Let’s be honest: some jeans are just past the point of no return. But before you send them off to denim heaven, consider this—your old jeans could become your next favorite home decor piece, gift, or organizing hack. I turned mine into stylish coasters, plant wraps, and even a pocketed wall organizer. Here’s how you can too:
1. Jean Pocket Wall Organizer
Grab 6–8 back pockets from different pairs of jeans (they don’t have to match—that’s the charm). Cut them out with some fabric around the edge for stitching. Take a piece of canvas, burlap, or sturdy cotton and lay the pockets out like a grid. Pin, then sew or fabric-glue them down. Add a dowel and string to hang it. Great for storing sunglasses, scissors, mail, or crafting tools right on the wall. Get full instructions here:
2. Patchwork Pillow Covers
Cut various denim pieces into uniform squares (about 4×4 inches), using both light and dark washes for contrast. Lay them out in your desired pattern, then sew each row together, followed by joining the rows. Back with soft cotton or flannel, then insert a pillow. Add a zipper, Velcro, or envelope fold to close it. The seams give it a rustic, lived-in texture. Click here for instructions to make patch pillow covers:
3. Braided Denim Rug
Cut old jeans into 1.5-inch-wide strips, then sew or knot them end-to-end until you have long ropes of denim. Braid three ropes together tightly. As you braid, start coiling it flat like a cinnamon roll, sewing the edges of the braid together as you go (use heavy-duty thread). Keep adding until it’s the size you want. It’s surprisingly plush and incredibly durable. Read full instructions here:
4. DIY Denim Coasters
Trace circles or squares using a cup or small tile onto denim and a cork sheet. Cut both and glue together. For a nice finish, use embroidery thread to stitch around the edges using a blanket stitch. You can even decorate with bleach pens, fabric paint, or stamp initials for personalization. Get full instructions and what you need here to make these coasters:
5. Storage Bins & Fabric Baskets
Take an old shoebox or Amazon box and wrap it with large pieces of denim, folding the edges like wrapping a gift. Use hot glue or fabric glue to adhere. Cut strips from the jean waistband to make handles and attach them with rivets or glue. Use inside drawers or on shelves to organize anything from socks to art supplies. Learn how to make these storage bins and fabric baskets here:
6. Heat-Resistant Pot Holders
Layer two 8-inch denim squares with a piece of insulated batting (or even an old towel) sandwiched inside. Quilt them together using a crisscross stitch. Use bias tape or denim strips to finish the edges, and sew a loop in one corner for hanging. Super cute and practical for everyday cooking. Get full instructions here:
7. Upcycled Denim Apron
Cut out a full panel from a jean leg and shape it like an apron (about 24″ tall by 20″ wide, give or take). Hem the edges, and use a waistband or twill ribbon for neck and waist ties. Sew a pocket (or two!) on the front. You can even add lace, patches, or embroidery to customize it. Easy how to instructions here:
8. Wine Bottle Gift Bag
Use a cut-off leg piece about 12″ long. Flip it inside out, sew one end shut, then turn it right-side out. Slide a wine bottle inside. Use a ribbon or a denim tie to cinch the top. Add a fabric flower, gift tag, or name charm to complete the rustic gift wrap. Learn how to make this gift bag here:
9. Mason Jar Wraps
Cut strips of denim to fit the circumference and height of your mason jars. Glue them on using fabric glue or Mod Podge. Decorate with ribbon, stencils, or stamped leather tags. Use them for holding utensils, flowers, tealight candles, or makeup brushes on your counter. Read full instructions here:
10. Shabby Chic Denim Garland
Cut dozens of denim strips about 1″ wide and 6–8″ long. Tie each one onto a length of jute or rope, double-knotting to secure. Vary the denim shades and textures, and mix in lace or burlap strips. Drape over mantels, shelves, or party tables. It adds cozy, crafty flair. How to create them:
11. Pocket Placemats
Use a large piece of denim (about 12″ x 18″) as the placemat base. Stitch a jean pocket on one side—this holds napkins or utensils. Hem the edges or back with patterned cotton. Add topstitching for a tailored look. Great for barbecues, picnics, or kids’ tables. Full instructions here:
12. Notebook & Journal Covers
Measure your notebook while open flat. Cut a piece of denim with 1″ extra around all edges. Fold edges over and glue or sew them down inside. Stitch a pocket on the front for pens or post-its. Customize with iron-on letters, buttons, or embroidery. Get full instructions here:
