What To Do With Old Jeans

The Timeless Appeal of Denim

With its enduring popularity and timeless style, Denim has remained a fashion staple for generations. It’s a fabric that’s comfortable and durable and exudes a certain charm that never seems to fade. However, as fashion trends evolve, we often find ourselves with a pile of old jeans that we no longer wear or need. We need ideas and solutions for what to do with old jeans.

The Environmental Impact of Discarded Jeans

Before you toss those worn-out or outdated blue jeans into the trash, consider the environmental impact of your decision. The fashion industry is notorious for its significant contribution to pollution and waste. By reimagining what you can do with your old jeans, you can help reduce the burden on our planet.

The Versatility of Jeans, from Stretchy to All-Cotton

Denim jeans come in various styles and materials. Some are made with stretchy fabrics with a blend of cotton and spandex or elastane fibers. This stretchy blend offers comfort and flexibility. All-cotton jeans are known for their durability and versatility. Understanding the type of jeans you have is crucial when deciding how to repurpose or upcycle them.

Ideas to Breathe New Life into Old Jeans

Today we’ll explore many creative ways to answer the question of what to do with old jeans. Whether they are stretchy, all-cotton, have sentimental value, or are simply collecting dust, we’ve got you covered. From revamping and recycling to repurposing, we’ll provide practical tips and inspiring ideas to transform those unwanted denim pieces into something valuable and stylish.

Keep reading for innovative ways to give your old jeans a second chance and contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly world. We’re happy you are here, so let’s dive into the exciting world of denim upcycling!

Assessing Your Old Jeans

Differentiating between Stretchy and All-Cotton Jeans

Stretchy Jeans: Pros and Cons

Stretchy jeans made of cotton blended with spandex or elastane offer a comfortable and flexible fit. Understanding their unique qualities is essential when deciding how to repurpose them.

Pros:

• Comfort and flexibility: Stretchy jeans provide ease of movement, making them ideal for activities that require mobility.
• Adaptability: They can conform to various body shapes, making them versatile in repurposing projects.

Things to Understand:

• Considerations for repurposing: The stretchiness may affect how they behave when used in certain upcycling projects, so it’s important to keep this in mind.
• Stretch denim is often preferred for clothing items
• Stretch denim can be backed with fusible interfacing to keep it stable for decor and crafty projects

All-Cotton Jeans: Pros and Cons

All-cotton jeans, on the other hand, are renowned for their durability and timeless appeal. These jeans have their own set of advantages and considerations when repurposing.

Pros:

• Durability and versatility: All-cotton jeans are rugged and can withstand wear and tear, making them suitable for a variety of upcycling projects.
• Ideal projects for all-cotton jeans: They are excellent candidates for sewing and crafting projects where strength and structure are crucial.
• Frays and worn spots are more aesthetically pleasing with all cotton as the frays and fringes look more organic.

Things to Understand:

• Limited stretch: Unlike stretchy jeans, they may be less forgiving in terms of fit and comfort.
• Are becoming harder to source as stretch jeans are more prevalent in the market.

Evaluating the Condition of Your Jeans

Before diving into upcycling or repurposing, it’s essential to assess the condition of your old jeans.

1. Wear and Tear Analysis

• Inspect the jeans for areas of excessive wear, such as thinning fabric, holes, or frayed seams.
• Take note of any loose buttons or broken zippers, as these may need repair before repurposing.
• Assess the overall structural integrity of the jeans.

2. Stains and Fading

• Determine if there are stubborn stains that could affect the aesthetics of your upcycled project.
• Consider whether fading adds character or detracts from the desired look.

3. Size and Fit

• Check if the jeans still fit you properly or are too small or too large.
• Remember that altering the size and fit is a viable option for revamping.

By carefully evaluating your old jeans in terms of their type and condition, you’ll be better equipped to choose the most suitable upcycling or repurposing project. In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore various creative options tailored to different types of jeans and their conditions.

Revamping Old Jeans

If your old jeans are still in relatively good condition but need a fresh look or a better fit, revamping is the way to go. Revamping involves giving your jeans a makeover while preserving their original form. Here are some creative ways to breathe new life into your old jeans:

Tailoring and Alterations

1. Taking in or Letting Out the Waist

• If your jeans are slightly too tight or loose around the waist, a tailor can easily adjust them for a perfect fit.
• Tailoring can also include alterations to the hip and thigh areas, enhancing the overall comfort and style.

2. Hemming for a Different Length

• Transform bootcut or flared jeans into stylish cropped or ankle-length pants by hemming them.
• Hemming can also help remove worn-out or frayed edges, giving your jeans a cleaner appearance.
• Conversely, you can let out the hem and go for the frayed look.

