13 Old Jeans Upcycles So Good You’ll Never Throw Denim Away Again

These old jeans upcycles prove that a worn out pair of denim still has plenty of life left in it. Maybe the knees are torn, the fit changed or the color faded, but the fabric itself is tough, soft and full of charm. Instead of tossing them in a donation bag or the trash, you can turn them into bags, rugs, pillows, toys and even holiday decor. Denim is easy to cut, it hides small mistakes and it only gets prettier with every wash. Sewing videos showing these makeovers have pulled in millions of views, and once you try one, you will start saving every old pair in the house. Pull out that stack from the back of your closet and pick a project for this weekend..

Old Jeans Upcycles Start With a Patchwork Pocket Tote

The patchwork pocket tote is the project that gets everyone hooked on old jeans upcycles. You cut squares from two or three pairs in different washes, sew them into one big panel, and keep the back pockets right where they are so the bag has built in storage on the outside. A sewing video showing a bag like this has passed 8.9 million views on YouTube, and it is easy to see why. It is sturdy, roomy and one of a kind. Which pairs will you cut first..

You will need: Two or three pairs of old jeans, fabric scissors, a ruler, pins, a sewing machine, denim needle, strong thread.

How to make it: 1. Cut 6 inch squares from the jean legs and keep two back pockets whole. 2. Sew the squares into two panels and stitch the pockets on top. 3. Sew the panels together, add a lining and two straps cut from the leg seams.

A Jeans Leg Becomes a 30 Minute Shoulder Bag

Among quick old jeans upcycles, this one wins. One jeans leg is already a tube, which means half the sewing is done for you. Cut a section about 14 inches long, sew the bottom closed, and fold the top into a neat hem. Add a strap from the other leg and you have a slim shoulder bag in about half an hour. The original seam runs down the side and looks like a design detail. Add a button flap or a patch if you want it a little fancier. Would you carry it to the market this weekend?

You will need: One leg of old jeans, scissors, pins, a sewing machine, a button (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cut a 14 inch tube from the leg and turn it inside out. 2. Sew the bottom closed, turn it right side out and hem the top. 3. Cut a long strip for the strap, fold and stitch it, then sew it to both sides.

A Drawstring Pouch From the Hem of Old Jeans

This sweet little pouch is one of the easiest old jeans upcycles. It uses the very bottom of a jeans leg, so the finished hem becomes the top of your bag. Thread a cotton cord through it and you get a drawstring pouch for jewelry, chargers, snacks or tiny gifts. A reel showing one of these got more than 130,000 reactions, and they are perfect for stocking stuffers too. Make a few in different shades of blue and fill them with treats for friends. Who on your list would love one?

You will need: The lower part of a jeans leg, cotton cord, a safety pin, a sewing machine or needle and thread.

How to make it: 1. Cut 8 inches off the bottom of the leg and sew the cut end closed. 2. Snip two small slits in the hem on opposite sides. 3. Use a safety pin to thread the cord through the hem and knot the ends.

No Sew Denim Teddy Keychains

Old jeans upcycles do not need a whole pair. Even the smallest denim scraps can become something cute. Trace a little teddy bear shape twice, glue the edges together with fabric glue, and stuff a pinch of filling inside before the last edge closes. Add a key ring and stitch or glue on tiny felt ears. These make adorable backpack charms and quick gifts, and kids can help with the tracing and stuffing. Use embroidered or felt eyes instead of buttons for little ones. How many little bears can you make from one pocket?

You will need: Denim scraps, fabric glue, stuffing, felt, key rings, a pen, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Trace and cut two bear shapes from denim. 2. Glue around the edges, leaving a small gap, then add a pinch of stuffing and close it. 3. Glue on felt ears and a face, then attach a key ring through the top.

A Braided Rug From Strips of Denim

A braided rug is one of the most satisfying old jeans upcycles because it uses up a whole pile of worn out pairs. Cut the legs into long strips, braid three together, and coil the braid into a circle while you stitch it in place. The mix of light and dark washes creates lovely rings of color. It is soft under bare feet and very hard wearing. Add a rug grip pad underneath so it does not slide. How many pairs are hiding in your closet right now?

You will need: 5 to 8 pairs of old jeans, scissors, safety pins, a large needle, strong thread, a non slip rug pad.

How to make it: 1. Cut the jeans into 2 inch wide strips and join them end to end. 2. Pin three strips together and braid them into a long rope. 3. Coil the braid into a circle and hand stitch each row to the one before it.

A Cozy Denim Patchwork Quilt

Of all the old jeans upcycles, a quilt is the one that gets passed down. A denim quilt is heavy, warm and almost impossible to wear out. Cut squares from every old pair in the house and lay them out like a checkerboard of light and dark blues before you sew. Family members love spotting their old jeans in the finished quilt, which makes it a true keepsake. Back it with soft flannel so it feels cozy on chilly nights. It takes a few weekends, but this is one project people keep for decades. Whose jeans would you include?

