever stitchery will hold that fabric together if it's just plain worn out. On the other hand, if only part of the jeans are worn out (like the knees), then there's lots you can do with them that's well worth your time and energy.

Let's start with the most obvious. It's super easy to patch holes to make them look like monster faces or hearts or flowers. And it's easy to put some pretty fabric behind a rip and stitch it in place with a decorative cross stitch. For ideas and pictures on these types of remakes (and more), click here.

There are also projects that I consider pretty obvious, like:

* Shorts
* Quilts
* Pillows (also here)

For more innovative ideas, keep reading.

Bags:
* Classic jeans purse
* Hobo bag
* Simple bag
* Simple jeans purse
* Shopping bag
* Clutch
* Coin purse (also here)
* Drawstring backpack
* Tote
* Knitting/craft/art bag (also here)
* Makeup bag
* Hip bag (also here)
* Drawstring bag
* Pocket purse
* Easy leg bag
* Sideways jean bag
* Shoulder bag
* Purse
* Small shoulder bag
* Lunch bag
* Bike bag
* Couldn't be simpler bag
* Water bottle bag
* Camera bag



Kids:
* Twirly skirt
* Ruffle skirt
* Ruffle skirt 2
* Girl's apron/smock
* Pretend-play roads
* Toy storage bag
 * Bib
* Candy bag
* Dress up cowboy chaps

Women:
* Stripy skirt
* Dress or apron (from jean overalls)
* Full Apron
* Half apron (also here)
* Twirly skirt
* Twirly skirt 2
* Bohemian skirt
* Bohemian skirt 2
* Godet skirt
* Patchy skirt
* Patchy skirt 2
* Patchy skirt 3
* Ruffly maternity skirt
* Basic skirt
* Lace skirt
* Maxi skirt
* Slippers
* Vest
* Bracelet
* Leg warmers
* Tissue holder

Gender Neutral:
* Shoes (also here)
* Slippers

Household:
* Coasters (also here)
* Remote control holder
* Curtains
* Jean-upholstered furniture
* Lampshade cover
* Valance
* Containers (also here)
* Rug (also here and here)
* Hanging pocket holder (also here)
* Oven mitts (also here and here)
* Potholder
* Placemats (also here
* Armrest needlework/kitting/crocheting bag

Other:
* Christmas stocking
* Wallet
* Dog or cat bed (also here and here)
* Garden tool caddy
* Tablet holder
* Kindle case
* iPhone case
* Notebook
* Wine bottle holders
* Plant hanger 
http://proverbsthirtyonewoman.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-make-girls-t-shirt-dress.html#.WIKD8n3krcQ

http://proverbsthirtyonewoman.blogspot.com/2013/06/turn-worn-jeans-into-cute-skirt.html#.WIKD3H3krcQ

3 comments

  1. I enjoyed this article because I like the concept of upcycling. I wanted to share that I sometimes go to Goodwill on "quarter day" and buy a few denim skirts or dresses for the panels of fabric. This(along with yard sales) is an inexpensive way of obtaining good fabrics for practically nothing. Sometimes the ugliest shirt makes the prettiest potholder, or those old blazers that are passed over have beautiful, sometimes vintage, buttons. Thanks for a list of new ideas. I need to go look at my fabric stash now.
    ~ Mary

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  2. Hello, How do I get in touch with you? There is no email or contact info listed .. please advise .. thanks

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