3. Adding Patches or Embroidery

• Cover small holes or stains with decorative patches or embroidery to create a unique and personalized look.
• Embellishments can add character and a personal signature to your jeans.
• Shashiko stitching is not only beautiful in it’s simplicity, its also great for mending jeans.

Distressing and Customization

1. Creating Distressed or Ripped Jeans

• Achieve a trendy, worn-in look by distressing your jeans. You can use sandpaper, a razor blade, or even a cheese grater to create distressed areas.
• Experiment with different levels of distressing to achieve the desired effect.

2. Bleaching and Dyeing Techniques

• Bleaching can lighten your jeans and create a vintage, acid-wash appearance.
• Dyeing your jeans with fabric dye or tie-dye techniques allows you to transform their color while adding an artistic touch.

3. Painting or Stenciling Designs

• Unleash your creativity by painting or stenciling unique designs or patterns onto your jeans.
• Fabric paint, stencils, and brushes can help you achieve intricate or abstract designs.
• Denim jackets can help you release your inner Frida Khalo or Vincent Van Gogh

Modernizing Styles

1. Transforming Bootcut into Skinny Jeans

• Update outdated bootcut jeans by tapering them to create stylish skinny jeans.
• Tailoring can help you achieve the sleek, modern look you desire.

2. Give Your Jeans a Feminine Feel with a Ruffle

It is our great pleasure to present Ariane Brunet-Juteau’s fantastic video tutorial on adding a sassy ruffle to your jeans.  Ariane is a denim upcycler and creator of www.Kinsu.ca

• Achieve a feminine and sassy look by adding a ruffle to the hem.
• Don’t miss the video

3. Updating High-Rise Jeans into Trendy Shorts

• Give high-rise jeans a new life as fashionable shorts for warm weather.
• Customize the length and style to match your preferences.

Revamping your old jeans allows you to maintain the comfort and fit you love while giving them a fresh and fashionable appearance. Whether through tailoring, distressing, or customization, you can create jeans that are uniquely yours. In the next sections, we’ll explore options for recycling and repurposing jeans that may no longer serve as clothing but still have plenty of potential.

Recycling Old Jeans

When your old jeans are no longer suitable for wear or revamping, recycling becomes an eco-friendly and responsible option. Recycling reduces waste and allows you to contribute to sustainable practices. Here are various ways to give your old jeans a second life through recycling:

Donating or Gifting

1. Local Charity Organizations

• Consider donating your old jeans to local charity organizations or thrift stores. Many people in need can benefit from affordable clothing options.
• Look for organizations that specifically accept clothing donations to support their missions.

2. Clothing Drives and Shelters

• Participate in clothing drives or donate directly to shelters in your community.
• These organizations often distribute clothing to those experiencing homelessness or facing difficult circumstances.

3. Friends and Family

• Offer your old jeans to friends or family members who may appreciate them.
• Hosting a clothing swap among your social circle is also a fun way to exchange clothing items.

Deconstructing Jeans For Projects

You may wish to deconstruct your jeans and turn them into other things. It can be a daunting task to figure out how to deconstruct the jeans.
Here is where denim upcycler and creator of Kinsu, Ariane Brunet-Juteau comes to the rescue. Ariane has provided these helpful video tutorials to get you confident about deconstructing jeans and help you start building your denim stash.
You can find Ariane at www.Kinsu.ca

Here are two methods – one using scissors to cut the jeans and one using a seam ripper to unpick the jeans.

It’s a Personal Decision

Some people feel very strongly about whether wearable jeans “should be” turned into other things if they are still wearable. We think it’s a matter of personal choice. If perfectly good, wearable jeans go to the landfill, wouldn’t it be better if someone turned them into purses, backpacks, and denim pillows that will be used, and no new denim was produced to make those items? It is completely up to you.

Upcycling for Home Décor

1. Crafting Denim Pillows

•  Consider creating denim throw pillows by cutting out squares, rectangles, strips, or circles from different parts of the jeans and sewing them together. Incorporating waistbands gives wonderful texture and appeal. The contrasting shades and textures will add visual interest to any room.
• Add unique details like fringes, buttons, or patches for a personalized touch.

2. Making Denim Coasters or Placemats

• Cut smaller sections of your jeans into circles or squares to create coasters or placemats.
• Another way to make coasters is by using the cut-off hems. The hems can be coiled in a tight circle to form coasters. Many people do this by hot gluing them.
• Contributor Tim made these coasters that cleverly double as book corners.

