What To Do With Old Jeans: 45 Recycled Crafts With Denim
Got 99 problems but finding things to do with old jeans ain't 1.
Don't throw away your worn-out jeans! Recycle them into bags, toys, and other items. With these fun and easy projects, you'll be able to put those well-loved jeans to use in ways you couldn't imagine. From totes and bags to embellishments and home decor, these denim crafts will help you work through that stash of old jeans and transform them into functional and fabulous works of art!
This collection of recycled crafts with denim will give you plenty of inspiration for your next craft project and you'll never be left wondering what to do with old jeans again. Keep reading for ideas for recycled crafts for kids, fun wearable crafts from recycled materials, and more!
Sign Up For More Free Patterns >>>
Table of Contents
What to Do with Old Jeans + Blue Jean Recycled Crafts
Now let's get to the good stuff. Here are a few denim crafts that are sure to inspire you. We have tons of things to make with old jeans here, and you'll never wonder what to do with old jeans again! Here are a few of our favorite things to do with old jeans and denim:
Gorgeous Upcycled Denim Flowers
These denim flowers actually look like roses. They are made from the scraps of other repurposed jeans crafts and DIYs.
LEARN HOW »
Step 1: Turn your old jeans into denim yarn. Step 2: PROFIT. This DIY rug is oh so easy to make, no sewing required!
LEARN HOW »
Looking for a quick and easy gift for all your gal pals? These boho chic earrings are so easy to make and cost less-to-nothing. Plus, they look like an Anthropologie knockoff without the hefty price tag. Upcycle your old jeans, and make them work for you.
LEARN HOW »
The great thing also about this no-sew DIY bracelet pattern is that one size fits all. Make one for yourself, your friends, and everyone in your family! With just one pair of jeans, you can easy make a few.
LEARN HOW »
This DIY doormat makes full use of denim pockets and waistbands. Create a patchwork doormat from denim pockets, add a non slip base and finish with denim waistband edging.
LEARN HOW »
Upcyle old jeans AND add some personality to your home with this DIY throw pillow! Ditch your local home goods store and make your own version of their pillows using upcycled fabrics and embroidery patches.
LEARN HOW »
Upcycled Denim Bunny Decoration
Romance your mantle with repurposed denim. Whether you're looking for some homemade spring decor or you just love bunnies, these cuties are the perfect addition to your space.
LEARN HOW »
Upcycle old jeans with this DIY Recycled Denim Placemat Tutorial. Now you don't have to get rid of your jeans but instead make this denim craft so that you can repurpose that old favorite pair of jeans. Plus, there's a video for visual learners!
LEARN HOW »
Recycled Denim Feather Wall Hanging
Did you know that it is so simple to make feathers out of scraps of denim? If you pull out all the white threads, you will end up with an indigo feather. Make a few and hang them together to create this Recycled Denim Feather Wall Hanging.
LEARN HOW »
Use old jeans to embellish flip flops. Lace also makes a great adornment!
LEARN HOW »
Turn each pant leg into a handy lunch sack. You can also turn them into a purse for any occasion!
LEARN HOW »
Make a gorgeous bracelet using old denim. It's amazing what you can make!
LEARN HOW »
Denim Back-to-School Chalkboard
Dress up a plain chalkboard with a makeshift frame using denim squares from old jeans.
LEARN HOW »
Make an absolutely stunning wreath using loops of colorful denim. This is an easy project you'll simply love, and it's nice and rustic for fall.
LEARN HOW »
This is a great arts and crafts project using denim. Turn the scraps, along with other fabric scraps, into a lovely tree to hang on your wall.
LEARN HOW »
Turn old jeans into a purse, and then embellish the purse with brightly colored stitching and cupcake patches.
LEARN HOW »
Make this beer cozy or, to reduce your paper consumption AND protect your hands, make a coffee cup cozy from two layers of denim. Just measure, cut and sew. Use rick rack or contrasting fabric at the edge for a cute touch.
LEARN HOW »
Denim Apron and Basket for Mom
Make a bucket or basket for your yarn skeins, other craft supplies, or anything you'd like with a pair of jeans.
LEARN HOW »
Beading makes all the difference when you make this pretty bracelet out of old jeans.
LEARN HOW »
Utilize your old jeans and fabric scraps to make a fun yet practical peg bag. This makes a quick gift to sew up, taking less than an hour.
LEARN HOW »
This denim pocket pillow is a super easy sewing project and will be great on your patio this summer.
LEARN HOW »
This cool ring is so comfortable to wear! Add beads and you have a chic new summer accessory.
LEARN HOW »
Embrace the fraying that happens with your jeans to make this shabby chic flower.
LEARN HOW »
Sew together an awesome needle case to stay organized with your sewing supplies.
LEARN HOW »
Upcycled Denim Flower Embellishments
Add a denim embellishment to your next papercraft with this easy sewing project.
LEARN HOW »
How to Make a Coaster by Repurposing Old Jeans
Fray those jeans on purpose! The frayed look makes all the difference with this coasters project.
LEARN HOW »
This creative idea is so awesome for fall. Turn that old pair of pants into an awesome porch decoration by sewing pumpkins.
LEARN HOW »
Wrap old jeans around a tin can to make your favorite new pencil holder. Store other craft supplies inside too like scissors, paintbrushers, rulers, and more.
LEARN HOW »
If your lampshade doesn't, well, shade enough, add another layer of denim.
LEARN HOW »
Make a sunglasses case out of denim and add other scrap fabric to finish it off.
LEARN HOW »
How to Make a Pillow Cover by Repurposing Old Jeans
This stunning denim pillow is made using jeans in a variety of washes and orange ribbon for a really beautiful effect.
LEARN HOW »
Recycled Denim Wine Bottle Sleeve
Create a wine bottle holder like this one. You can also create a water-bottle holder with shoulder strap and cute pockets for drink mix.
LEARN HOW »
Make a pocket organizer. Cut off the ends of pant legs and stitch the cut side closed to make a pocket. Arrange six or more of these pockets on a sturdy piece of poster board and hang from a door for a handy organizer. Or, attach loops of demin to the pockets and hang from a bar.
LEARN HOW »
Use the leg of a pair of jeans to sew up a draft stopper. Learn the basics of sewing a draft stopper with this tutorial.
LEARN HOW »
Cover a bulletin board with the denim if you can't stand the sight of cork anymore. You can make a variety of displays like bulletin boards or this chore chart.
LEARN HOW »
Glue a magnet onto the back of jean pockets for a handy place to stash coupons on your fridge. You can also use the jeans pocket to make a purse like this one.
LEARN HOW »
Create this fun reusable advent calendar with old pairs of ripped and faded jeans. You will need twelve pairs of jeans, fabric paint and a number stencil.
LEARN HOW »
How to Make a Jean Rug without Sewing
Denim rugs are so stylish and add a unique look to your home decor, but most patterns require some sewing skills. With this project, you can forget about sewing. It's as simple as cutting and tugging!
LEARN HOW »
How cute is this little denim pouch! This simple sew little pouch is great for use as a makeup bag or to hold your smaller items from your purse. This is a easy sewing project perfect for beginners.
LEARN HOW »
Sensory toys make great baby shower gifts or "just because" gifts for a special baby in your life.
LEARN HOW »
The bags are like a little gift in themselves. They are simply made from repurposing the back pockets of old jeans.
LEARN HOW »
If you have a dog that loves to play you will want to make this Easy Dog Bone Toy today. Just take an old pair of jeans you were going to throw out anyways and make a toy for your fur baby.
LEARN HOW »
What is your best tip for crafting with denim? Let us know in the comments!