What to Do With Old Jeans: 10 Upcycling Ideas
We’ve all got an old pair of jeans. Maybe they’re a little too worn, torn in all the wrong places, or just don’t fit like they used to. Before you think about sending them to the trash (or the deep, dark corners of your closet), consider this: denim is a timeless classic with serious potential.
From cowboys to catwalks, jeans have earned their place as a fashion staple. Your old jeans deserve a second life.
Whether you’re trying to live more sustainably, stay true to your budget, or just have a love for a good DIY challenge, here are 10 ideas for upcycling jeans—no fashion degree required.
1. Create a Denim Tote or Purse
Your old jeans are halfway to being a tote already. The sturdy fabric? Perfect for carrying books, keys, and your emotional support water bottle. The back pockets? Instant built-in compartments for cash or chapstick. The worn wash? Immediate cool factor.
Here’s what to do with old denim jeans:
Cut off both legs.
Sew the bottom of the remaining fabric.
Use the leg fabric to create shoulder straps or handles. You can braid or layer the fabric for extra support.
Get creative and rummage through your craft drawer for lace, patches, or fabric paint that can add more personality to your new everyday bag.
A denim tote isn’t just functional—it’s fashionable, eco-friendly, and unique, whether you’re hitting the farmers market, perusing the library, or thrifting.
2. Cut Jeans Into Stylish Shorts
Few jean upcycling ideas are as iconic as jeans-turned-shorts. A lot can happen to your favorite jeans—a bleach stain on the knee, frayed hems, an unfortunate turn in the dryer that made them too short, and uncomfortably grazing your ankles.
But if you repurpose jeans, they still fit perfectly around the hips—and that cannot be taken for granted.
To repurpose jeans, here are some easy steps:
Try the jeans on.
Mark where you want the shorts to hit with a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk.
Remove the jeans and find a sharp pair of scissors.
Cut about an inch before the line you drew.
Keep the shorts as is for a frayed look. To achieve a cleaner finish, fold and sew a hem.
Add patches, embroidery, or bleached artwork for personality.
Pro tip: Vintage high-waisted jeans make perfect cutoffs. If you don’t have a pair in your stash, keep an eye out next time you’re thrifting or shopping used clothes online.
3. Craft a Handy Organizer
Wondering what to do with old denim jeans with a unique wash, pattern, or embroidery that you’re just not reaching for anymore? Upcycle denim into a wall or desk organizer to store the random bits and bobs that always seem to be lying around your house:
Phone chargers
Pens
Sunglasses
Receipts
Remotes
Jewelry
To do this, cut the back panels out (the ones that have the back pockets attached.) Connect the two panels with pins—either side by side or one on top of the other, depending on your desired look. Sew the panels together. To make the organizer more sturdy, layer additional layers of fabric or denim under the pockets. And, if you want more pockets, you can cut and sew more from the leg fabric left over. They can also be a great organizer if you don’t know what to do with old jewelry.
For a functional and cute addition to your home, you can hang it on the wall, tack it to a bulletin board, attach it to a hanger, or mount it inside a cabinet door.
4. Sew Denim Patches Onto Clothing
Ripped knees are trendy, until they’re not. And if you’ve got a pile of jeans that are more holes than fabric, it might be time to turn the scraps into a denim patch. Beyond mending, it’s the perfect way to rescue your favorite jeans, jacket, or backpack:
Cut the good parts of your old jeans into fun shapes, like hearts, stars, flowers, or even classic rectangles.
Sew or glue the patches to a torn item you need patched.
However, denim patches don’t always have to be part of a rescue mission. They can also stylishly adorn skirts, cargo pants, t-shirts, or even other denim to create a textured, DIY, chic look.
5. Turn Denim Into Coasters
This one’s for the cozy-core, coffee-loving crowd—or if you’ve ever cringed while watching someone plop a sweating drink onto your vintage wooden dining table. For a basic coaster:
Cut your denim into four-inch-wide squares or circles.
Layer for thickness as needed, or add a piece of corkboard to the bottom.