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3. Creating Beautiful and Functional Blankets or Quilts

A blanket is one layer of fabric, while a quilt is a “sandwich” of two or three layers. Denim is quite heavy and has beautiful fringing qualities.
Creating a single-layer, fringe-edge blanket is beginner-friendly and satisfying.

• Endless designs and patterns
• Great opportunity to use a loved one’s jeans to create a memory quilt
• Making a fringe style blanket means you can make a stunning, low fuss, reversible blanket with beginner skills.
• Denim quilts with flannel backing are the ultimate match-up. They’re a big hug waiting to embrace you.
• The rugged look of denim can enhance your interior décor.

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DIY Denim Accessories

1. Crafting Denim Tote Bag

• Transform your old jeans into stylish and sturdy tote bags or backpacks. They can be used when going to the grocery store, beach, office, school, and much more.
• Customize them with pockets, zippers, and straps as you like.
• Check out this all-in-one-place at Kinsu.ca which provides you with pattern, instructions, and tutorial video.
• Don’t worry if the website pops up in French; there is a button in the upper right hand corner to translate everything to English, if that is your preferred language.

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2. Designing Denim Belts or Headbands

• Use denim scraps to make belts or headbands that complement your outfits.
• Add embellishments like studs, rhinestones, or fabric flowers for a chic look.
• Some people take great pride in using every usable piece of jeans. You can use the pockets, waistbands, and hems to beautiful projects.
• Step-by-step tutorial for headband here.

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3. Sewing Denim Fabric Laptop Sleeves

• Protect your laptop with a homemade denim sleeve.
• Padded with foam or soft fabric such as flannel, these sleeves offer both style and functionality.

4. Wine Sleeves for Gift Giving

• Skinny jeans pant legs offer the perfect size for making wine bottle sleeves.
• A casing can be added to make a drawstring closure or simply tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle.
• Perfect for the cowboy/ cowgirl/ cabin owner in your life.

4. Amazing Denim Bracelets

Making denim bracelets can be a great way to use fabric scraps. This DIY denim craft can be made with or without a sewing machine.

• Fabric Selection: Start by selecting a pair of old jeans with unique denim washes or patterns that catch your eye. This choice will add character and style to your bracelets.
• Cutting and Sewing: Carefully cut the denim fabric into thin strips or desired bracelet shapes. You can experiment with various widths and lengths to create different designs. You can go as thin as a single hem or make wide cuff bracelets. For closures and fasteners, you can experiment with buttons and elastic loops, snaps, or Velcro.
• Customization: Elevate your denim bracelets with embellishments like studs, beads, dangly charms, or embroidery. These personal touches can give each bracelet a distinct look and make them even more fashionable.

5. Accessories & Toys for Your Pets

You can create denim bandanas, denim jackets, or tutus for your pets.

• Cut out squares or rectangles from the jeans and sew them together to make a bandana that can be tied around your pet’s neck. For a denim jacket, cut out larger pieces of denim and sew them together to create a fashionable and functional jacket for your furry friend.
• You can fashion pull toys, pet-safe stuffed animals, and even pet beds from denim. A bonus is that denim doesn’t tend to grab pet fur.

Recycling your old blue jeans is a sustainable way to ensure they serve a purpose even when they’re no longer suitable for wearing. By donating, upcycling, or gifting them to others, you can reduce waste and make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of those in need. In the next section, we’ll explore the exciting possibilities of repurposing old jeans into new and functional items.

Repurposing Old Jeans

Repurposing old jeans is all about transforming them into new and functional items that serve a completely different purpose. This creative approach not only reduces waste but also showcases your DIY skills. Here are some fantastic ideas for repurposing old jeans:

Fashion-Forward Projects

1. Crafting Denim Jackets or Vests out of Blue Jeans

• Give your old jeans a stylish twist by repurposing them into denim jackets or vests.
• Add buttons, patches, or embroidery to personalize your creation.

2. Designing Denim Skirts or Dresses

• Cut and sew your jeans into trendy denim skirts or dresses.
• You can mix and match different shades of denim for a unique look.

3. Sewing Jeans Into Shorts or Overalls

• Turn an old pair of jeans into comfortable shorts for the summer or cute overalls for a fun and playful outfit.
• Customize the length and style to suit your taste.

Functional Household Items

1. Sewing Denim Aprons

• Protect your clothes and look stylish in the kitchen by repurposing jeans into denim aprons.
• Add pockets for convenience and cuteness. Plus, thinking about ways to use those fabulous back pockets is so fun.
• Step-by-step tutorial, pattern, and video found here. Thanks Ariane Brunet-Juteau, denim upcycler and creator of Kinsu.

