50 Fun Ways To Repurpose Old Jeans

1. Denim Whale

Most people never think about using jeans to make stuffed animals. However, this DIY denim whale is so cool. You’ll also need a small piece of light blue fabric for the eye.

Valaan Villapaita
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Valaan Villapaita

2. Wine Bag

Denim wine bags are perfect for when you are giving someone a bottle of wine as a gift. Sew a pocket on the side and include a bottle opener in it as an additional surprise. While the denim bags won’t keep a bottle of wine cold or anything like that, they are very cute.

3. Jean Seams Basket

When repurposing your old jeans, make sure to save the seams too. You can actually make some pretty cool crafts with just the seams alone such as this jean seams basket. The basket works fantastic for holding Easter eggs, although you can really put whatever you want in it.

4. Pillows

One of the easiest DIY denim projects is to just make a pillow. They look really classy, especially if you have leather furniture in your house. If it’s just going to be a decorative pillow and you don’t intend on laying on it, you can also wrap a belt around it as a nice accent.

5. “Shabby Chic” Apron

This apron doesn’t look too shabby to us, but it definitely is pretty chic. Not only is the apron functional, but it looks great. In fact, it looks so great you might actually be afraid to use it in real life when cooking. The risk of spilling something on it is just too high!

The Country Farm Home
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The Country Farm Home

6. Weekender bag

This denim weekender bag is perfect for carrying your clothes and supplies with you on short weekend trips. You don’t really need any special skills to make it either, just some basic sewing knowledge and the ability to measure out some denim. It’s hard to mess up. Use an old belt for the bag’s handle.

7. Placemat

Denim placemats are an excellent complement to any outdoor dining arrangement. They look just as at home on a picnic table as they do on more elegant tables. Use the pocketed side of the jeans if you want the placemats to have a place to tuck in napkins and silverware.

8. Denim Bags or Buckets

These smaller denim buckets are simple to make. The lack of handle though means that they are best used on a shelf for organization purposes. You can put small items like jewelry or makeup in them.

9. Handbag

This is the perfect denim handbag for when you are are on the go. The woven design makes it completely unique. You’ll just need to cut your jeans into long strips, weave them together, and then sew up the edges.

10. Flower Corsage

While most corsages are made out of fresh flowers, it’s also pretty easy to create a very cool denim corsage. They go great with all different types of outfits or can be used as a decorative add on to a handbag. While a fresh flower corsage is only good for a few days, these ones last indefinitely!

11. Gingerbread Ornaments

Upcycle your old jeans into Christmas tree ornaments. While this person made an awesome little gingerbread ornament, once you learn the technique, you can really make anything you want. The only limit is your own imagination.

12. Lunch Bags

There are all kinds of different bags you can make with denim. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, try making a button lunch bag. Everyone at your work will be jealous when you pull your sandwich and piece of fruit out of one of these.

13. Christmas Stocking

Traditional Christmas stockings are just so boring. Spice things up this year and make your own out of denim and whatever other materials you have on hand — burlap, lace, buttons, etc. You can create all sort of different designs and patterns.

Embroidery Library
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Embroidery Library

14. Tote Bag

Here we another sweet denim bag idea. This one is a tote bag. For this design, you will need a patterned fabric to use as the liner. A bonus is that the tote bag then also becomes reversible. Flip it inside-out with the fabric on the outside for a completely different look.

15. Beaded Ring

One pair of jeans is literally enough denim to make hundreds of little beaded rings. Making these would be a really fun activity for a bunch of girls at a slumber party or a Girl Scout meeting. However, the rings are stylish enough that adults can definitely wear them too if they would like.

Crafts By Amanada
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Crafts By Amanada

16. Baby Bibs

This denim baby bib is pretty epic and would work as a great gift at any baby shower. They can be worn by both girls and boys. They are also reversible, so if something gets spilled on one side and you don’t have time to wash it immediately, you can just turn it inside-out.

