Repurpose your worn-out denim and give it a second life with these creative projects! It’s tough to part with old jeans, especially when they’ve got that sentimental value. Tossing them in the trash feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. Plus, while they might have a few holes, the rest of the fabric is still in great shape, making it hard to justify throwing them away.
Rather than sending them to the landfill or even to the local textile recycling bin, why not turn them into something useful? Denim is a durable, resilient fabric, perfect for repurposing into new items.
Here are 14 unique ideas I’ve discovered, which will help breathe new life into your favorite old jeans—and maybe yours, too. Most of these projects do require some basic sewing skills, but learning to hand or machine stitch is easy and fun. Plus, it’s a handy skill to have for many DIY endeavors in the future!
CRAFT FUNKY DENIM COCKTAIL NAPKINS
Give your old jeans a stylish new use by making denim cocktail napkins. Add some decorative stitching or bleached stamps along the edges for a fun, casual touch that’s perfect for your next gathering.
CREATE A TWISTED DENIM HEADBAND
Say goodbye to bad hair days with this trendy denim headband. It’s a cool accessory that’ll not only keep your hair in place but also make a bold fashion statement.
BRAID A DENIM RUG
Transform tough denim fabric into a sturdy, braided rug that’s both practical and stylish. Perfect for adding a cozy, durable touch to any room, whether it’s your bedroom or living room.
TURN OLD JEANS INTO POTHOLDERS
Make your own potholders by stitching together a few layers of denim. These durable, heat-resistant accessories will protect your hands from hot pots and pans, or even double as trivet for serving.
MAKE HANDY CRAFT BINS
Repurpose empty cans by covering them with denim, creating unique craft bins to store your supplies. A simple, functional way to organize and decorate at the same time!
WEAR A DENIM-WIRE BRACELET
Use the seams from your old jeans to create a chic braided denim bracelet or cuff. It’s a great way to wear a piece of your old jeans in a new, stylish form.
CREATE A HEART-SHAPED BOOKMARK
For a cute and crafty project, turn denim into a heart-shaped bookmark. This easy-to-make accessory would make a wonderful gift or stocking stuffer.
SEW A DENIM CASE FOR KNITTING NEEDLES
Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for the right knitting needle. A denim case is the perfect way to organize and store your knitting supplies in style.
CRAFT UPCYCLED DENIM PLACEMATS
Turn old jeans into unique placemats with handy pockets for cutlery. This project might require multiple pairs of denim, but it’s a great way to set a casual, stylish table.
MAKE BABY BIBS FROM OLD JEANS
Repurpose denim into sturdy baby bibs. The fabric is durable and perfect for catching spills, making these bibs ideal gifts for new parents or local shelters.
TURN JEANS INTO PLAY ROADS FOR TODDLERS
Transform old jeans into a portable road for toy cars by painting on roads and lanes. This fun, creative project will entertain toddlers and keep them engaged for hours.
DECORATE YOUR HOME OFFICE
Create a denim-covered bulletin board or pencil holder to add some personality to your workspace. Simply cover cork or cardboard with denim strips, and you’ve got a unique and functional decor piece.
COVER A NOTEBOOK WITH DENIM
Upcycle old jeans into a custom notebook cover. It’s a simple DIY project that would make a great group activity or personalized gift, and it’s way more interesting than anything you’ll find in stores.
MAKE A POCKET ORGANIZER FROM OLD JEANS
Stay organized by turning the pockets from your old jeans into a hanging organizer. With denim as the base, you’ll have a stylish and practical way to keep everything from pens to scissors neatly stored.
