The little ones grow up so fast; you probably have loads of jeans that they’ve outgrown just lying around. Or that denim you loved so much is no longer great.

Afterall, keeping up with trending styles means that you’ll have a lot of leftover material.

Think of it as having a free stash of craft supplies on hand. I mean who doesn’t like free?!

Well, let’s help you put your love of craft and recycling together. I’ve compiled twenty functional denim craft recycling projects for you. Let’s roll.

No time to read the post? Pin it to your craft ideas board on Pinterest.

What can you make out of denim? – 20 denim upcycling projects

Don’t Toss Out Your Old Jeans! 20 Denim Crafts to Try Instead

1. Pretty Picnic Blanket

Turn your old jeans into a one of a kind pretty picnic blanket for your summer outings.

2. Mason Jar Covers and Napkin Rings

Upcycle your jeans into mason jar covers and napkin rings. Fabulous and functional in one go!

recycled-jeans-mason-jar-and-napkin-rings

3. Denim Baby Shoes

Cute baby shoes that will make your heart melt. Make them from your old jeans- here’s how.

4. Party Decorations

Looking for stylish party decor ideas? Check out these awesome denim ideas. Your party will look legendary for less.

5. Denim Feathers

Feather decor gives a traditional authentic look that makes your house appear and feel homely. How do you make denim feathers? Use your old jeans to create that authentic feathery look in this tutorial.

6. Beautiful Basket

Transform an ordinary basket into an expensive-looking work of art with nothing but your old jeans. It’s a cost-effective way of glamming up your home accessories.

7. Luggage Tags

Don’t throw away those little pieces of denim leftover from your other upcycling projects. Try out this luggage tags design idea instead.

8. Play Crown for Kids

Crafting is always a great learning tool for kids. Work on this dress-up play crown together using old jeans. Your kids will love being the kings and queens of denim.

9. Stuffed Owl Toys

Get to work on some denim stuffed owls for your kids—perfect and unique gift idea. You can make lots of them and use them as party favors for your kids’ birthday party.

10. Pocket Organizer

Here’s a pocket organizer idea using your old jean pockets—a brilliant plan for the school locker or for packing up stationery at home.

11. Oven Mitts

Denim looks good with everything, including in the kitchen. Make fantastic, cool oven mitts with denim.

12. Recycled Jeans Quilt

Are you looking for a unique gift for mom or grandma? Try this denim quilt. Perfect for covering the legs on a fall day.

13. Pencil Holder

Upcycle old cans and turn them into attractive pencil holders. Great for keeping crayons, pens, and art supplies in one place.

14. Denim Wall Art

For Valentine’s day or to glam up your walls, turn to this all you need is love denim wall art project.

15. Handmade Flower Craft

This unique handmade flower craft project makes a stunning theme for party decorations. You can use it as wall art too.

16. Key Fob

Are you tired of losing your keys all the time? Make your old jeans useful with this denim key fob so you can hang them up.

17. Crochet Denim Trivets

Learn how to crotchet with denim. You’ll love getting the hang of the crochet with a thick material that’s easy to use. If you’re really into crochet, check out my other post for 20 crochet basics for beginners.

18. Bible Cover

Use your jeans wisely and turn them into a beautiful but cool bible cover.

19. Rustic Flower Bouquet

Create a rustic denim flower bouquet for your home or church decor. Works perfectly with your denim bible cover- can I get an Amen!

20. Games for Kids

You kids will love making games out of their old jeans. Best for bonding time, plus fine motor skill development.

So there you have it, twenty denim craft projects to recycle your old jeans. Great for the environment and lots of fun family times!

Bonus Jean Projects

21. Upcycled Denim Sachet Pillows

Transform old jeans into these chic and functional sachet pillows. Perfect for adding a rustic touch to your home or giving as handmade gifts, these pillows can be customized with fabric scraps, lace, and buttons. They’re simple to make and a great way to use up leftover denim pieces.

Stack of upcycled denim sachet pillows in varying shades of blue, decorated with lace, patterned fabric, and wooden buttons, tied with twine for a rustic, handmade look, displayed on a wooden surface.

Supplies Needed:

Old denim jeans
Fabric scraps (cotton, lace, or patterned fabric)
Buttons (wooden or decorative)
Twine or thin cord
Scissors
Sewing needle and thread or a sewing machine
Dried lavender, rice, or potpourri (for filling)
Ruler or measuring tape
Pins or fabric clips

Instructions:

Cut the Denim:
Cut two identical square or rectangular pieces of denim from your old jeans. The size depends on how large you want your sachets to be.
Prepare the Accents:
Cut small rectangles or strips of fabric scraps and lace to decorate one side of the sachet. Arrange them on one piece of denim and pin them in place.
Sew the Accents:
Sew the fabric scraps and lace onto one piece of denim using a sewing machine or by hand.
Assemble the Pillow:
Place the two denim pieces together with the right sides facing in. Sew around three sides, leaving one side open.
Fill the Pillow:
Turn the sewn piece right-side out. Fill it with dried lavender, rice, or potpourri. Be careful not to overfill; leave enough space to close the opening neatly.
Close the Pillow:
Fold the edges of the open side inward and sew it shut. Use small, neat stitches for a clean finish.
Add Decorative Elements:
Wrap a piece of twine or cord around the middle of the pillow and tie it into a bow. Sew a button over the bow for an extra decorative touch.

These upcycled denim sachet pillows are not only functional but also visually appealing. You can make them in various sizes and styles to suit different spaces in your home or to give as thoughtful handmade gifts.

If you like these ideas and want to save them for later, click the link to pin this post to your favorite craft ideas board.