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How To Make A Denim Photo Frame Out Of Old Jeans

I came across a bag of denim belt loops I’d saved from when I’d made my denim waistband rug. That’s when I got the idea of making a denim photo frame.

Whilst making the belt loop frame, I got an idea for a denim photo frame made out of the seams of old jeans. I made a recycled jeans planter and a denim table lamp out of old jeans seams before and love how they turned out.

I will show you how to make both kinds of denim frames. I prefer the denim frame made with seams, which is why I made two of them. These frames would look great in a teen bedroom or in a den.

This is a really easy no-sew affordable craft that uses the scraps from other denim upcycles. It is also a great way to update old boring photo frames into something with a bit more character.

Denim belt loops

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What You Need To Make Denim Photo Frame

  • Denim belt loops or seams from an old pair of jeans. Don’t cut the seams from the jeans until you have read the “how to section” below, as you will use a template to cut the denim.
  • A seam ripper – this is a handy tool for removing the denim belt loops from the waistband of a pair of jeans.
using a seam ripper to remove belt loops
what you need to make belt loop denim frames

How To Make A Belt Loop Jeans Frame

The first belt loop frame is quite simple to make. You must decide whether you want the belt loops to be stuck straight or at an angle.

I decided to go with an angle. Starting in one corner of the wooden frame, measure the diagonal (along the mitre line). Then cut a belt loop to that length.

Next, apply adhesive glue to both the wrong side of the belt loop and the front of the frame. Then stick the piece of denim to the frame.

Carry on sticking strips of denim at an angle to the frame until you come to the middle. Next, start on the other end of the frame and stick belt loops going the other way until they meet in the middle.

Fill any gaps with strips of denim cut to size.

how to cover a frame in belt loops

Carry on sticking belt loops to the frame using this method until all four sides are covered. If you don’t have enough belt loops, just cut some denim seams to fit.

denim photo frame with belt loops
Upcycled belt loop denim frame

I also sometimes use denim belt loops as handy tags, like with my DIY coffee pot cosy.

How To Make A Seam Denim Photo Frame

This denim photo frame is made differently from the one above.

Step 1: The first thing to do with this frame is to make a paper template pattern. If the photo frame you are upcycling is square, you only need to make one paper template.

However, if the photo frame is rectangular, you must make two paper templates. One for the long side and another for the shorter side.

To make the paper template, measure the width of the wood around the frame. Ensure you include the sides and the front of the frame. Then cut the paper frame at an angle to the mitre angles on the front of the frame.

Making paper frame template

Step 2: Using the template, cut out four denim seams. Make sure that the seams are all in the same place: the middle of the front of the frame.

Cutting denim seams for photo frame

Step 3: Next, glue the seams to the photo frame one by one. Make sure that the mitred corners meet up. I found that fabric glue was good for this.

Gluing denim seams
upcycled denim seams frame

I liked the look of this upcycled jeans seam denim photo frame; I made another one in lighter denim.

upcycled denim photo frame
DIY photo frame upcycle using old jeans
denim photo frame
Yield: Two types of denim photo frame

Denim Photo Frame

Denim Photo Frame

How to make fun and unique denim photo frames from your old jeans.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $1

Materials

  • Jeans belt loops
  • Denim seams
  • Old photo frames
  • Contact adhesive
  • Fabric glue

Tools

  • Ruler
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. For the denim belt loop frame. Stick the loops to the frame one by one at angle starting at the corner. Cut scraps to size to fit into the gaps.
  2. For the denim seam frame, make a paper template.
  3. Cut the seams using the template
  4. Stick the seams one by one to the frame, matching the mitre corners.

You’ll find this frame and many more handmade gifts for men here.

You can also find more upcycled DIY picture frame ideas here, including shoebox lids to make an upcycled photo frame.

These denim photo frames are featured on the alphabet of repurposed jeans crafts. They are one of the many denim upcycles you can make from just one pair of old jeans.

If you liked the repurposed denim photo frame, check out some of my other cool no-sew jeans DIYs for the home. Or you might like some of the other upcycled frame ideas on Pillarboxblue, such as the lego Minifigure photo frame and the printed map pallet frame.

For more thrifty craft ideas visit cheapthriftyliving.com

Marie

Saturday 27th of July 2019

Such a great idea for photo frames - my daughter would love these! Claire, because of your blog, I never get rid of old jeans anymore.

Claire Armstrong

Sunday 28th of July 2019

Thank you ?. Yes there are so many wonderful things you can make with old jeans.

Michelle Leslie

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Darn it and I just threw out a whole bunch of cut-up denims because I had no idea what to do with those seams. They're so difficult to sew unless you have a needle made from kryptonite or something like that :D These are all gorgeous Claire

Claire Armstrong

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Thank you Michelle. I love using the seams as I think they have character.

Rebecca

Monday 22nd of July 2019

Claire, This is such a great upcycle idea! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate Your Story!

Claire Armstrong

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Thank you so much ?

Cecilia

Sunday 21st of July 2019

These are so fun, Claire! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

Claire Armstrong

Monday 22nd of July 2019

Thank you ?

Ann

Saturday 20th of July 2019

Great frames - I love how you used the seams! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ's!

Claire Armstrong

Sunday 21st of July 2019

Thank you so much ?

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