7 Ways To Upcycle Old Jeans

You would be surprised by the things you could create simply by upcycling old jeans. For the denim lovers who can’t bear to part with their old pairs of jeans, we have 7 ideas for upcycling your jeans. Sustainable, fashionable, and you won’t have to spend money on more clothes; what could be better? Read on below to learn how to breathe new life into old denim.

1. Denim Lace-Up Skirt

Transform that pair of too tight jeans into a trendy skirt that won’t suffocate you. Cut off the legs, open a seam, add some grommets and lace through them, and voila! Now you have a brand new skirt that’s uniquely yours. Want to give it a bit more oomph? Try ironing on some patches or using different colored lace so it really reflects your personality.

2. Embroidered Denim

Upcycling isn’t just about completely transforming old things into new, but also about refreshing them so they look different instead of just throwing them away. A simple way to update outdated jeans is to lend them some of your personality with cute embroidery. Cover small holes with flower embroidery or make a daring statement with large words, the choice is yours.

3. Denim Accessories

Since hair accessories are having a major moment right now, you can use old pairs of jeans to make some like the denim barrettes below. Snip off old belt loops then attach them to a pair, or a lot, of barrettes. Want some more ideas? Cut strips of your jeans to turn into hair ties or scrunchies. Create denim hair bows and headbands from more strips of denim. The possibilities are endless.

4. Denim Top

Seriously, this denim top looks like it came straight from Guess or something. Just look at it. Maybe you won’t believe me, but this is really made from a pair of jeans. Anything’s possible with a pair of scissors and some imagination. Make a crop top, peplum top, or whatever your heart desires. If you want to make this particular top, however, we have got you covered. You can find the tutorial here!

5. Denim Paper Bag Waist Shorts

For pairs of really baggy pants, you have the option to turn them into paper bag waist shorts. Go from drowning in pools of denim to stylish and chic. Dismember the legs of your jeans then roll them up to create a cuff at the bottom. Cinch the waistline and accessorize with a belt of your choice. These will keep you cool in almost every sense of the word.

6. Denim Mini Backpack

Get really creative with your jeans and make a mini backpack out of them to hold all of your necessities. Use multiple pairs to create a two-toned look or keep it simple by using the same pair all the way around. Make sure to include pieces with pockets or cut pockets off and sew them on the sides and front for extra space to store things. Add some studs, patches, buttons, pearls, and anything else that suits your taste for a personalized look.

7. Denim Fanny Pack

If backpacks aren’t your thing, try making a fanny pack like the one below to keep your stuff handy. You could cut the pocket of a pair of jeans out to make the pouch and sew another piece with the zipper still attached to the top. Distress it if you would like and use another sipper or a sturdy strip of denim to create the strap. Break away from the ordinary with this uncommon accessory. Who knows, you might even start a new trend.

Want to share a different way to upcycle a pair of jeans? Drop your idea in the comments below!

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