I’ve made a few denim pillows (cushions) myself over the years, but I’d thought I’d check out some of my fellow bloggers to see what sort of throw pillows they have made out of upcycled old jeans.
Lucky for me, I have a big stash of old jeans ready to upcycle. My family and friends know how much I love to repurpose and upcycle denim, so they hand me their old jeans. Which has enabled me to make some large denim projects such as denim rugs and denim upholstery.
However, one of the simplest things to upcycle old jeans into is denim pillows. Many designs can be made by just upcycling one pair of jeans.
Upcycling Old Jeans into Throw Pillows/cushions
If you search for denim throw 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 jeans pillows from blogs with a tutorial.
There is a variety of tutorials to suit all levels from basic no-sew throw pillows to more complicated herringbone stitched denim pillows.
What they do all have in common though is denim fabric and some of these patterns really show off the best bits of a pair of jeans, such as the pockets and waistbands. Others play on the different shades of indigo that denim comes in and use that to make a pattern.
These denim bows would look great as an embellishment on some of these denim pillow ideas.
The Best Denim Throw Pillows Tutorials
Woven Denim Pillow
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.
Repurposed Denim Fish Pillow
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.
No-Sew Denim Pillow
This has to be one of the quickest and easiest denim pillow upcycles, with no sewing involved. I love the pom pom heart decoration on the front.
How to make a handy iPhone Denim Pocket Pillow
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.
Denim Waistband Cushion
I love that Vicky kept the buttons on these waistbands with these denim cushions. It would go really well with this denim waistband rug tutorial.
Easy Way To Make Colourful Boho Style Jeans Pillows
The combination of vintage sari trim with old jeans gives these pillows a lovely Boho touch. Not forgetting the added touch of large multi coloured pom poms.
Americana Star Fringe Pillow
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.
Old Jeans Recycled into Ampersand Pillow
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.
DIY Upcycled Shirt to Pillow Cover
With these denim pillows, jeans scraps are sewn onto a pillow made from an upcycled shirt.
DIY Denim Cushion – Chevron
This is another Boho-style denim cushion cover by Vicky. It would go well with this DIY chevron rug.
How To Make A Cool World Map Denim Floor Cushion
This is one for map lovers and travellers, decoupage a denim world map onto a giant floor cushion.
Beach Pillow from Old Jeans and Troubles of the Heart
I love the fun stenciling and the ombre effect on this recycled jeans pillow. Another great design for a beach house.
DIY Scrap Denim Pillows
These pillows are a fun scrap buster. I love the Boho look too.
Autumn Leaf DIY Pillow Cushion
I love the contrast of the light leaves with the dark denim background with this upcycled jeans pillow.
Jeans Pocket Cushion
I love the addition of colourful fabric on this jeans pillow to add extra colour.
Chevron Pillow from Beloved Old Jeans • DIY
Another great tutorial from Ashbeedesign this time for a gorgeous ombre effect chevron jeans pillow.
Pompom trim denim cushion covers
I love these jeans pillows the pom pom trim just makes them adorable. The cute dog helps too! There is even a video tutorial.
DIY Denim Log Cabin Pocket Pillows
I love the quilted effect and the contrasting denim with these pillows.
How to Make a Throw Pillow Cover with Recycled Jeans
A simple upcycled denim pillow and a simple tutorial. The pocket is handy though.
How to upcycle and sew a cushion cover
Even with just a few scraps of denim, you can combine them with other fabrics to make these gorgeous pillows.
Another idea for denim pillows to add colour is to applique some hexagon patchwork to the front of them. I’ve made denim dog toys out of old jeans before and if you scale them up they could make a fun-shaped throw pillow.
If you liked this then you may also like to check out my other denim round-ups. These pillows made out of old jeans also featured in the A to Z of clever upcycling ideas and the A to Z of denim crafts.
Brilliant Upcycled Denim Storage Ideas
Denim Christmas Decorations
Or check out these other homemade pillow cover design ideas.
Jessica Meade
Friday 16th of August 2019
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
Saturday 17th of August 2019
That sounds like a fun pillow. I love making my own pillows then you have something unique.
Cindi Seamon
Saturday 4th of November 2017
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
Saturday 4th of November 2017
Thank you. Denim is a wonderful fabric to repurpose.
handmade by amalia
Saturday 8th of July 2017
I love them all, the denim must be soft and comfy. Amalia xo
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 8th of July 2017
Thank you, I find that old worn denim is often soft and comfy.
julie
Thursday 6th of July 2017
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
Thursday 6th of July 2017
Yes, I love them all too! I will be making more denim pillows.
Katherines Corner
Wednesday 5th of July 2017
thank you for the inspiration and for sharing at TFT, pinned xo
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 5th of July 2017
Thanks for hosting and thanks for the share.