Denim is extremely popular in fashion, but also among people who have handy hands, who want and want to work on a new project. Upcycling is not only trendy, but above all a smart way to reuse quality material, which denim definitely is.
Don’t get rid of old jeans
Did you know that the original jeans were not intended for catwalks, but as workwear for gold miners in California? This fabric had to withstand harsh conditions in the mines, kneeling in the mud and constant friction.
Just high weight and specific weave make denim an ideal material for upcycling. Unlike fine knits, denim hardly frays at the edges, holds its shape and acquires the right patina with every wash and rub. It is a material that has a soul, and it would be an eternal shame to throw it away.
So what about denim? Hide it, choose the right project to use it and get to work in a free moment. By the way, you don’t have to write off denim right away because of holes or tears. .
Sometimes all you need is a few pictures for inspiration and you already know what to do with old denim. An interesting and varied compilation of ideas is also offered by a post from the YouTube channel Ronycreativa English Channel.
1. Kitchen gloves that do not burn
Denim is naturally strong, but we need to support it a bit for the gloves. Cut out two squares from your legs and put a layer of old terrycloth towel or batting between them. Cross stitch them so the layers don’t move.
The denim top looks great in the kitchen, and thanks to the roughness of the material, even the heaviest cast iron pan won’t slip out of your hand.
2. Garden belt with pockets
This is a piece for practicality lovers. Cut off the legs so that the pockets and pouches remain attached to the gaiter. This gives you a practical belt with pockets that you simply fasten over trousers or leggings.
You can hide string and plant name tags in the front pockets, while garden shears or a mobile phone can fit in the back pockets. So you have everything at hand and your hands free for work.
3. Soft garden kneeler
When weeding flower beds, the knees are the main sufferers. Sew two rectangles of sturdy denim together and fill them with shredded foam or old cotton t-shirts.
Denim is resistant to rubbing against the ground, and after work you just need to wash the kneeler in the washing machine. It is a much more ecological and durable option than the cheap foam that falls apart after one season.
4. Textile container for a flower pot
Due to its stiffness, denim holds its shape beautifully. Just cut off a piece of the leg, cross-stitch the bottom part to make the bottom, and fold the top edge twice outwards. You will have a stylish basket that hides an unsightly plastic flower pot and gives the herbs on the window a uniform, modern twist.
But this textile container will also serve various other purposes, because it holds its shape quite well, you can put various small things, strings, bags with seeds for sowing in it, but it is suitable not only for the garden, but also anywhere at home. It is simply a more stable and stronger bag or if you prefer a fabric basket.
5. Durable pet bed
Our four-legged friends love denim because it smells like us. For a smaller dog or cat, just sew several legs together to create a large pillow. Fabric remnants or classic filling for pillows and blankets will serve as filling.
Denim can withstand clawing before bedtime, and hair is much easier to remove from it than from soft plush.
6. Shoulder bag
The shopping bag or is one of the most popular projects that entice you to upcycle jeans. It can be done quickly, but also nicely. Choose the processing method according to your abilities, but believe that the result can be both practical and very beautiful.
7. Door stop against drafts
The long leg of skinny jeans is ideal for creating a “snake” under the door. Fill it with dry sand or a lens wrapped in plastic (due to moisture) and tie it tightly on both sides with string. This stopper keeps the cold out of the room and keeps the door open in the summer to allow air to flow.
Shorter snakes, cubes, or cones of sand-filled felt will help as a stop against the door closing. Which is also very practical.
8. Unbreakable dog tug
Forget about purchased ropes made of dubious materials. Cut the jeans into three strips of equal width and weave them into a tight braid. Make neat knots at the ends.
Denim is a cotton that is safe for dogs’ teeth and will withstand even the wildest tug-of-war in the garden.
9. Rugs
Denim is an extra strong material, and if the color and style suit you, feel free to make it into a rug for the entrance or the kitchen so that you don’t feel dizzy from your feet. Rugs can be crocheted, stitched or tied by hand.
Denim also has high absorbency and is quite thick, so it is not suitable for bathrooms.
10. Decorative pillows and ornaments
Don’t throw away fabric scraps left over from previous projects. Cut hearts, stars or simple squares out of them to create a patchwork pillow. The combination of different shades of blue looks very modern.
To work with denim, you only need sharp scissors, an idea, and then you’re good to go. You can carefully sew denim on a machine, slowly but firmly by hand, it can also be glued. You can punch holes in it without fraying and cut even very narrow strips from it, which can be used as material for crocheting, macrame, knitting or weaving a rug.
