Who doesn’t have an old pair of jeans sitting in their closet? They’re a huge part of many people’s wardrobes.
However, if you’ve been holding onto a pair or two of old blue jeans that don’t fit anymore, have gone out of style, or are a bit worn out, then maybe it’s time to do something new with them and give them a second life!
Luckily there is a great idea for upcycling each pair of old denim jeans you have. The only problem? Many suggestions for upcycling old jeans involve sewing.
But what if you don’t sew?
Luckily, we’ve rounded up these ‘what to do with old jeans no-sew projects’ including everything from planters for the green thumbs to tote bags – all with no sewing required!
Grab a pair of old jeans, a glue gun and some scissors, give your sewing machine a break, and try out a new project.
If you’re looking for more jean upcycling ideas (that do require sewing, check out these ideas for reusing your old jeans.
The following list is full of great no-sew projects to repurpose old jeans. Before you get started, we have some tips on how to cut up your old denim (the post includes a video tutorial) – so visit that post if you aren’t sure.
Now – jump into these upcycled denim crafts and have fun!
What To Do With Old Jeans No-Sew
The following list is full of great no-sew projects to repurpose a pair of blue jeans.
Denim is a very sturdy fabric and you can use every little bit – belt loops, back pockets, hems, and seams! You can use your leftover denim to make all sorts of things!
This fun hoop art recycles old jeans and doesn't require any embroidery!
Make an easy no sew denim dog toy out of your old jeans!
Turn an old pair of jeans into an upcycled journal using this tutorial. There's even a spot for all your pens!
This blue jean planter will definitely be a conversation starter!
For even more great upcycled planter ideas head here.
These DIY elastic book bands are a fun no-sew craft to make at home. It’s pretty simple as far as crafts go, all you need to do is cut out the pieces and then glue them together.
Find yourself an old mirror frame, save up your jeans and you are ready to go.
Use strips of denim to give new life to bowls.
This little rag rug is pretty sturdy and makes the perfect bedside mat or even a colourful indoor door mat.
We love it so much we featured it previously in our post all about how to make rag rugs of every sort!
Give your front door a little upcycled facelift with this denim wreath. If you have a lot of denim scrap fabric around, this is a great project for that.
Upcycling jean seams and hems to make denim coasters!
Five minutes, an old pair of jeans, an old t-shirt, and a pair of scissors and you'll be well on your way to a play session with your pup!
Learn how to turn bib overalls into a bag with this simple no-sew tip!
To make this planter unique and to show off the different shades of indigo in denim, use just the seams and hems of jeans for this upcycle.
Recycle old jeans to make durable no-sew denim dog toys!
This beautiful and unique necklace is made out of old denim. We're certain this would look great with some amazing denim bracelets.
For more upcycled jewellery ideas have a look at this fun post.
This idea for an upcycled box rope basket turns out a super cute denim organizer! You can make it in different sizes too.
On an organizing kick? . Check out our bumper list of 55 Upcycled Storage & Organizing Ideas.
This fun project can use old jeans to add length to a skirt if it gets outgrown or just needs a new look.
These easy and super cute baskets work well as pen holders or any other little things you need help organizing.
Combine rustic charm and a little glitz and glamor to make some upcycled wind chimes.
This quick and easy project is perfect for outdoor events, picnics, and more. Grab a pair of jeans and get started on this fun idea today.
Denim takes a lot of resources to create initially so upcycling and repurposing jeans are very environmentally responsible. On top of that, denim is an incredibly durable and strong fabric and there are so many things you can do with it.
Here are a few more ideas of what to do with old jeans, no-sew required (although some of these will be easier if you do sew a bit!:
- Craft apron
- Cute bookmark
- Denim pillow
- Denim wine bags
- Denim rag rug
Hopefully, these no-sew denim projects have given you some inspiration on what to do with your old jeans.
Don’t immediately throw out those old pairs of jeans the minute they don’t fit or they get a hole in them. There are a number of amazing ways to upcycle and repurpose old blue jeans into something fun for your home, for your pets, a denim rug, or even as a great handmade gift.
If you’re on the hunt for more denim crafts and DIY projects and you love to upcycle and repurpose items, check out how to upcycle stretch denim (finally something to do with those skinny jeans!) or this DIY denim quilt from old jeans or this denim quilt made improv style – perfect for beginners!
Here are also some fun denim bags you can make from your old jeans:
If you want to breath new life into your favorite pair of jeans and wear them again check out this list of books about upcycling that includes some fab books on mending old clothes – including jeans!
For even more recycled craft ideas go here: Recyced Crafts & Gifts
Want to start from scratch and find out about what upcycling is and what you can upcycle? Head here.
