20 DIY Denim Crafts to Give Old Jeans New Life

Denim is a material that truly stands the test of time. Whether it’s jeans that have become too tight or jackets that are no longer in vogue, many of us have some denim tucked away.

Rather than throwing it away, consider repurposing it! With a bit of imagination, you can turn denim into something new, useful, and enjoyable. Here are 15 DIY denim projects you can attempt at home to breathe new life into your old jeans.

DIY Denim Crafts

1. Denim Bunting Banner

Add a festive flair to any room or event with a denim bunting banner. Simply cut triangles from old denim and string them together using twine or ribbon. The frayed edges bring a rustic charm, making it ideal for parties or as decor in a laid-back setting.

2. Denim Table Runner

Enhance your dining area with a unique denim table runner. Simply cut long strips of denim, sew them together side by side, and fray the edges for a relaxed, rustic appearance. This DIY project adds an effortlessly cool, upcycled touch to your table.

3. Denim Drawer Organizers

Old denim can be transformed into small compartments that fit perfectly in your drawers. They’re great for organizing socks, jewelry, or office supplies. The durable fabric makes them practical, and they add a fun, DIY touch to your storage solutions.

4. Denim Phone or Tablet Sleeve

Create a unique denim sleeve to protect your devices. Start by cutting the denim to the size of your phone or tablet, then line it with a soft fabric for added comfort. Sew around the edges to secure everything in place. Feel free to include pockets or decorative elements to make it truly yours. This not only serves a practical purpose but also gives your devices a stylish layer of protection.

5. Denim Pet Bed

If you have enough denim fabric, consider making a pet bed. Cut out a large circle, fill it with stuffing, and sew it shut. Denim is tough and easy to clean, providing a comfortable and durable bed for your pet to enjoy.

6. Denim Eyeglass Case

Protect your glasses in style with a denim eyeglass case. Just take a piece of denim that’s big enough to fit your glasses, fold it over, and sew up the sides. For convenient access, you can add a button or Velcro closure at the top.

7. Denim Gift Wrap

For a unique and eco-friendly gift wrap, consider using denim scraps to wrap small presents. Denim is durable and reusable, and you can secure it with twine or a ribbon. This method gives your gifts a charming, rustic, handcrafted appearance.

8. Denim Cuff Bracelets

Transform the cuffs of old jeans into stylish bracelets. Simply cut off the cuffs, adjust them to your desired size, and embellish with beads, buttons, or embroidery. It’s a fun and easy way to create a unique accessory while being sustainable.

9. Denim Mouse Pad

Creating a denim mouse pad is a simple and practical DIY project. Just cut a circle or square from denim, attach some non-slip material to the back, and you have a one-of-a-kind mouse pad. It’s durable and provides a smooth surface for effortless mouse movement.

10. Denim Potholders

Transform your old denim into durable potholders. Cut the denim into squares, stack them for added thickness, and sew around the edges. The strength and thickness of denim make it perfect for handling hot pots and pans in the kitchen.

11. Denim Cord Organizers

If tangled cords drive you crazy, consider making denim cord organizers. Simply cut small strips of denim, fold them over, and attach a snap button. You can wrap these around your phone chargers, earphones, or other cables to keep everything organized and tangle-free.

Related: Ceramic Handmade Mug Ideas

12. Denim Tassel Keychain

Tassels are a playful way to enhance bags, keys, or home decor. Simply cut long, thin strips of denim, gather them, and tie them at one end. Attach a keyring or clip, and you’ll have a trendy denim tassel that works great as a keychain or bag charm.

13. Denim Pin Cushion

For anyone who enjoys sewing, a denim pin cushion is not only practical but also adorable. Simply cut out a small circle of denim, fill it with stuffing, and sew it shut. You can add some decorative stitching or buttons to make it unique, resulting in a functional item that’s also handmade.

14. Denim Iron-On Patches

Cut denim into different shapes—like hearts, stars, or even unique abstract designs—and transform them into iron-on patches. These patches are perfect for covering up worn areas on clothing or bags while adding a playful touch to any fabric item.

15. Denim Christmas Ornaments

During the holiday season, consider using denim scraps to create one-of-a-kind ornaments. You can cut out fun shapes such as stars, snowflakes, or tiny Christmas trees, and then decorate them with beads, lace, or embroidery. These can be hung on your tree or given as thoughtful handmade gifts.

16. Sewn Denim Wall Art

Denim can bring a distinctive texture to wall art. You can cut out shapes or letters from denim and attach them to a canvas. This could result in a monogram, various shapes, or even a landscape scene. It creates a modern, tactile piece that enhances the atmosphere of any room.

17. Denim Book Covers

Shield your notebooks or books with denim covers. Start by measuring the book, then cut the denim to the appropriate size and sew the edges. This is a smart way to recycle denim while ensuring your books stay in great shape.

18. Upcycled Denim Throw Rug

Cut old jeans into strips and braid them together to create a throw rug. While it requires some time and effort, the result is a unique, rustic touch for your space. The durable denim material is ideal for high-traffic areas.

19. Denim Bottle Bag

For a fun wine bag, take one leg of a pair of jeans, sew up the bottom, and attach a drawstring at the top. This creates a unique way to present wine or other bottled beverages, adding a rustic, recycled touch.

20. Denim Bookmark

Even small pieces of denim can be creatively repurposed. Simply cut a strip, sew around the edges, and embellish it with a charm or some embroidery. Denim bookmarks are sturdy and make for thoughtful gifts for those who love to read.

Conclusion

Upcycling denim is a wonderful blend of practicality and creativity. It helps prevent old clothes from ending up in landfills while allowing you to create something one-of-a-kind.

Additionally, denim is quite forgiving, so you don’t have to be a seasoned crafter to achieve impressive results. Whether you’re crafting something small like a keychain or taking on a larger project like a quilt, these DIY denim crafts can bring a touch of charm to your home and elevate everyday items.

So, pull out that old denim, grab your scissors, and start crafting!