Are you wondering what to do with old jeans? Over time your favorite pair can fade or rip. Personally old blue jeans are one of my all-time favorite resources to craft with. They are so versatile, hard wearing and a readily available resource for crafting. But before we start upcycling let me share a little bit of history about jeans (feel free to scroll down the page to craft ideas if you prefer).
Jeans are a design of trousers generally made from denim or a dungaree cloth. The term “jeans” refers to a style of trouser invented by Jacob Davis in partnership with Levi Strauss in 1873. Originally created for miners and cowboys jeans became popular in the 1950’s amongst teenagers. Today they are one of the most popular type of trousers in Western culture. The cloth is sturdy, originally designed with a cotton warp and wool weft, although nowadays this tends to be cotton too. Originally dyed with indigo jeans are now dyed with synthetic dye.
The first thought re what to do with old jeans is to see if their life as jeans can be extended. With the average blue jeans taking 919 gallons (3479 litres) of water during its life cycle from irrigating the cotton crop to manufacturing the jeans, to washing them as the consumer prolonging the life of your old jeans can only be good for the environment. Wearing a garment for an extra nine months can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30% (source Wrap).
There are many ways you can keep your jeans alive as jeans for a little longer, from a simple redying in your washing machine with a kit such as Dylon to replacing the zip. This is far easier than you anticipate, learn how to replace the zip and keep the original topstitching.
For torn jeans consider repairing with a visible or invisible repair. An invisible repair works well for the inner thigh area, whereas a knee you may wish to patch, personally, I love sashiko inspired repairs to jeans.
Alternatively, refashion them into a new garment, here are some quick ideas:- shorten them to create shorts, restyle to make a jean skirt or alter them to become skinny jeans.
There are so many amazing ideas for crafting with former jeans that I cannot possibly share them all. So let me group ideas for you.
Curtains, Cushion covers, doormats, reupholstery , wall organizer, pot, quilts, pictures as wall art, mirror frames
camera bag https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2007/make-a-camera-cozy/
sashiko bag
tote bag
note book cover
pencil case
Box bag
Are you inspired by this wide range of craft ideas for your blue jeans? Do you need to source further jeans to make your favorite craft idea? I am fortunate and regularly receive donations from work colleagues, school Mums, family members so spread the word you are on the lookout, all donations appreciated! But some projects take more than the odd pair, what then?
Today I am going to how you just how to make bunting from your old jeans, or any scraps of fabric. This DIY is a great upcycling project requiring no sewing. The no sew bunting is perfect for your garden, street party or even as home decor. Personally, I am making my DIY bunting for …
The Origami bento bag, sometimes called the origami market bag, or a origami tote bag is so quick and easy to make. It’s a slouchy type bag, so it’s soft and drapey without any solid form. The bento bag itself is easy to make and quick to sew up. I suggest reading through the instructions …
I’m super excited to have a new toy – a Cricut (here in the UK they are far from cheap). Naturally I have just had to have a play with my old jeans stash to whip up a new pillow design. This week we are enjoying an Indian summer but I know autumn is literally …
Learn how to sew your perfect denim garden apron with this free pattern by following the detailed tutorial with step-by-step instructions, or by watching the video.
I love making the most of my fabric scraps and old jeans, these sashiko denim Christmas stockings capitalize on these passions. To make your own Christmas stockings find your red fabric scraps, embroidery floss, and unrepairable jeans, then download the free printable stocking pattern – all set?! New Christmas stockings are a great way to …
Do you have a stash of old jeans? Love making fun advent calendars? Then this DIY advent calendar is for you. There is so much joy to be had making your own advent calendar. If you love the idea of prompts for Christmas activities check out my printable list, this year I think I am …
Are you wondering what to do with your old jeans, as a no sew craft project? I keep all parts of old jeans, this denim mirror frame makes the most of the seams from your old jeans. I have to confess to collections of waistbands, seams, pockets, hems and of course the fabric of the …
Do you regularly take your laptop out? Work in a coffee shop? This week I whipped up a denim DIY laptop case, perfect for protecting your laptop when out and about. The laptop case is easy to make and will take less than an hour! Especially if you are not filming yourself as you go! …
I have been experimenting with making a doormat using old jeans – I am rather fortunate in that I have a rather large stash of jeans. My kind friends always pass them my way. There are many pairs in my stash where I have already used the legs which I have kept for the waistbands …
If you are a regular reader you know I love working with old jeans, the fabric is hardwearing, so versatile and free! – the perfect material for my DIY doorstop. With this version of the doorstop I have added a leather handle, using different tones of jean to add interest to the finished DIY. If …
My passion for repurposing old ripped jeans just has to be directed towards Christmas decorations – in particular, a DIY mini stocking advent calendar. Perfect for mini gifts, chocolates, Christmas activities (read on for a free downloadable list of activities for your own advent calendar). But be warned this project takes a little time – note …
I have decided to make oven gloves! They are easy to make and create a great gift. It’s something virtually everyone will use and is so easy to personalize with different fabrics. I like to pause, count my blessings and give thanks. For many sharing a meal is part of pausing, reflecting on the day …