A tutorial on how to make some on-trend Boho-style jeans pillows.
The trouble with staying in gorgeous accommodation whilst on holiday is my home looks knackered on returning. It seems too cluttered, tired looking, and much of it desperately needs redecoration.
The solution is to either go on camping holidays so that I appreciate my home comforts more or tackle the house. As I hate camping, it will have to be the house.
So I made a pathetic start by chucking a load of old and worn throw pillows. And then I used up some of my craft stashes and made some fresh replacement boho-style jeans pillows.
Boho Jeans Pillows With Upcycled Sari Trim and Pom Poms
I’m a bit of a craft hoarder. I have a large stash of yarn, piles of fabric, and old jeans. Whenever I glance at my yarn pile in the craft room, I think it is mocking me for being a terrible knitter and average crocheter. I’m now just resorted to using my yarn to make pom poms.
I used vintage sari trim, recycled jeans, and more yarn to make pom poms. I found the trim in my craft stash; I had forgotten about it. The sari trim was just what I needed to give the jeans pillows that boho feel.
Vintage sari trims are gorgeous strips of brightly coloured and embroidered fabric used to adorn lovely Indian saris. I know you may be wondering, where do I get sari trim? Like most things, it’s easy to find on eBay and Amazon.

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What you need to make upcycled boho jeans pillows
- Old denim jeans
- Vintage Sari trims – As I’ve already mentioned, this is readily available on eBay and Amazon. You will need a piece of trim about 90cm long for each jeans pillow.


- Needle, thread and 30cm (12″) zip
- Pillow insert – I used a 65cm X 45cm (16″ x 26″) Ikea fjadrar insert
How to Make Boho Jeans Pillows
Step 1: Each pillow side comprised 3 panels of fabric (6 in total). The width of vintage sari trim will vary from piece to piece. First, I measured the width of the sari trim and then calculated the width of denim I would need on either side. I was making a cover for a pillow 65cm by 45 cm. Don’t forget to allow for a seam allowance.
Step 2: For the front of the pillow, pin two pieces of denim and one piece of sari trim, right sides together and then sew. Repeat for the back of the pillow.

Step 3: Next, lay both the pillow sides (front and back) flat front sides up (see picture below). Then pin a zip between them and sew in the zip to join them. If you are unsure how to sew a zip into a pillow, there is a video tutorial here.

Step 4: Next, pin the rest of the pillow both sides together, leaving the newly attached zipper open.

Step 5: Using a sewing machine, sew the pillow sides together. Then turn the cushion/pillow cover right sides out and add the pillow insert. I used IKEA 65 cm by 45 cm inserts for these Boho Jeans Pillows.
Step 6: Finish off by making multi-colour giant pom poms with your pom pom maker and hand sew one onto each corner of the pillow. To get the mixed-coloured effect, wind different coloured yarn in bands around the pom pom maker.



Other Related DIYs
I love how these pillows/cushions turned out. I love that they are made from recycled jeans but are still so colourful. The only thing is I can’t quite decide where to have them in my home. I think I will need to make some more.
Another way to have combined the sari and denim fabric was to have made a denim pillow first. Then, applique the sari fabric hexagon patchwork to the pillow.
I’m also pleased that I found a use for the gorgeous vintage sari trim I bought on a whim a couple of years ago.
For more Boho upcycles, check out these DIY wooden ornaments made from old curtain fixings.


Boho Jeans Pillows With Sari Trim

Make gorgeous Boho style jeans pillows with sari trim and pom poms
Materials
- Old jeans
- Sari Trim
- Wool
- Zip
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Pom Pom Maker
Instructions
- Cut the denim to make a panel 65 cm by 45 cm made up of 2 pieces of denim and one of Sari trim. Make 2 of these panels for each pillow.
- Next, lay both panels face up and join together at one end with a zip sewn in.
- Then, pin the panels right sides together with the zip open
- Next, sew up the sides of the pillow, then turn right sides out.
- Finally, make four multi-colored pom poms and sew one into each corner of the pillow
Check out the pillow cover design ideas, including
- iPhone Denim Pocket Pillow
- Repurposed Denim Fish Pillow
- World Map Denim Floor Cushion
- All The Best Denim Pillow And Cushion Tutorials
For more Boho DIYs and crafts, check out these tutorials.
Marie
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
Your boho pillows are fabulous, Claire! Love the bright colors you paired with the denim - so pretty!
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 26th of March 2020
Thank you, Marie I love to add a bit of colour when I can.
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting
Sunday 17th of September 2017
Another fantastic idea! I love the pop of color the sari and pom poms give the jeans! Great idea! :) Lisa
Claire Armstrong
Monday 18th of September 2017
Thank you Lisa. That was the plan to bring a bit of colour to the denim.
Lins @ Boo & Maddie
Thursday 7th of September 2017
Wow is there anything you can't do? These look so so pretty! Thank you for linking up to #HomeEtc X
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 7th of September 2017
Thank you so much. Denim is one of my favourite things to upcycle.
Linky Thursday | StacySews
Thursday 7th of September 2017
[…] Get into the boho trend with this tiered dress (with trim) tutorial. Want to bring the boho trend into your home? Learn how to upcycle jeans into fun sari and pompom trimmed pillows. […]
September 5th: Recipe & DIY Linky - The SITS Girls
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
[…] Pillar Box Blue: Boho Jeans Pillow […]