There are so many ways to repurpose, recycle and upcycle old jeans and denim for the home. The only problem is that sometimes old denim can be a real pain to sew. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of what to do with old jeans no-sew projects.
It’s not the normal denim fabric that is hard to sew. It is the thick bits on a pair of jeans. Bits like the seams, waistbands, pockets, hems and belt loops can be difficult to stitch. Unless of course, you happen to have a heavy-duty sewing machine to hand.
Often these thick trims on a pair of jeans are the most interesting parts. They are what give upcycled denim projects that extra bit of character. No-sew upcycled jeans projects that use glue instead are great for these utilizing these bits.
Good fabric glue or a contact adhesive like Gorilla Glue Clear is great to use with no-sew jeans projects. Most of these glues are waterproof and washable (especially the Gorilla Clear Contact adhesive).
However, as nearly all of the old jeans no-sew projects I do are for home decoration crafts, I haven’t had to wash them yet. Well, nothing more than a gentle wipe down, so I haven’t been able to truly test how the glues hold out under those conditions.
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What To Do With Old Jeans No-Sew
The following list is a selection of ideas of what to do with old jeans no-sew. That is instead of a sewing machine or needle and thread, glue is used with these denim upcycles.
Denim Feather Wall Hanging
These gorgeous denim feathers are so simple to make and require no sewing. You can hang them in a wall hanging, in a frame or use them adorn bags and cushions.
Denim Storage Boxes
Transform some old cardboard boxes into fun storage with these stenciled no-sew denim boxes.
Denim Photo Frame
How to make fun and unique denim photo frames from your old jeans. There are not one but two different ways to make an upcycled denim frame for your favourite pictures.
Make A Denim Waistband No-Sew Rug
A simple way to make a no-sew rug for the home using the waistbands of old jean. This is a great example of what to do with old jeans no-sew idea, as waistbands can be difficult to sew.
Hanging Denim Mason Jar Vase
Upcycled denim wall hanging mason jar vases. A simple and cheap craft and a great way to display faux flowers. Also, note no mason jars were harmed in the making of this no-sew denim craft.
DIY Upcycled Denim Placemats
These gorgeous colourful denim and sweater fabric placemats are made without sewing. These can be made just with denim but I loved the colour the old sweaters added. They look great on the dining room table and make good heat mats too.
Upcycled Denim Eggs
This is a fun and simple no-sew denim craft for your Easter table decorations.
Easy No Sew Denim Suitcase Tutorial
A great way to use up the scraps of denim from other upcycle projects. The chequered board effect really shows off all the different shades of indigo you get from old jeans.
How To Make A Denim Wreath With Felt Roses
Another no-sew denim upcycle that also uses repurposed old sweaters to add a splash of colour. This would look great on any door.
Easy To Make Unique Denim DIY Christmas Tree
Who says denim isn't for Christmas. These no-sew jeans seams trees look cool on the Christmas mantle.
How To Make a Unique Table Lamp With A Denim Lampshade
This denim lampshade can sit on a lamp base or be hung from the ceiling. It is another great no-sew jeans project which just uses seams.
How To Make Tassels From Repurposed Denim
Tassels are very popular with home decor at the moment. These denim ones are very easy to make from old scraps of jeans fabric. You can make them in a variety of sizes.
Make Planters Out Of Old Jeans
Gorgeous upcycled planters for your home from tin cans and old jeans. These planters are very popular and so simple to make.
Simple To Make Jeans Handmade Advent Calendar
This is a great example of what to make with old jeans that is no-sew. The denim pockets are actually glued to the backing fabric to make this fabulously unique advent calendar.
Learn How To Make Simple Gorgeous Rustic Stars
The denim stars on this rustic star hanging are a no-sew scrap jeans craft. A lovely decoration for Christmas or the 4th of July.
How To Make Indoor Recycled Hanging Planters
This Boho denim plant hanger is made from simply cutting the fabric in a certain pattern, no-sewing involved.
How to Make Delightful Denim Hearts
This denim heart wreath is made in a similar way to the rustic stars. Again it is a great project for using up jeans scraps from other upcycles.
How To Make An Upcycled Scandi Woven Hearts Garland
Even though there was a small amount of stitching in with this fun denim project that can so easily be replaced with fabric glue. Using glue instead of stitches for a no-sew denim project would not change the look at all.
How To Make Denim Flowers
These gorgeous upcycled denim flowers are made from scraps of fabric from old jeans. You can create a lovely bouquet of denim roses by using jeans of different shades of indigo. Single denim flowers can also be made into gorgeous napkin rings. This is a no-sew denim upcycle.
How To Make Hanging Pockets From Old Jeans
A great use for the pockets on the back of a pair of jeans and very handy too.
Nifty Denim DIY Storage Ottoman Crate an Ikea Hack
This handy upcycled rolling storage ottoman has an upholstered denim lid. The lid is made using a staple and glue gun, no sewing involved at all.
When your old jeans wear out instead of chucking them out, upcycle and repurpose them into something fun for your home.
Upcycling and repurposing old jeans is not only environmentally sound but denim is a great material to work with. It is strong and hardwearing and comes in lovely shades of indigo.
Also when you use an old favourite pair of jeans it can personalize a project. For example with the no-sew denim pocket advent calendar I put up every year, the family actually recognize some of there old jeans pockets.
Hopefully, you have found some inspiration for what to do with your old jeans that are no-sew. If you are still looking for more denim DIY’s and crafts for the home, I have a great upcycled denim Pinterest board here that you can follow.
If you love to upcycle you might want to check out these other posts.
Michelle Leslie
I bet you could do at least three big round-ups of denim projects just using your tutorials Claire. Love this no-sew one. Denims aren’t the easiest thing in the world to try and sew and I’m guessing thrift stores are going to be running out of second-hand denims real soon after everyone sees what they can do with them 😉
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. With 3 boys I just seem to have an endless supply of old denim to craft with.