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Don’t toss those old jeans—transform them into something cute and creative instead! From DIY bags and patchwork pillows to upcycled baby clothes and boho home decor, these denim projects are easy, stylish, and totally adorable. 👖✨ #UpcycledDenim #DIYProjects #RepurposeJeans
How to Turn Old Denim into Something New (and Totally Adorable)
There’s something special about denim—it’s one of those fabrics that only gets better with time. That perfect fade, those soft worn-in patches, the frayed hems from years of love… why toss it out when you could turn it into something new and fabulous?
Upcycling denim is more than just a fun creative project—it’s a smart, sustainable way to give old clothes a second chance. With the fashion industry being one of the biggest polluters on the planet, reusing what we already have is a small but powerful way to help reduce waste. Instead of buying more, we can make more—right from the things already sitting in our closets.
And here’s the fun part: denim is tough. It’s built to last, which makes it one of the best materials for DIY projects. Whether you’re transforming a pair of jeans into a tote bag, adding embroidery to a jacket, or turning scraps into cute little coasters, you’ll find that denim holds its shape, adds texture, and plays really nicely with all kinds of creative touches.
👖 Where to Find Denim to Upcycle
You don’t need to go far (or spend anything!) to get started:
- Your own closet is always the best place to begin. Dig out those jeans with the ripped knees, the jacket that shrunk in the wash, or that skirt you haven’t worn in five years but can’t quite part with. Boom—free supplies.
- Thrift stores are full of hidden denim gems. Look for oversized jackets, men’s jeans (great for bags or aprons), or anything with interesting seams or vintage washes.
- Garage sales and charity shops are also great for scoring denim pieces for next to nothing—and the more worn in, the better. Soft, distressed denim is ideal for projects that need a little flexibility.
- Ask around. Chances are your friends or family have a pair or two they’d be happy to donate to your crafty cause. One group text and you’ll probably have a denim mountain to play with.
🧵 Tips for Sewing and DIYing with Denim
Okay, real talk—denim can be a little bossy to work with. But with the right prep, it’s totally worth it:
- Use a heavy-duty needle. Regular sewing needles will bend or break, especially if you’re working with thicker denim or layering it. Look for needles labeled “denim” or “jeans” at the craft store.
- Take it slow. Especially near seams or layered areas. Your machine will thank you—and your project will turn out cleaner.
- Clip, don’t pin. Denim can be bulky, and clips are often easier to use when holding things in place.
- Pre-wash and press. Give your denim a good wash and press before starting. It removes any grime or stiffness and helps with cutting and stitching accuracy.
- Start simple. If you’re new to sewing, go for a beginner-friendly project like a no-sew headband, frayed-edge bookmarks, or patching up a tote bag. You don’t need a degree in fashion design to make something cool!
💡 Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
If you want to take your upcycled denim project to the next level, here are a few creative touches that add major charm:
- Add embroidery. A little stitching—like a flower, star, or even a name—makes it feel extra special.
- Use contrasting thread. Bright colors really pop against blue denim and give your project that “made with love” vibe.
- Mix materials. Denim looks amazing paired with lace, canvas, burlap, flannel, or leather scraps.
- Decorate with patches, tassels, or buttons. Use what you have on hand and let the creativity flow. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be fabulous.
Whether you’re turning jeans into a boho-style bag, making coasters out of pockets, or patching up a well-loved jacket, there’s something extra rewarding about creating something beautiful from what would’ve ended up in the bin.
So before you toss that old pair of jeans—wait! You might just be holding your next favorite DIY.
Don’t miss our other upcycled crafts and denim DIY projects!
Check out these upcycled denim projects
Ready to get inspired? Here are 27 brilliant upcycled denim DIYs to try today—some easy, some more advanced, but all totally creative and fun.
Use old denim jeans to recover an armchair
Use colorful embroidery threads to sprinkle sunflowers all over the back of your jacket.
