Upcycle jeans / reuse old jeans

Dear users, dear authors,
Do you have any ideas for upcycling or reusing old jeans?

Oh yes, I’ve got quite a few, such as my walker bag made from an old pair of jeans, plus shoppers and handbags, as well as small cosmetic bags, embroidered and plain.

Hi Akela,
that’s quite an impressive collection of upcycled jeans. It’s such a nice, sturdy fabric that’s perfect for a second life. Thanks for sharing.
Best regards, Ina

As shown above, denim works great for bags or bag bottoms—and, of course, for various dog accessories and toys.

Thanks, Schnuckelina! Here are some makeup bags made from jeans and a fanny pack.

I’ve already used old jeans to sew patchwork pillows, overalls for kids, and a kids’ backpack.
The list keeps growing—I have more than enough old jeans......

When I look at all your amazing creations, I get jealous. 
Why can’t I just figure out how to use this stupid sewing machine? 
I crochet, knit, and craft all sorts of things... but sewing is something I’m wary of... 
And yet I have quite a few pairs of jeans lying around right now that no longer 
fit and hopefully never will fit again 😇
 

I think all your ideas are absolutely great—it might just inspire me to use my sewing machine for creative projects again. I do have a few old pairs of jeans lying around... but first I have to sew some curtains for my little girl. Maybe once that’s done :)

I recently sewed myself a large tote bag. I’m really happy with it. 




And I’ve also made hearts out of jeans

The jeans pocket bag looks great—I really like it.

I also sewed the “Schnabelina” from jeans; it’s the small version and holds a surprising amount, too.

You guys really have a lot to say on this topic. I think that’s great.

Personally, I find it really exciting and appealing to sew something different using fabric that has already been used before (jeans), especially since denim is very sturdy and old trousers often still have
pieces of fabric that are in very good condition 😉.
By now I have a lot of denim fabrics in different colors, thicknesses, qualities, etc. Perfect for patchwork... I just don’t have the time... 😁

I sewed a quilt out of old clothes (not jeans, though)—following the old-fashioned style—and it’s my summer blanket because it’s light and airy.

I’m also a fan of “turning old into new.”

Here, an old duvet cover is turned into a chair cushion



And here are a few more little things made from old jeans







And this cushion used to be one of my son’s old sweaters; the flower is made from jeans

This topic is pretty timely right now, so I’d love to join in.

I’m still getting used to my fairly new sewing machine, and yesterday I finished these pillowcases—all that’s missing is a piece of fabric to use as a belt. I’ve been collecting ideas for upcycling jeans (and jeans to put those ideas into practice...) for quite some time, but my old machine would never have had enough power for it. The new one handled it with ease.

These are all great suggestions.