57 Craft Ideas Using Old Denim Jeans

Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

DIY Denim Crafts

For heaven's sakes, don't throw those old jeans away! These crafts are awesome and easy to make. Crafts using old jeans include aprons, purses, flowers, pompoms, and many more denim crafts. In this article, you'll find pictures of the jeans crafts, plus directions on how to make them.

To make the beautiful apron shown above, go to Mommy Knows for the instructions.

1. Jean Seams Basket

Probably the last part of the jeans that you'd use would be the seams, and this is a beautiful way to use them. When you go to the eHow site you'll see how easy it is to make this outstanding denim bowl.

2. Denim Candy Wrappers

These very attractive candy wrappers are appropriate for favors for a birthday party, or any other occasion. Find the tutorial for making these denim candy wrappers at Just Destiny. This is a really fun and unique way to present party favors.

3. Kids Chair Covers

I love these little chair covers. They are not only useful, but also washable, which is an important feature when making something for the kids. You'll find the instructions for making the chair covers at Paging Fun Mums. These would be so cute for a classroom.

4. Denim Wine Bags

If you want to have a unique way to gift a bottle of wine, check this project out. This would be a perfect gift for a housewarming or holiday home gift. CATHIE FILIAN is the place to go for the tutorial to make these denim wine bags.

5. Silhouette Art

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate this silhouette art. It is an outstanding idea for a baby's room, a teenagers room or for any age between. The easy to follow instructions can be found at LITTLE BLUE BOO.

6. Denim Shirt Pillow

You can use a denim shirt to cover a pillow without cutting it. Then if you decide to wear the shirt again, just remove the pins and press. You'll find the tutorial for making this shirt pillow at The Country Farm Home. This is a very attractive decorator pillow idea.

7. Shabby Chic Apron

I'd say this look is definitely more chic than shabby. It is a pretty and useful way to use worn out or too small jeans. You'll find the tutorial for making this shabby chic apron at The Country Farm Home.

8. Snack Bag

No matter where you go, this fashionable denim snack bag makes an attractive carrier. Instructions to make this impressive snack bag can be found at Between the lines.

9. Creative Denim Placemat

Use denim placemats with your country theme décor or for picnic or patio parties. You'll find the tutorial for making these creative denim placemats at TODAY'S NEST. These are so beautiful and useful.

10. Handbag

You'll get many more years of use out of those old jeans when you make an attractive handbag like the one shown above. This is easy to make and a very nice purse to accessorize your casual look. Find the tutorial at All Day Chic.

11. Lunch Bags

I really love it when a recycled item is made into something not only useful, but also attractive. That can easily be said about this denim lunch bag. You'll find the tutorial at the EVERYDAY DISHES site. This would be a great craft show item for selling.

12. Gingerbread Ornaments

You can make these super cute gingerbread man ornaments by following the tutorial given at CraftElf.

13. Farm Girl Apron

The cute calico ruffle really dresses this apron up. You can make an apron like this one using an old pair of jeans and by following the tutorial at Creative GREEN Living. This is a nice gift idea.

14. Christmas Stockings

This project from embroidery Library Pojects includes a stocking pattern. Imagine making a variety of stockings using buttons, beads, lace, calico prints, burlap, etc.

15. Make a Garden Apron

This video covers how to make a garden apron out of an old pair of jeans.

16. Beaded Ring

This would be a great activity for a group of girls at a scout meeting or slumber party. Not too difficult and almost immediate results. CRAFTS BY Amanda is where to find the instructions.

17. No-Sew Fringed Purse

Very cute and easy to make denim purse. Find the directions to make this cute purse at desert willow lane.

18. Denim Scarf

A perfect accessory to jeans and a tee. THINK CRAFTS has the crocheting instructions for making this scarf. You could likely use the same instructions to make a denim rag rug.

19. Scrappy Denim Bracelets

Be the first of your group of friends to make and wear these denim bracelets! Go to Dragonflys and Stars for the directions.

20. Stylish Denim Slippers

How stylish is this!? What a great idea for those worn out jeans. Go to The Guardian for instructions for this project.

