The Best Upcycling Ideas For Denim Old Jeans Seams
Crafting with old jeans is one of my favourite ways of upcycling fabrics. I repurpose all the bits of worn jeans, even the denim scraps such as the seams and hems.
The knobbly bits on jeans can add interest to the average denim upcycle. These include elements such as waistbands, pockets and seams. I've made fabric key fobs from the waistbands before. I used a button and a bit of waistband to make fish eyes for a denim Koinbori (windsock).
I've already curated the best ideas for repurposing jeans pockets. This time, I will focus on the often neglected denim scraps from seams, hems, and belt loops.
What Are The Seams on Old Jeans
There are often several places you can cut seams from old jeans. The best for crafting with are the double-stitched raised seams. These are on either the outside or inside of the jeans leg. And include the hems and detailing around the seat of the jean.
For denim crafting purposes, seams include belt loops as they are constructed similarly.
The best way to deconstruct a pair of jeans and remove the seams is to cut them out. Using a pair of scissors, cut as close to the edge of the seam as possible.
With a pair of jeans that has a double stitched seam on the inside leg, a long piece of denim seam can be cut out. The hems provide shorter lengths, and belt loops are even shorter.
Belt loops are best removed with either a seam ripper or razor blade.
How To Craft With Denim Seams
Denim seams may provide interest to an upcycled jeans craft, but they can be a pain to stitch. I've lost count of the number of sewing machine needles I've broken trying to stitch through thick seams. And I have a really good Bernina sewing machine.
I use the seams in no-sew jeans upcycles or with minimal stitching. The great thing about the hems, belt loops and seams of jeans is that they are double stitched so they won't fray.
Fabric glue is a good alternative to the sewing machine for crafting with denim seams. Another good way to craft with seams without sewing is to weave with them.
I've even seen denim belt loops rolled up to make denim beads. These beads are then repurposed into denim jewellery.
I will replace twine with good jeans seams to add an extra dimension to some of my upcycle crafts. I've used them for indoor recycled hanging planters and denim wall vases.
I used an extra-long denim seam from the inside leg of a pair of jeans to hang some woven denim hearts bunting.
Crafting And Upcycling With Seams From Old Jeans
How To Make A Gorgeous Recycled Jean Planter
All you need is a tin can and some glue to create these fun denim planters. The jeans upcycled tin cans can also be used as a pen or utensil pot. The different shades of indigo create a lovely striped effect.
How To Make A Denim Photo Frame Out Of Old Jeans
These photo frames can be made with both belt loops and seams to create two different effects. A fun way to transform a boring old frame. They also make a lovely gift.
How To Make A Denim Wreath With Felt Roses
Not only is the base of the wreath made with upcycled jeans seams but the flowers are made from upcycled fabric too. The contrast of the colourful flowers with indigo denim really makes this wreath stand out.
How to Make No-Sew Denim Coasters from Upcycled Jeans
An example of weaving with old jeans seams to make some cute coasters. A set of these would make a lovely upcycling gift.
Easy To Make Unique Denim DIY Christmas Tree
How about this for an alternative Christmas decoration? Denim Christmas trees made from the hems, belt loops and seams of old jeans.
How To Make a Unique Table Lamp With A Denim Lampshade
Another example of weaving with denim seams to create a unique lampshade. I have this light on my bedside table and love it.
How To Make No-Sew Upcycled Fabric Placemats
These fabric placemats use both upcycled denim and sweater felt fabrics. I love how the combination of old sweater felt and denim seams create a lovely stripey effect. These placemats can easily be made with denim seams alone. However, by combining the denim with felt you don't need quite so many pairs of jeans to make each mat.
An Easy DIY Denim Bracelet From Old Jeans
A tutorial on how to make a cool adjustable denim bracelet from upcycled braid seams. They would make a great handmade gift.
How To Make Recycled Christmas Decorations With Denim Scraps
Another Christmas idea with these cute denim seam hanging trees.
A rug from old jeans
This denim rug is gorgeous but it is apparently made with the seams from 50 pairs of old jeans.