Becca's Paper Cutz
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Becca's Paper Cutz

17. No-Sew Fringed Purse

The best part about making these fringed-purses is that there is literally zero sewing involved. They are very versatile as well. Kids love them. For adults, they would be the perfect choice for a purse to take to a music festival.

desert willow lane
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desert willow lane

18. Heart Bookmark

These denim heart bookmarks are perfect for people who love reading. Instead of getting shoved into the seams of the book between pages like most bookmarks, they actually slip onto the bottom corner of the page. Apply a little mod podge onto the backs of the hearts to prevent fraying.

The Cheese Thief
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The Cheese Thief

19. Scarfs

Next time you want to crochet a scarf, consider using your old jeans instead of yarn to make a denim scarf. The process is generally the same as making any scarf, yet they turn out totally unique. Denim scarfs are the perfect accessory for when you are rocking jeans and a t-shirt.

20. Pot Holder

Denim works as a great material for making pot holders. It is thick and tough enough to insulate against the heat when cooking and baking, yet looks pretty stylish too. It doesn’t hurt to add a layer of quilt batting inside though just for peace of mind.

21. Scrappy Denim Bracelets

Be the first in your friend group to rock a bracelet made out of denim. They are both cute and tough looking at the same time if that is possible. Scrappy denim bracelets are great for everyday casual wear.

Dragonflys and Stars
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Dragonflys and Stars

22. Maps

So the walls in your apartment looking kind of bare, but you want something a little cooler than a traditional painting or poster… Try making a denim map of North America. It’s basically guaranteed that no one else you know has one of these in their abode.

23. Slippers

Denim slippers are both stylish and functional. Wear them around the house, when you are out on the patio, or even when you’re at work. Why not? They are so comfortable that you’ll never want to take them off.

24. Knotted Rug

It takes about five pairs of jeans to make a knotted rug, but it is so worth it! While crocheting a rug with denim is somewhat more difficult than using regular fabric, the process itself is largely the same. Just think of it as an opportunity to build up your arm muscles.

25. Bins

These denim bins definitely come in handy for organizing things in your crafts corner. They can also be placed on your desk at work to hold pens, pencils, or even documents and books. Really, it depends on how big you make them.

26. Artwork

Get creative and turn your jeans into innovative new types of artwork. Use this upcycled denim sunburst art as your inspiration. First, cut your jeans into little strips, then paste them onto a canvas in whatever pattern you would like.

27. Raggedy Bear

Denim raggedy bears are an excellent gift for kids in the 5 and under range. They are really tough and can withstand a lot of abuse, yet still look very cute. Depending on who you give it to, you may want to leave the eye and nose buttons off as they can present a choking hazard.

28. Drink Cozy

Jeans can be converted into a very rustic type of drink cozy that is perfect for any outdoor party or barbecue. If you use the button and zipper part of the jeans when you make them, they’ll be somewhat adjustable too. The button provides some flexibility so that the cozy will fit snuggly around any size beverage.

29. Organizer

Since this denim organizer fits onto a clothes hanger, it can literally be hung up anywhere. Hang it on the wall next to your desk at your office using a nail and use it for organizing office supplies. Or keep it hung up in your closet at home and use it for organizing accessories.

30. Upholstered Chair

While making a denim upholstered chair from old jeans isn’t as easy as some of the other crafts we’ve presented, they are certainly very neat. If you feel up to the challenge, we definitely recommend making one. Depending on the size of the chair, you may need as many as 10 or more pairs of jeans.

31. Teen Jean Purse

This blue jean purse is absolutely perfect for tweens and teens. The size of the purse ultimately depends on the size of the pair of jeans used. If you don’t have kids, see if you can find an old pair of jeans from your childhood hiding in your closet somewhere.

32. Recycled Jeans Rug

Often when cutting up old jeans for the denim, the waistbands end up in the garbage as trash. Luckily, there are some cool uses for them. The leftover waistbands, hem cuffs, and inseams can be used to make this cool recycled jeans rug.

33. Coasters

Take two hem strips from old pairs of jeans and roll them up to make these awesome drink coasters. The process is incredibly simple. You can use super glue or fabric glue to hold it all together.

34. Canvas Art

Instead of using the jeans themselves to make artwork, you can also stretch the denim out and use it as a canvas. Attach it to a wooden frame, then use fabric paints to paint whatever you would like on it. This person chose to write a lovely little phrase.