21. Denim Bins

You'll be able to think of plenty of uses for these eye catching containers. You'll find the instructions at Makezine.

22. Bean Bag Toss Game

This is exactly the type of outdoor game I was looking for to give to the camping kids. Check this great game out at CHICA AND JO

23. Denim Winebag

Make a winebag like this to give as a wedding shower gift. It is something the newlyweds will find both useful and fun. The directions for the wine bag are at Design Sponge.

24. Denim Bear

Use whatever bear pattern you want, easy or more advanced, and make a denim teddy bear. You'll get the directions for the one shown above by going to Goods Home Designs.

25. Denim Basket

This would be a great gift to make for a high school graduate to take along to college. So pretty and useful. The instructions for this project are found at Oh Oh Blog.

26. Denim Organizer

Organize your sewing or craft supplies and have them close at hand. You'll be able to think of many more uses for this nice organizer. The directions are found at Simply Devine

27. Denim Tree Ornaments

Imagine your Christmas tree filled with these shabby, chic ornaments. Find the instructions for making them at Craft All Things.

28. Denim Apron

Make a nice, no nonsense apron to wear while cleaning or grilling. Simple and practical. Find the directions at My Byrd House.

29. Beautiful Denim Purse

Watch the above video for a simple tutorial on making a beautiful denim purse.

30. Denim Coasters

The only thing left of the jeans is the hems? Use them to make these coasters. You'll find the directions at Craftster.

31. Denim Wreath

Making a wreath from old denim jeans is remarkably simple. Go to A Fish Who Likes Flowers and follow the instructions there to make this rags to wreath project.

32. Scrappy Jean Quilt

I love the look of this quilt and I think it would make a great gift for a graduate or newlywed. Learn how it is made by going to Love to Sew.

33. Denim Soft Sports Balls

Little kids and babies will for sure love these soft denim balls. Find the pattern and directions at Nancy's Couture.

34. Denim Jeans Notebook Cover

Make a ho-hum school necessity into something you can be proud to tote around. Go to Living Well Mom and see how it is made.

35. Napkin Rings

Make easy and practical napkin rings. Between Naps on the Porch has the instructions for how to make them.

36. Country Pumpkin

Make this attractive denim country pumpkin by following the tutorial given at favecrafts. This is one of the crafts that I think make a nice piece of décor any time of the year, especially if displayed in the kitchen.

37. Denim Rag Rug

This is a great way to recycle old denim jeans or shirts. It would be a nice gift for a teenager or college student. Go to AllFreeCrafts.com for the instructions.

38. Rosette Headband

It never fails to amaze me, what dedicated crafters can come up with in the way of recyclables. This rosette headband is no exception, as it is uses old denim jeans to create a beautiful wearable. Find the instructions for this rosette headband at Creations by Kara.

39. Denim Pom Poms

You'll find many uses for these darling pompoms. Easy to follow directions are found at The Real Thing Coake Family.

40. Kids Pant Leg Aprons

You'll be able to get two aprons made using just one pair of jeans. Find the instructions for making this kids apron at Happy Hooligans. I think this would be an outstanding item to sell at craft shows.

41. Halloween Mask

Imagine all the ways you could decorate this denim mask to make it one-of-a-kind. For the mask pattern and tutorial, go to the Make: site. Imagine using fabric paints with the jewels and lace.

42. Flowers by Amanda

Amanda always has cute items to make and these flowers are no exception. Check these beauties out at crafts by Amanda.

43. Denim Corsage

Make this beautiful corsage following the directions given at Tea Rose Home.

44. Make a Denim Backpack

Learn how to make a denim backpack using old jeans in this video.

45. Jeans Baskets

PYSSELBOLAGET gives instructions on how to make these useful baskets using the legs of jeans.

46. Denim Cutlery Pouch

If you like to set an attractive table to serve a lunch on the patio, I can't imagine a nicer touch than this cutlery pouch. You can find out how to make this pouch by visiting the AllFreeCrafts.com site.

