There’s something special about denim. It’s durable, timeless, and endlessly versatile — which is what makes it a DIY lover’s dream material. Instead of tossing worn pieces, upcycling your denim is good for your wallet and the planet.
According to Earth.org, “In America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste – equivalent to 85% of all textiles – end up in landfills on a yearly basis. That’s equivalent to approximately 81.5 pounds per person per year.” And, fast fashion has made denim one of the most frequently discarded materials in landfills!
By upcycling old jeans, you help reduce waste, while giving new life to something that would have been tossed.
Whether you’re diving into a big project like a woven rug or starting small with a jewelry pouch, upcycling your denim is a fantastic way to stretch your creativity — and your budget.
No old jeans? No problem! Next time you visit the thrift store, don’t overlook those racks of tired, torn, or out of style jeans. They just might be your next great DIY adventure! Here are some of our favorite to turn old jeans into something new:
Denim Tote Bags
Give your old jeans a second life as a sturdy, stylish tote. Use the legs of the jeans to create the body of the bag, and cut the waistband into handles. You can leave the pockets in place for added functionality — perfect for keys or a phone. Add a lining (if you’re feeling fancy!) or keep it simple.
Placemats and Table Runners
Denim is naturally absorbent, making it great for placemats. Cut old jeans into circles, squares, or hexagons and stitch layers together for extra thickness. For added flair, use contrasting thread (I like red) or add some decorative hand-stitching around the edges. Easier still, use a length of frayed denim to make a rustic table runner.
Denim Patchwork Pillows
Create cozy, upcycled home decor by stitching together denim scraps into a patchwork pillow cover. Mix different shades for that classic “patchwork quilt” look. Bonus: add a few pieces of embroidered denim (oh, the late 90s!) for a truly personalized piece.
Scrunchies & Hair Accessories
Even the smallest scraps can be repurposed! Use strips of denim to create durable, stylish scrunchies or cover headbands. (Denim holds shape well, which makes it perfect for accessories with structure, like a wide headband.)
Denim Bunting or Banners
Cut denim scraps into triangles, hearts, or pennants and string them together with twine, ribbon or a long strip of denim for a festive banner. Perfect for party décor, seasonal decorating, or to add personality to a patio. Personalize with fabric paint, stencils, embroidery, buttons, patches, or iron-on letters, or simply leave as is. (Cute project for the kiddos!)
Denim Thrifting Tips
First, it really goes without saying, but always wash your thrifted denim before you start any cutting or sewing.
Next, look for larger sizes whenever possible. Bigger pieces of denim have more usable fabric (helpful when you don’t want to sew together loads of smaller scraps). This not only saves time, but also provides a more uniform look for your finished project.
Finally, mix and match! Combining different shades and textures of denim can enhance your projects. The contrast between various washes and colors (acid wash from the 80s with dark wash from the aughts for example) can create a more dynamic, layered effect. Experiment with different combinations to see which best suits your specific DIY project.
Denim Art at Kookooshka Studio
No time for DIY projects, but still want to embrace denim upcycling? There are many, many talented textile artists who work with recycled materials. One of my personal favorites is Kookooshka Studio!
Founded in 1999, Kookooshka Studio is the brainchild of Anastassia Gonye, a Russian-born American artist and fashion designer.
Kookooshka Studio has grown steadily from some very humble beginnings in the 1990s. “I started to design my line at my kitchen table, sewing in the basement, using discarded fabrics sold at the factory by the pound,” says Gonye.
Producing unique adult outerwear, Gonye uses exclusively found, thrifted, and recycled textiles to make wearable art, such as her incredible denim jackets. “I run my studio as close to zero waste as possible, recycling and upcycling vintage textiles and garments to create one-of-a-kind streetwear,” she says.
To see the entire line (and get some serious inspiration), visit Kookooshka Studio.
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