13. Wall Art From Denim Scraps
Cut various denim shades into triangles, squares, or abstract shapes. Arrange them into a geometric pattern, silhouette (mountains, heart, etc.), or a word. Glue them to a canvas or wood board. Stitch details, or add brass tacks or ribbon for texture. Mount or frame it for your wall. Click here to learn how:
14. Denim Wreath
Wrap a foam or wire wreath form with denim strips (about 1.5″ wide), overlapping as you go and gluing in place. Embellish with faux flowers, buttons, or mini chalkboard signs. Try seasonal versions with flannel accents for fall or florals for spring. Read more about how to create it here:
15. Rustic Gift Tags
Cut rectangles or festive shapes like hearts, trees, or stars. Punch a hole in one end for twine. Write messages using a white paint pen or metallic Sharpie. Add ribbon, mini charms, or lace for flair. They look adorable tied to mason jar gifts or wrapped presents. Need more instruction, click here:
16. Sunglasses & Phone Sleeves
Measure your phone or sunglasses and cut two denim pieces about 0.5″ bigger. Line with flannel for softness. Sew around three sides, leaving the top open. Optionally, add a snap or flap. Decorate with trim, ribbon, or iron-on patches for fun. For full details click here:
17. Keychain Tassels
Cut 5–6 strips about 1″ wide and 4–6″ long. Fold them in half together, then wrap another piece of denim around the fold and glue to form the tassel head. Attach to a keyring. You can also add beads or a leather tag for extra style. Full details to make these keychain tassels:
18. Dog Toy Braids
Cut long denim strips (about 2″ wide) and braid them tightly. Tie knots at both ends or sew them for durability. Make a thicker toy by braiding three braids together. It’s chew-proof, washable, and your pup will love it. Read here for full instructions to make these dog toys:
19. Picnic Utensil Rolls
Cut a denim rectangle about 18″ x 10″. Fold one long edge up 5″ and sew vertical lines to make utensil slots. Add a flap over the top to protect contents when rolled. Attach a ribbon or strap to tie it shut. Perfect for outdoor dining or camping. Read here for full instructions:
20. Makeup Brush Organizer
Same idea as the utensil roll, but narrower slots (around 1″ each). Add a flap to cover the top. Use contrasting fabric on the inside for a boutique look. Personalize with lace trim or buttons. Keeps brushes clean and organized on the go. Click here for instructions:
21. Embroidered Denim Patches
Cut small denim shapes like hearts, stars, or ovals. Use embroidery thread to stitch fun designs—like flowers, initials, or smiley faces. Iron them on using fusible web or sew them to jackets, jeans, or bags for custom flair. Learn more here:
22. Personalized Luggage Tags
Cut two denim rectangles (approx. 3″ x 5″). Sew three sides together and leave one open to insert a paper name card laminated or in a clear sleeve. Add a denim strap with a snap or button to attach to bags. Decorate with initials or fun travel-themed motifs. Click here for instructions:
23. Bunting Banner for Parties
Cut flags (triangles or swallow-tails) from denim. Decorate with stencils, appliqué letters, or fabric paint. Sew or glue them to a length of ribbon or twine. Use to spell out names, party phrases, or just as festive decor. To learn how, click here:
24. Mug Rugs (Mini Placemats)
Make a mini placemat by layering two 5×8″ denim rectangles with quilt batting inside. Sew around the edges, then topstitch a pattern like stripes or chevrons. Great for coffee stations or as a thoughtful handmade gift. For more details and instruction, click here:
25. Mini Denim Purses
Use a large back pocket as the main pouch. Line it with fabric, add a snap or zipper on top, and attach a strap using denim loops or ribbon. Perfect for kids or as a phone crossbody for errands or festivals. For all instruction, click here:
26. Scrappy Quilt or Throw Blanket
Cut various denim pieces into uniform squares or rectangles (4×6″ is manageable). Arrange them like puzzle pieces for a pleasing layout. Stitch them together row by row. Add a backing fabric like flannel or fleece, quilt it, then finish the edges. Heavy but oh-so-warm. For more instructions, click here:
Final Stitch (Again, Pun Absolutely Intended)
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll wear these again someday,” but you know that day isn’t coming… give those jeans a fresh start. These upcycled denim projects are stylish, sustainable, and honestly? A lot more satisfying than trying to squeeze back into a size 6.
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