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2. Making Pot Holders or Oven Mitts

• Cut and sew small denim squares into pot holders or oven mitts.
• The denim’s durability and sturdy fabric makes them perfect for handling hot pots and pans.

3. Creating Denim Coasters, Table Runners, & Placemats

Look at the stunning work of contributor Tim. The coasters double as book corners. Tim pairs denim with other fabric to create these stunning and thematic placemats.

• Charming coasters that can also be book corners.
• These items can add a rustic or whimsical touch to your dining table.
• Placemats made with strips of denim and embellished with an RV motif is perfect for your road trip adventures.

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Sofa Organiser or Bed Skirt Organizer from Old Jeans

If you’re looking for a practical and stylish way to keep your living room or bedroom neat and organized, repurposing old jeans into a sofa organizer or bed skirt organizer is a great option. Not only will it help declutter your space, but it also adds a unique touch of denim charm. Here’s how you can create these functional organizers:

Sofa Organizer: Cut the legs off an old pair of jeans and sew up one end. Attach pockets to the front of the jeans, either by sewing or using fabric glue. These pockets can hold remote controls, magazines, or other small items you want to keep within reach on your sofa.

Bed Skirt Organizer: Cut the waistband off an old pair of jeans and trim the legs to your desired length. Attach the waistband to the bottom edge of your bed skirt with sewing or fabric glue. The jeans pockets can store books, tablets, TV remotes, or other items you want to keep close by while in bed.

Gardening and Outdoor Use

1. Thematic and Personalized Pic Nic Baskets

Contributor Tim pulls out all the stops with this personalized and themed pin nic basket. He has taken the bee-honey theme to a new level. He incorporated bee-themed fabric with the denim and added thoughtful bee-themed gifts to the basket. Items included in the personalized basket can include denim napkins, placemats with utensil pockets, can koozies, wine sleeves, and the basket itself! I’d love to receive this.

• Thoughtful and personalized gift the recipient is sure to cherish.
• Roll-upable placemats for easy storage
• Great for RVing or just tossing in the trunk.

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2. Crafting Denim Planters

• Create unique planters by sewing the bottoms of old jeans and filling them with soil and plants.
• Hardening products, such as watered-down cement, can add rigidity.
• Hang them in your garden or porch for a quirky and eco-friendly garden display.

3. Making Durable Gardening Aprons

• Sew a gardening apron using denim for the pockets and straps.
• It’s a practical way to keep your gardening tools handy.

4. Creating Denim Tool Pockets

• Transform pant legs into tool pockets for your gardening or DIY projects.
• These sturdy pockets can hold your tools and supplies.

Repurposing old jeans allows you to extend their lifespan and results in one-of-a-kind creations that you can proudly use or wear. Whether you’re upcycling them into fashionable clothing items, practical household goods, or outdoor accessories, repurposing old jeans is a rewarding and eco-conscious endeavor.

Inspiring You to Upcycle Your Old Jeans

As we conclude this exploration of what to do with old jeans, we hope you’ve been inspired to embark on your own denim upcycling journey. Old jeans have proven time and time again to be a valuable resource for creative and sustainable projects. Let’s recap some of the key takeaways from this blog:

The Satisfaction of Giving Old Jeans New Life

Upcycling old jeans is a gratifying endeavor that allows you to transform something you might have considered useless into valuable and functional items. The sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to showcase your creativity are some rewards you’ll experience along the way.

Encouraging Sustainable Fashion Choices

By choosing to revamp, recycle, or repurpose old jeans, you’re actively contributing to sustainable fashion practices. You’re reducing waste, minimizing your carbon footprint, and participating in the circular economy, all essential for a greener, more eco-friendly world.

Inspiring Creativity and Resourcefulness

The versatility of old jeans knows no bounds. From clothing to home décor to outdoor accessories, these denim pieces can be reborn in countless ways. We hope this blog has sparked your creativity and encouraged you to think outside the box when repurposing old clothing.

Share Your Upcycling Stories and Ideas

We invite you to share your own upcycling stories, projects, and ideas with us and your fellow readers. Let us know how you’ve recycled jeans. Together, we can create a community of eco-conscious individuals passionate about breathing new life into old items.
In the spirit of sustainability, consider making denim upcycling a regular lifestyle. The next time you’re about to discard old pairs of jeans, remember the possibilities they hold and the positive impact your creativity can have on the environment.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of denim upcycling. We look forward to seeing your unique creations and hearing your innovative ideas. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one pair of jeans at a time.