DIY Denim Mirror Frame, a perfect no sew old jeans craft project
This upcycle is similar to the denim photo frames but on a larger scale with a wall mirror.
Wear your jeans!
What turning an old denim seam into a fun piece of arm candy!
How To Make A Craft Caddy With Copper and Denim
The hems of old jeans have been cleverly repurposed for this craft to hold the tin cans in place. The caddy would not look half as good without the denim.
DIY Upcycled Blue Jean Necklace
Another piece of cute denim jewelry. This time a pendant necklace.
Make Denim Bows Two Ways
How to make a cool hipster denim bow tie out of a jeans waistband and belt loop.
Flowers from Jean Seams
A love the combination of pretty crochet flowers and denim.
How To Make Tartan Trees From Fabric Scraps
I know the seams are only on the base of these mini trees, but I think they really add to the craft.
Recycled Jeans Bracelet with Twine or Cord
One jean seam can be repurposed into the simplest of bracelets. This would be a great teen craft.
Hanging Denim Pockets
Use the hems and seams of old jeans to make hanging loops for your upcycled jeans projects, like with these cute mushroom-painted denim pockets.
DIY Denim Necklace – Boho Jewellery From Your Old Jeans
Are you looking for an evening crafting project? Why not turn those old jeans' seams into a stylish Boho denim necklace? Our latest DIY tutorial walks you through each step, making it easy for anyone to add a personal touch to their jewellery box.
Sashiko-Stitched Denim Bookmark: A Unique Gift
Reading enthusiasts and craft lovers, unite! Learn how to create an elegant denim bookmark with just a waistband and some Sashiko stitching. Perfect for your next creative weekend project.
Easy Denim Medallions: Upcycle Jean Belt Loops into Ornaments
Turn jean belt loops and seams into beautiful denim medallions. This upcycled craft is ideal for creating unique Christmas ornaments or accessories.
Boho Denim Seam Ornaments – Easy Upcycled Christmas Craft
Here’s another clever way to use those sturdy denim seams! This simple Christmas craft turns double-stitched jeans seams into rustic ornaments held together with Chicago screws and finished with tassels or beads. It’s a quick, low-sew project that makes the most of those often-forgotten parts of denim.
I would love to make one of those denim seam rugs. I've made one out of denim waistbands before, and I think a seam would complement it. However, it may take me a while to collect enough jeans seams as you need a lot for a rug.
For a comprehensive list of denim craft tutorials, check out the A to Z of upcycled denim.
fabulous ideas
Thank you, I love thinking of new ways to upcycle denim seams.
Wow! I have just come across this site and Iove it. Can't wait to get started, but there's so much inspiration I don't know which to try first! Thank you for sharing x
Thank you, that is lovely to hear, I'm glad you like what you find.
I cut the seams and use them as the handle for upcycled denim bags. They are perfect for cross body bags. I also cut a seam the size I would like a bracelet. I put a snap on the ends and sewed beads on and I get lots of complements on it.
Those are great ideas too. I like the bracelet idea. I also use the waistbands and seams as straps.
Oh WOW! .... I make a lot of things by upcyling/recycling thrown away tents... my main waste product is the seams! NOT ANY MORE!!! amazing ideas all in one place ...Thank you
Thank you, I'm really pleased you have found some inspiring ideas.
Great ideas. I'll make a christmas wreath. U can also make a coat for a big dog w bigger pieces of denim re legs sew together + decorate. I buy some African style circle skirts + 2 long so I make coats 4 my yellow lab service dog named Scarlotte 65lbs + 4 Bella lab mix rescue from Oklahoma!
Thank you, a denim dog coat sounds like a great idea.
@Claire Armstrong,
You'll find some denim dog related items here https://www.pillarboxblue.com/denim-diy-dog-accessories/
You have mentioned step by step about the crafting work with old jeans seams. This is very helpful blog for me also as I did some craft work on clothes. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thank you. It is great to repurpose old clothes.
Most of the time I end up tossing the seams because they're so difficult to sew, but seeing all these ideas, I wish I could go back in time and save them instead. I never even considered using glue.
Thank you, Michelle. They are a pain to sew but there is so much you can still do with them without sewing.