47. PomPom Bib Necklace

This would be so cute worn with a tee shirt and jeans. I really love this look. Go to Little Miss momma and see how she made this beauty.

48. Reusable Lunch Set

Are you tired hunting for sacks to send lunches in? The kids will be happy to tote this worn-looking sack to school. Find out how to make this project at make and takes.

49. Denim Flower Necklace

The instructions for making this denim flower necklace can be found at Tea Rose Home. Who would have thought that denim could be made into such an attractive accessory?

50. Gadget Protector

A cool place to carry and protect your electronic gadgets. Go to instructables for directions on how to make it.

51. Denim Camera Bag

Cameras are expensive and need to be carefully cared for. Make your camera safer by making a camera bag like this to protect it. The directions for making this bag can be found at Evil Mad Scientist.

52. Bucket Caddy

This is another of my favorite jeans projects. Find the tutorial on the U Create Crafts site.

53. Make Fashion Shorts

This video explains how to make fashionable shorts out off old pairs of jeans.

54. Chevron Denim Pillows

If you are searching for an unique gift to make for the man in your life, consider this chevron denim pillow idea. You'll find the tutorial at Ashbee Design where you'll see other denim pillow designs.

55. Denim Whale

This isn't as difficult as it seems at first glance. Check it out at Valaan Villapaita, where you'll find the tutorial.

56. Denim Pocket Organizer

I'm sure this denim pocket organizer would be appreciated by a high school or college student. Sisters of the Wild West has a nice tutorial for making it.

57. Denim Tic Tac Toe Game

This looks easy to make and fun to play. Find the directions at DIY Show Off.

Questions & Answers

Question: Are there any visuals available for old denim jean crafts?

Answer: Please click on the highlighted words in the paragraph below the pictured project. The tutorials are available on the highlighted site.

© 2012 Loraine Brummer

Please leave a comment

Victory on June 09, 2020:

I love all the ideas thank you

Llama on October 25, 2019:

Way to recycle jeans!

Mary Camley on October 02, 2017:

Love all of the ideas, great to have them all in one place!

DIYstudent from (Blank) on September 14, 2017:

That's so Amazing !

Kate Todd from London, United Kingdom on May 03, 2017:

Love these ideas! My daughter loves when we create some new stuff from old clothes, and I found some really good ideas for us to try here :)

flashmakeit from usa on April 22, 2017:

Great job and so many blue jeans crafts to choose from. I really like the placemats idea.

Lynsey Hart from Lanarkshire on December 04, 2016:

I've had to pin this so that I can come back to it later. I keep loads of old jeans that my thighs have ate through, as I knew they could come in handy. I didn't know there were so many cute things I could make with them! I can't wait to do try these

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on March 26, 2015:

The bracelets really are attractive. Who would have guessed that so many nice items could be made using worn out jeans. Crafters are amazing.

Al villi on March 22, 2015:

Love the tiny flower bracelet

Besthappyauthor on August 26, 2014:

I've never seen so many denim ideas. I love how it can also be used as a bib.

KyraB on May 08, 2014:

I love the denim wreath! I think that I might be trying that one... :)

tcaldy on October 07, 2013:

A few that I haven't seen before. Love the bear!

acreativethinker on August 03, 2013:

These are such great ideas. Thanks for sharing. Take care :)

SavioC on July 19, 2013:

Wow . Some excellent ideas. Just showed it to my wife & she's going to make use of some old jeans. Cheers . Thanks for sharing this lens.

Carol Brooks from Florida on June 28, 2013:

There are some ingenious ideas in this lens. Bravo!

Dancing Cowgirl Design from Texas on May 17, 2013:

I have so many pair of jeans that are waiting to become a craft. I started saving them when I was making blue jean purses. These other jean crafts here would be great to make also. So glad I found your page.

anonymous on April 16, 2013:

I love blue jean crats, but you found some ideas I've never thought of.

belinhafernandes on April 12, 2013:

I loved your suggestions! I would like to make myself a pair of slippers!

Aquablocks on May 03, 2012:

This is one of the most innovative ideas i have seen in 2012. keep it up.