You will need: Many pairs of old jeans, a rotary cutter or scissors, a sewing machine, flannel for the back, batting (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cut equal squares from the jeans and arrange them by color. 2. Sew the squares into rows, then sew the rows together. 3. Layer with batting and flannel, stitch the edges and tie or quilt through all layers.

Denim Pillow Covers With Pocket Details

Pillow covers are a quick way to bring a relaxed, farmhouse feel to your sofa. Cut two squares from the wide upper part of the jeans so a back pocket sits right in the middle of the front. The pocket is perfect for a TV remote or a tiny sprig of dried flowers. Use the original jeans button and buttonhole as a closure on the back. Mix in a light wash and a dark wash for contrast. Which room needs a cozy update first?

You will need: One pair of old jeans per pillow, a pillow insert, scissors, a sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut two squares 1 inch larger than your pillow insert. 2. Sew them right sides together on three sides. 3. Turn right side out, add the insert and stitch the last side or use the original button closure.

A Back Pocket Wall Organizer

Jeans pockets are strong, deep and already finished, so they make a perfect hanging organizer. Cut the back pockets out with a little extra fabric around them and sew them in rows onto a piece of canvas or a leftover leg panel. Hang it by the door for mail and keys, in a craft room for pens and scissors, or in a kids room for small toys. A wooden dowel at the top keeps it straight. For more cheap ways to organize, try these dollar store decor ideas too. Where in your home could a few extra pockets help?

You will need: Back pockets from several pairs of jeans, a canvas panel, a wooden dowel, twine, a sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut the pockets out, leaving half an inch of fabric around each. 2. Sew them in rows onto the canvas panel. 3. Fold the top edge over a dowel, stitch it and tie twine on both ends to hang it.

A Sturdy Denim Apron for Crafts and Gardening

Denim is perfect for an apron because it stands up to paint, soil and glue. Open the legs along the inside seam, lay them flat and cut a simple apron shape. Use the original front pockets for brushes and garden snips, and turn the waistband into ties. It looks great hanging in a craft room or garden shed and makes a lovely handmade gift. Add an iron on patch or a bit of embroidery to make it yours. Who in your family would wear one?

You will need: One pair of large old jeans, scissors, pins, a sewing machine, cotton webbing for the neck strap.

How to make it: 1. Cut the jeans open and cut an apron shape from the flattest panels. 2. Sew the front pockets onto the apron. 3. Hem the edges and stitch on a neck strap and waist ties.

Rolled Denim Coasters

These coasters are tiny old jeans upcycles that look clever but take only a few minutes each. Cut a long strip of denim, roll it up tightly like a cinnamon roll, and glue the end down. The layers of blue and the frayed edges make a lovely pattern on top. They soak up drips from cold drinks and protect your table. Make a set of four, tie them with twine and you have a sweet handmade gift. Will you keep them or give them away?

You will need: Denim strips about 1 inch wide, fabric glue, scissors, twine.

How to make it: 1. Cut long strips of denim about 1 inch wide. 2. Roll a strip tightly, adding a little glue as you go, and join more strips until it is 4 inches across. 3. Glue the end down and let it dry flat under a book.

A Denim Plant Pot Cover

Old plastic nursery pots are not very pretty, but a piece of a jeans leg can fix that in seconds. Slide the pot inside a cut section of leg, fold the top edge over and tuck the bottom underneath. The original seams and a pocket give it a cute casual look. It is one of the quickest old jeans upcycles in this list, and you can make a whole row of them for a windowsill. Put a saucer under the pot for watering. Which plant gets a new outfit first?

You will need: A jeans leg, scissors, a plastic plant pot, a saucer, a rubber band (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cut a section of jeans leg a little taller than your pot. 2. Slide the pot in and fold the top edge down over the rim. 3. Tuck the bottom under and set the pot on a saucer.

Old Jeans Upcycles for the Holidays: A Denim Stocking

A denim stocking brings a cozy, rustic feel to the mantel and lasts for years. Trace a stocking shape on paper, cut two pieces from jeans and sew them together. Add a cuff from an old sweater or a strip of plaid flannel and a loop to hang it. You can stitch names on with embroidery thread so every family member knows which one is theirs. Old jeans upcycles like this make the holidays feel personal. Who gets the first stocking in your house?

You will need: Old jeans, a paper stocking template, an old sweater or flannel for the cuff, scissors, a sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut two stocking shapes from denim. 2. Sew them together, leaving the top open, and turn right side out. 3. Sew on the cuff and a hanging loop, then embroider a name if you like.

A Braided Denim Rope Toy for Dogs

Pets can enjoy old jeans upcycles too. Dogs love a good game of tug, and old jeans make a tough rope toy. Cut three long strips, knot them together at one end, braid them tightly and tie another knot at the other end. That is all it takes. The thick denim holds up well to chewing and tugging, and you can toss it in the wash when it gets dirty. Always supervise play and throw the toy away once it starts to fray. Is your pup ready for a new favorite toy?

You will need: One old jeans leg, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut three strips about 2 inches wide and 20 inches long. 2. Tie a tight knot at one end. 3. Braid the strips firmly and finish with another tight knot.