30+ Projects to Refashion, Upcycle & Repurpose Denim Jeans

For Mothers Day, my daughter bought me a gorgeous denim tote bag - repurposed from a pair of jeans. This got me thinking about my own stash of pre-loved denim jeans. Some time ago I culled the ever-growing pile, giving over half to an Op Shop. However, I still have a whole tub full left.

And so I headed to the Denim Refashioning link party, here at Threading My Way for ideas as to what to do with them. Here are 39 of my favourite denim jeans refashioning, repurposing and upcycling ideas and tutorials.

Before you head off to look at these ever so creative ideas, check out the following resources for sewing with denim. It's a thick and sturdy fabric - not always the easiest to sew - and as such, requires special consideration when putting denim through your machine...

• ALWAYS use a denim or jeans needle
• Reduce bulk where possible
• Go slowly

More detailed tips and hints...

• Tips for Sewing Successfully with Denim
• Resources for Sewing with Denim Jeans
• Refashioning and Repurposing Denim Jeans

IKEA Hack - Upcycled Denim Chair ~ Tutorial by Claire, from Pillar Box Blue

Sashiko Denim Tote Bag ~ Tutorial by Vicky, from Vicky Myers Creations

Denim Overalls to Twirl Dress ~Tutorial by Denise, from DIY Crush

Denim Peg Bag ~ Tutorial by Libby, from Libby's Lifestyle

Lined Denim Jeans Drawstring Bag ~ Tutorial by Pam, from Threading My Way

Upcycle Jeans to Twirly Skirt ~ Tutorial by Shelley, from Shelley Made

Denim DIY Storage Box ~ Tutorial by Claire, from Pillar Box Blue

How to Turn Jeans into a Summer Skirt ~ Tutorial by Linda, from Sewing Bee Fabrics

Denim Toddler Play Bag ~ Tutorial by Vicky, from Vicky Myers Creations

Denim Jeans Fabric Baskets ~ Tutorial by Pam, from Threading My Way

Denim Patchwork Skirt ~ Tutorial by Jill, from Creating My Way to Success

Super Simple Coasters from Jeans ~ Tutorial by Joy, from Joy's Jots, Shots & Whatnots

Woven Denim Jeans Basket ~ Tutorial by Amaryllis, from Ohoh Deco 

Upcycled Denim Chevron Rug ~ Tutorial by Claire, from Pillar Box Blue

Jeans Doorstop with Handle ~ Tutorial by Vicky, from Vicky Myer's Creations

Jeans Pocket Cushion ~ Tutorial by Pam, from Threading My Way

Jean Yarn to Coasters ~ Tutorial by Agy, from Agy Textile Artist

Scandinavian Woven Hearts Garland ~ Tutorial by Claire, from Pillar Box Blue

Jeans Pocket Potholders ~ Tutorial by Jill, from Creating My Way to Success

Denim Peg Bag ~ Tutorial by Vicky, from Vicky Myers Creations

Textile Cuff using Denim Jeans ~ Tutorial by Marisa, from Passion et Couture

Denim Gift Tags ~ Tutorial by Claire, from Pillar Box Blue

Denim Wine Bottle Gift Bag ~ Tutorial by Pam, from Threading My Way

Upcycled Denim Jeans Triangle Bag ~ Tutorial by Jill, from Creating My Way to Success

Denim Prairie Apron ~ Tutorial by Kathy, from Kataline Jewelry

Denim Shibori Dyed Pencil Cases ~ Tutorial by Vicky, from Vicky Myers Creations

Denim Jeans Pocket Tote Bag ~ Tutorial by Pam, from Threading My Way

Upcycled Denim Jeans Dog Toys ~ Tutorial by Claire, from Pillar Box Blue

Twenty eight different things to make with pre-loved denim jeans - such a wide variety of items, and all with tutorials to step you through the process.

You'll notice a few tutorials linked above from Pillar Box Blue and Vicky Myers Creations. I couldn't possibly include all their denim jeans tutorials - there's way too many. Put both blogs on your must read list if you are thinking about re-using denim jeans.

Another good site is Denim Do Over. Although new ideas are no longer added, Susan has curated links to many, many creative jeans upcycling how to's. 

If that's not enough inspiration for upcycling and repurposing your old jeans, here are some more ideas - pictures and links for inspiration. No tutorials, but great as starting points...

Denim Jeans Sun Hat by Lina, from Sew Historically

Denim Jeans Tote Bag by Klaudia, from Klaudia's Kreativ World

Denim Craft Notebook by Alёnushka, from Alёnushka Art Studio

Embroidered Denim Jeans Placemats by Klaudia, from Klaudia's Kreativ World

Dresden Rag Table Topper by Gina, from Sew Much and More

Embellished Denim Jeans Skirt by Thendral, from KK Arts and Crafts

Denim Jeans Shirt Quilt by Klaudia, from Klaudia's Kreativ World

Embellished Denim Box by Alёnushka, from Alёnushka Art Studio

Denim Jeans Picnic Blanket by Casey, from Simple Joy Crafting

Jeans Pocket Cushion with Frog Appliqué by Klaudia, from Klaudia's Kreativ World

Pinterest is a treasure trove when it comes to jeans recycling...

Don't forget to check out the Denim Refashioning link party, here at Threading My Way. Add your own projects to the collection.

Do you have a stash of denim jeans? Everyone in my family wears jeans, so I have a ready supply. Time is what I don't have enough of.

... Pam

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