Sew the pieces of fabric together, or use fabric glue to fasten the pieces
For added embellishments, cut the legs of your jeans into long, thin strips. Grab three and begin braiding them together. Once the braid is done, coil the braid into a circle. Using fabric glue or thread, fasten every layer of the coil together for a spiraled countertop accessory. This is an excellent way to recycle denim scraps while adding rustic charm to your table.
6. Transform Jeans Into an Apron
If you’re a messy cook, a pain-splatter artist, or someone who just likes to garden in style, a denim apron might be calling your name. Denim’s tough, washable, and stylish without trying too hard.
In other words, it’s the ideal apron material.
To repurpose old jeans, cut the shape of a traditional apron from the legs and back panel of your jeans (the back panel will lie along your chest, and the legs will stretch downward). The jeans' back pockets will make great storage spots for tools, brushes, or even mid-cooking snacks.
You can then use the remaining scraps to make ties, or add a textured look with colorful lace, red fabric, or shoestring. From there, you can further customize it however you like to match your vibe. Embroider your name, add iron-on patches, dye it with bleach or paint—the choices are endless.
7. Make a Denim Headband
Scrunchies are cute. Bandanas are cool. But denim headbands? That’s a whole new level of sustainability and style.
You can go simple with just a strip of denim tied at the back or sewn into a circle or level up with an elastic section for a snug fit. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, make a braided version or add a bow for flair. Denim's texture adds a touch of edge to any outfit, and its versatility is a chef’s kiss.
The best part? You don’t need a ton of fabric. Even scraps from another upcycle project will do. It’s a perfect way to use those smaller leftover pieces and still make something adorably functional.
8. Craft a Denim Bookmark
If you’ve got tiny scraps leftover, don’t toss them—turn them into denim bookmarks.
Cut a long rectangle from your leftover fabric and finish the edges with glue, stitches, or a fabric border (to prevent fraying). Add a bit of flair with embroidery, paint, or a thrifted button or pendant at the top—if you have old jewelry that needs a second life. For added sturdiness, slip a piece of cardboard inside before closing the edges.
It’s simple, cute, and giftable.
9. Make a Denim Rug
Don’t worry—there’s no sewing machine required here (unless you want to flex your sewing muscles). And if you’ve already made a denim coaster, you’ve already got the technique down.
Start by cutting your old jeans into long, thin strips. Then, braid the strips together tightly, adding new pieces as you go. Once you’ve got a few long braids, coil them into a spiral shape, hot gluing or sewing the edges together as you build out the rug.
The result? A soft, sturdy mat perfect for your bathroom, kitchen, or bedside. Plus, it’s washable.
10. Stitch a Denim Throw Pillow
Denim throw pillows bring texture, personality, and a little rugged charm to your space. Plus, they’re a great way to use larger chunks of fabric from jeans that are too worn to wear and too good to waste.
You’ll want to:
Cut two equally sized squares or rectangles from the legs or back panels of your jeans. (You can choose to keep the back pockets or remove them.)
Inside out, sew the edges together, leaving a small opening.
Using the opening, flip it right side out.
Stuff the fabric with pillow filling or old fabric scraps.
Close the seam with thread or fabric glue.
It’s cute, it’s custom, and it’s an eco-friendly statement piece that doesn’t try too hard. For a vintage vibe, mix different denim washes or consider adding iron-on patches.
Discover Upcycling Inspiration at ShopGoodwill.com
Feeling inspired to repurpose denim jeans? Whether you snip them into shorts, stitch them into bags, or turn scraps into a cutesy headband, every upcycle project is a small win for the planet and an even bigger win for your personal style.
If your denim stash is low or you’re hunting for the perfect pair to transform, check out ShopGoodwill.com. From vintage Levi’s to distressed Carhartt denim, ShopGoodwill.com’s online thrift store is a treasure chest just waiting to be explored.
Plus, every purchase you make supports ShopGoodwill’s mission of helping people overcome challenges in building skills, finding jobs, and growing their careers through the power of work.
Sources:
Instructables. No-Sew 10 Minute T-Shirt Tote. https://www.instructables.com/No-Sew-10-Minute-T-Shirt-Tote/
Upcycle My Stuff. How to Make a Bedside Pocket Organizer from Old Jeans. https://upcyclemystuff.com/how-to-make-a-bedside-pocket-organizer-from-old-jeans/