A Beautiful Mess
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A Beautiful Mess

35. Wreathes

It might not be very traditional, but this denim wreath is such a cool idea. All you need is a metal wreath frame and some denim. Cut your denim into lots of little strips and then tie them to the frame.

A Fish Who Likes Flowers
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A Fish Who Likes Flowers

36. Raggedy Quilt

One straightforward way to use up old denim scraps is to simply sew them into a quilt. You don’t have to limit yourself just denim either. Have some fun with it and mix in some other patterned fabrics as well.

37. Desk Organizer

The neat thing about this denim desk organizer is that it is crafted around a tin can. Not only can you store pencils and other office supplies in the pockets on the outside, but the inside has lots of storage space as well. Any round tin can will work, but we recommend using a Quaker Oats container.

Art Ideas Crafts
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Art Ideas Crafts

38. Halloween Mask

Use your worn out jeans to make these classy Halloween fantasy masks. They can be worn trick-or-treating or at a formal masquerade ball as well. The embroidered designs on the edges done with colored fabric create a very alluring mystique.

39. Flowers

These denim flowers go great in indoor or outdoor gardens alike depending on the climate in your area. First, take some of your old jeans and dye them different colors. Then cut out the flower patterns and layer them together. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it.

Crafts By Amanda
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Crafts By Amanda

40. Cutlery Pouch

Denim cutlery pouches are very useful for storing silverware in your lunch bag when heading to work. They also look fantastic when laid out on a wooden table. The little pouch can be sealed shut with either a button or velcro.

All Free Crafts
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All Free Crafts

41. Pom Pom Necklace

Pom pom necklaces complement all types of different outfits nicely. They make for a very stylish look. You’ll also be happy to learn that they are very easy to make. For the pom poms, just glue a bunch of scrunched up circles of denim onto a piece of felt until it is totally covered.

Little Miss Momma
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Little Miss Momma

42. Lunch Sacks

Sometimes simple crafts are the best crafts. Take these cool lunch sacks for example. All you need to do is attach a couple of pieces of velcro onto a square of denim or fabric and you are good to go. The fact that they are reusable makes them so much better for the environment than plastic bags as well.

43. Gadget Protector

Convert the pockets from a pair of jeans into a nifty little gadget protector. Your iPod or phone can slide into the front pocket for easy access when you are hanging around the house, or be placed into the back zippered compartment when you are on the move.

44. Camera Bag

Protect your expensive digital camera with this versatile denim camera bag. Other medium-sized electronics can be stored inside as well. The small pocket on the outside serves to hold all the additional chargers and accessories.

Evil Mad Scientist
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Evil Mad Scientist

45. Lace Edged Denim Skirt

Next time you have a pair of jeans that has holes all through the legs, instead of tossing it, simply convert it into a skirt. Cut off the legs then attach the lacing to the edges. It’s easiest to buy the lacing from a store, however, if you are feeling adventurous, you can definitely crochet your own too.

46. Jean Bangles

These trendy jean bangles go amazing with fall outfits. This one, in particular, has a morse code design on it. Can you tell what it says? Use a fabric pen and craft paint to draw your own creative designs on yours.

Mich L. in L.A.
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Mich L. in L.A.

47. Denim Beads

Once you make these colorful denim beads, you’ll be able to use them for all sorts of projects, from bracelets to necklaces, to clothing. Just roll some tiny strips of denim into the shape of a bead, then use glue to hold it together. Paint the outside of the beads with fabric paints.

48. Napkins

Help save the environment and stop throwing away paper towels and napkins. Instead, cut up your jeans into squares and hem the edges to create a beautiful set of reusable denim napkins. They are much classier than paper ones too.

The Pocket Stylist
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The Pocket Stylist

49. Wheel Rug

This denim wheel rug is a great decoration to add to any room. They also fit excellent underneath any round tables you might have. While most rugs are rectangular or square, the circular shape of the wheel rug makes them completely unique.

50. Bulletin Board

Attach a piece of denim to a cork board and instantly you have your own denim bulletin board. You’ll also probably want to include some quilt batting behind it as well to give it a fuller appearance. Whether you choose to actually use it as a bulletin board or simply hang it on the wall as a decorative item is up to you.