Upcycle your old denim into this gorgeous whale that would make a great gift for an ocean-loving child.
You’ll need to collect a few jean pockets for this denim upcycle project, but the end result is something stylish and functional.
Follow this tutorial to find out how to repurpose old denim into a cottagecore chic chair cover.
This gorgeous DIY Christmas tree is made from the belt loops, hems and seams of repurposed jeans. Leave them plain or decorate them for Christmas.
Watch the video to see how to transform a pair of jeans into a denim backpack!
Find out how easy it us to turn your tired, worn out denim into a cute rag rug!
Transform your old denim into a cute tote bag.
I just can’t get enough of these jean pocket organizers!
These gorgeous recycled jeans pillows will brighten up any home. They made from upcycled denim and have colourful pom poms and sari trim for that boho look.
Watch the video to see how to refashion old thrifted jeans into a fabulous bucket bag.
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!
Be inspired to turn your old jeans into a GORGEOUS bucket tote bag!
DIY Upcycled Denim Bag Tutorial
Turn an old pair of jeans into a gorgeous, boho-style tote bag with this fun and creative upcycling project! This bag is perfect for carrying everyday essentials while adding a unique, handcrafted touch to your outfit.
✂️ Materials Needed:
- An old pair of jeans
- Fabric scissors
- A sewing machine (or needle and thread)
- Lining fabric (cotton or lace)
- Thick rope or fabric strips for handles
- Hot glue gun or fabric glue
- Embellishments (lace, fabric flowers, beads, pom-poms)
🧵 Steps to Make It:
1️⃣ Cut the Jeans – Cut off the legs of the jeans, leaving the top portion (waistband and pockets) intact. This will form the main body of the bag.
2️⃣ Create the Base – If you want a flat-bottom bag, cut a rectangular piece of denim from the leg fabric and sew it to the bottom of your bag. Otherwise, simply sew the bottom shut.
3️⃣ Add Lining – Cut a piece of fabric the same size as your bag and sew it to the inside for a neat finish. Add lace trim if you like!
4️⃣ Attach Handles – Use thick rope, braided fabric, or old belt straps for handles. Sew or glue them securely to the waistband of the bag.
5️⃣ Decorate – This is where the fun begins! Use hot glue or hand-stitch fabric flowers, beads, and lace onto the bag. Add pom-pom trim to the bottom for a whimsical touch.
6️⃣ Final Touches – Sew or glue any extra details, reinforce the seams, and make sure everything is secure before using your bag.
✨ Enjoy your one-of-a-kind upcycled denim bag! ✨
Grab some old denims and make a stunning circular DIY rug out of them. Follow the tutorial to find all the details and sew your own recycled denim rug.
Take a pile of thrifted jeans and turn them into a cute chevron pillow.
Turn an old pair of jeans into a one-of-a-kind denim backpack. It has lots of pockets and can be converted into a crossbody bag.
This gorgeous denim wreath for all seasons is simply made from leftover scraps from other projects. Felt scraps for the roses and jeans seams for the base.
Sew a DIY fold over clutch using recycled denim and leather or faux leather with an optional cross body strap
These star shaped bean bags are perfect for outdoor or indoor play with kids!
Denim is one of the most durable fabrics made and also the easiest to find for projects such as this small space floor mat. You can repurpose last year’s worn out jeans or go in search of a handful of jumpers or dresses at the thrift store without spending a lot of money.
This denim quilt is gorgeous and will look great over your sofa!
Find out how to make this cute denim picnic blanket from old jeans!
Here’s another way to repurpose those old holey (or should we say too tight?) blue jeans. Nothing says 4th of July like red, white and blue bunting!
This Rug Making 101 video will show you how to weave a rug using old jeans! The jeans rug is adorable!
Discover how to make denim feathers from recycled jeans, perfect for crafting trendy accessories and home decor.
This upcycled denim doorstop is practical and stylish.
How to make a cosmetic bag from unwanted jeans
