14 DIY Items You Can Make from Upcycled Denim Clothing

14 DIY Items You Can Make from Upcycled Denim Clothing

From Worn-Out to Wow:

The Magic of Upcycled Denim

Don’t toss those old jeans just yet! Whether they’re too tight, torn at the knees, or just not your style anymore, upcycled denim is one of the most satisfying ways to turn clutter into creativity. In this blog post, we’ll explore 14 awesome DIY denim projects—each one practical, cute, and beginner-friendly. From handy home helpers to wearable wonders, you’ll walk away with loads of inspiration and that satisfying I-made-this feeling.

Ready to turn your old threads into one-of-a-kind treasures? Let’s get stitching.

What You Might Need:

• Old jeans or denim jackets

• Fabric scissors (you’ll want sharp ones!)

• Thread and sewing machine

• Seam ripper

• Iron and pins

• Optional: zippers, elastic, lining fabric, embellishments like buttons or patches

1. Denim Coasters

A stylish way to protect your surfaces

Cut those pockets or squares from leg panels into sturdy, washable drink coasters.

Steps:
Cut 4” x 4” squares from denim and interfacing. Sew right sides together, flip, and topstitch. You can also quilt them or sew pocket shapes for added texture.

Picture this: A rustic wooden table with a stack of mismatched blue-toned denim coasters, each with visible stitching and charm.

2. Jean Pocket Wall Organizer

Functional art with a pocketful of purpose

Use the back pockets of jeans to create a vertical storage piece perfect for offices, craft rooms, or kids’ spaces.

Steps:
Cut several jean pockets (leave a 1” border). Attach them to a large piece of sturdy fabric or canvas by sewing just the bottom and sides. Add grommets or a dowel for hanging.

Picture this: A row of different wash denim pockets holding pens, notes, and scissors, hanging like a work-of-art on the wall.

3. Upcycled Denim Apron

Cook, garden, or paint in repurposed style

Denim is naturally durable, making it perfect for a rugged yet cute apron.

Steps:
Cut the main apron shape from a pant leg or skirt. Use straps from seams or waistbands. Add a pocket from the back of the jeans and hem the edges.

Picture this: A faded denim apron with paint splatters and a pocket full of brushes, worn proudly in a sunlit craft space.

4. DIY Denim Planter Wraps

Dress your plants with cozy, cool vibes

Add texture and warmth to your planters by wrapping them in strips of old denim.

Steps:
Cut strips of denim and hot glue them around a planter or mason jar. For a sewn version, stitch the strips into a sleeve that slides over the pot. Add lace or twine for flair.

Picture this: A clay pot wrapped in frayed denim with a string bow, housing a leafy green plant on a kitchen windowsill.

5. Denim Throw Pillow Covers

Comfy meets cool

Patchwork or solid denim pillows instantly upgrade a couch or bed with cozy, rustic charm.

Steps:
Use full denim panels or piece together scraps. Sew front and back squares, insert a zipper or envelope closure, and stuff with a pillow form.

Picture this: A denim patch pillow—light and dark pieces stitched together—resting casually against a neutral-toned couch.

6. Denim Table Runner

A farmhouse table’s new BFF

Use long denim strips for a table runner with a laid-back, textured look.

Steps:
Cut strips and stitch together lengthwise. Fray the edges by pulling threads. Optionally, sew on lace or linen trim for a sweet contrast.

Picture this: A chunky wooden table set with a layered denim runner topped with candles and wildflowers.

7. Phone or Sunglasses Case

Protect your tech with jean genius

A thick denim case makes a handy, padded sleeve for your devices.

Steps:
Cut two rectangles slightly larger than your phone or glasses. Line with felt or soft cotton. Sew three sides, flip, and add a button, Velcro, or snap.

Picture this: A slim denim sleeve with a button flap, sitting neatly inside a canvas tote, ready to protect your phone on the go.

8. Denim Fabric Baskets

Organize with edge

Denim baskets are ideal for corralling cords, makeup, or craft supplies.

Steps:
Sew two denim squares into a cube or cylinder shape, add interfacing for structure, and line with contrasting fabric if you’d like.

Picture this: A trio of denim storage bins with leather tags lined up on a shelf, stylishly housing everyday essentials.

9. Denim Scrunchies

Fashion meets function

Leftover strips of denim make surprisingly chic scrunchies—hello ‘90s revival!

Steps:
Cut a strip about 18” x 3”, sew into a tube, flip, insert elastic, and close the ends. Use thinner denim for less bulk.

Picture this: A messy bun secured with a soft-washed denim scrunchie, giving casual-cute all day long.

10. Reversible Denim Placemats

Dinner time just got an upgrade

Use the inside and outside of denim for contrast in double-sided placemats.

Steps:
Cut two rectangles, sew right sides together, flip, and topstitch. Optional: add batting in between for a quilted look.

Picture this: A dinner table set with denim placemats, each stitched in a contrasting thread color for a handcrafted look.

11. Keychain Fobs or Wristlets

Grab and go style

These are quick and make great gifts!

Steps:
Cut a strip of denim, fold and stitch along the length. Add keyring hardware or sew a loop. You can embellish with embroidery or beads.

Picture this: A basket of handmade denim keychains with colorful stitching, waiting to be gifted.

12. Patchwork Denim Quilt

A legacy of worn jeans turned into warmth

This one takes more time but is SO worth it.

Steps:
Cut uniform squares or rectangles, lay out your pattern, and sew row by row. Use a soft backing like flannel. Quilt or tie by hand.

Picture this: A cozy quilt of blue tones draped over a reading chair, each square holding a memory from an old pair of jeans.

13. Denim Pot Holders

Hot pads that work hard and look cool

Denim is naturally heat-resistant and easy to wash—perfect for the kitchen!

Steps:
Layer denim with batting and sew into a square. Quilt with diagonal lines. Add a loop for hanging.

Picture this: A potholder stitched from faded blue denim with thick seams, hanging beside a rustic oven.

14. Denim Gift Bags

Reusable and rugged, for eco-friendly wrapping

Make cute drawstring or envelope-style gift bags that double as keepsakes.

Steps:
Cut a rectangle, fold in half, and sew up the sides. Hem the top and thread with a ribbon. Add buttons or fabric labels if you’re feeling fancy.

Picture this: A stack of small denim bags with frayed edges and twine ties, waiting to be filled with thoughtful gifts.

Final Stitch: Let the Denim Live On

Who knew your old jeans could become coasters, baskets, or even aprons? These 14 upcycled denim DIYs prove that with a little time and creativity, you can make something truly useful (and beautiful) from what would’ve been tossed. Bonus: you’ll save money and reduce waste.