How to upcycle old jeans into cushions
I’ve made a few denim cushions myself over the years but I’d thought I’d check out some of my fellow bloggers to see what sort of jeans pillows they have made. Here are what I consider the best-upcycled denim pillow designs that I have come across.
My old jeans stash doesn’t seem to be getting any smaller. Now that I have a bit of a reputation of a denim upcycler, friends and family are always passing me their cast-offs.
Not that I’m complaining, please carry on giving me your old denim, I will find some way to upcycle them. One of the simplest things to upcycle old jeans into is denim pillows.
If you search for denim pillows on Pinterest you will find lots for sale in Etsy or designer stores from a few dollars up to a few hundred dollars. Here though I have just included pillows from blogs with a tutorial.
The Best Denim Pillows Tutorials
1. Hexagon patchwork jeans pillow – Lilluna
I love the hexagon appliqued patchwork effect with this pillow. The denim hexagons look like tiles with white grout in between.
2. Woven Denim Pillow – Pillarboxblue
Using scraps of denim from blue jeans of different shades of indigo gives this pillow a fabulous chequered-board effect. The fray edges also have a Boho vibe.
3. Repurposed Denim Fish Pillow – Pillarboxblue
These are such fun, the eyes are jeans buttons and the fins and tails pocket. The scales are made using bleach and stencils on the denim. The heads are made from upcycled sweater felt. These pillows would look great in a lake or beach house. Or make a great gift for a fisherman.
4. No Sew Denim Pillow – Refreshrestyle
This has to be one of the quickest and easiest denim pillow upcycles, no sewing involved. I love the pom pom heart decoration on the front.
5. iPhone Denim Pocket Pillow – Pillarboxblue
I made this for my son, and guess what he still loves it and uses it. The pocket for the phone is so handy when listening to music in bed.
6. Herringbone Pillow – Ashleemarie
This one is definitely not no sew, it’s a bit more challenging but for a great look.
7. American Star Fringe Pillow – The Sewingloftblog
This has to be one for the Fourth of July, I love the denim star. The red piping just adds to the whole patriotic look.
8. Colourful Boho Jeans Pillows – Pillarboxblue
The combination of vintage sari trim with old jeans gives these pillows a lovely Boho touch. Not forgetting the added touch of large multicloured pom poms.
9. Ampersand Cushion – Ashbeedesign
Another applique design this time with a giant ampersand. Great step by step tutorial too! This gives me an idea for a monogrammed denim pillow.
10. Upcycled Shirt and Jeans Circle Pillow – Greenissuesingapore
With these denim pillows, jeans scraps are sewn onto a pillow made from an upcycled shirt.
11. Beach Pillow from Old Jeans – Remodalandolacasa
I love the fun stenciling and the ombre effect on this recycled jeans pillow. Another great design for a beach house.
12. Cheveron Denim Pillow – Ashbeedesign
Another great tutorial from Ashbeedesign this time for a gorgeous ombre effect chevron jeans pillow.
13. Colourful Pom Pom trim jeans cushions – Hestershandmadehome
I love these jeans pillows the pom pom trim just makes them adorable. The cute dog helps too! There is even a video tutorial.
14. Simple Jeans Pillow – Feltmagnet
A simple upcycled denim pillow and a simple tutorial. The pocket is handy though.
15. Recycled Jeans Waistband Cushion – Vickymyerscreation
I love that Vicky kept the buttons on these waistbands with these denim cushions.
16. Chevron Denim Cushions – Vickymyerscreations
This is another Boho style denim cushion cover.
If you don’t have enough denim for a whole pillow then you could combine it with some other fabrics to make some gorgeous pillows like these ones from Luz Patterns.
If you liked this then you may also like to check out my other denim round-ups.
Brilliant Upcycled Denim Storage Ideas
Denim Christmas Decorations
Blue Jean Rug 9 Unique Ways
Jessica Meade
Thank you for putting together this collection! It’s hard to sift through the for sale pillows, when you want to DIY. These are all great. I have made my son a tooth fairy pillow with a back pocket, but I like the idea of a phone pocket pillow for them. I plan to first make a memorial pillow out of a denim jacket. Lots of inspiration here. Thanks!
Claire Armstrong
That sounds like a fun pillow. I love making my own pillows then you have something unique.
Cindi Seamon
God bless you for the tutorials. I also have a huge stack of my husband’s worn denims. I would look for creative ideas for the use of repurposing the denim into useful materials for gifting and home use and would come up stumbling w/o a tutorial. So thanks for your post.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. Denim is a wonderful fabric to repurpose.
handmade by amalia
I love them all, the denim must be soft and comfy.
Amalia
xo
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I find that old worn denim is often soft and comfy.
julie
The hexagon one and the huge ampersand are my favourites I think, or the one that use the pockets …. what am I saying, I love them all. Can’t beat a good denim upcycle. Thanks for putting these all together
Claire Armstrong
Yes, I love them all too! I will be making more denim pillows.
Katherines Corner
thank you for the inspiration and for sharing at TFT, pinned xo
Claire Armstrong
Thanks for hosting and thanks for the share.
Christina Makri
Excellent pillow ideas ! Love them all but I like most those with pom pom trim 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. The Pom Pom trim does look great.
Jennifer Gainer
This is such a great idea, I am pinning it for later. I can see myself making a slushee of these pillows for my sleeping porch. 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you I’m sure they will look great on your porch.
Katy Skip The Bag
I love the herringbone, but I’m a sucker for that beach one. It is adorable!
Claire Armstrong
The beach one is adorable
Teodora
They all so pretty!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Stephanie Abbott
Love all of these!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Cecilia
What a fun collection of denim pillows! Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Mary
Claire you know I just love these. I need to start saving my soft denims. They would make an awesome pillow. So many pretty ideas you’ve gathered together.
Claire Armstrong
Thanks, Mary, I’m going to be making some more myself too!
Julia - Vintage with Laces
Great denim pillow picks, Claire! Thank you for sharing!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Julia. I can’t resist a denim upcycle.
Barbara
These pillows are great. I am pinning your tutorials.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Barbara and good luck making some.