Crafting with old jeans is one of my favourite ways of upcycling fabrics. I repurpose all the bits of worn denim, especially old jeans seams.
The knobbly bits on a pair of 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’ve already curated the best ideas for repurposing jeans pockets. This time I will focus on the often neglected denim seams.
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 the belt loops. As they are constructed in the same way.
The best way to deconstruct a pair of jeans and to remove the seams is to simply 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 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 with the number of sewing machine needles I’ve broken trying to stitch through thick seams. And I have a really good Bernina sewing machine.
That’s why I tend to use the seams in no-sew jeans upcycles or with minimal stitching. The great thing about the hems, belt loops and seams of a pair jeans is that they are double stitched so won’t fray.
When it comes to crafting with denim seams, fabric glue is a good alternative to the sewing machine. 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 jewelry.
To add an extra dimension to some of my upcycle crafts I will replace twine with a good jeans seams. 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.
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 one would compliment 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.
Joan Hooper
Saturday 26th of March 2022
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
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 26th of March 2022
Thank you, that is lovely to hear, I'm glad you like what you find.
Kelley
Wednesday 23rd of June 2021
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.
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 23rd of June 2021
Those are great ideas too. I like the bracelet idea. I also use the waistbands and seams as straps.
Kirsty Little
Friday 11th of September 2020
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
Claire Armstrong
Friday 11th of September 2020
Thank you, I'm really pleased you have found some inspiring ideas.
Diana Valle
Friday 7th of August 2020
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!
Claire Armstrong
Friday 7th of August 2020
Thank you, a denim dog coat sounds like a great idea.
Sela Realty
Monday 20th of July 2020
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.
Claire Armstrong
Tuesday 21st of July 2020
Thank you. It is great to repurpose old clothes.