FT NEWS

There’s something comforting about slipping on a good pair of denim jeans. We wear them until they are worn out and sometimes buy them to look already worn-in. It pains to throw away old jeans, which is why a lot of us stash of holey, worn-out pairs stored in the back of my closet. It also feels wrong because the rest of the jeans are still intact, except for those darn holes. The obsession we have with blue and black jeans means we may accumulate a pile of sturdy jean fabric to make these denim upcycling ideas.

Denim is such a tough, resistant fabric that it’s great for repurposing. Here are some interesting ideas to give a new life to those old jeans. From DIY home goods to refashioned accessories there are enough denim upcycling ideas to clear the thrift store shelves of jeans. Apart from cutting your old pair of jeans into summer shorts or hot pants, there are multiple products that can be created using used jeans. We will be talking about some easy DIY concepts. Easy to work on and require basic materials lying at home. Let's bring out our creative side!

DIY jeans bags: If you’ve never made a DIY jeans bag, you should. An old pair of jeans is good enough, and every part can be utilised to make a cool and trendy bag. Various kinds of bags, like a backpack and sling bag can be made out of jeans.

Denim tote: Turning an old pair of jeans into a tote bag is a great upcycle project. This is another way to take advantage of the durability of denim and would make a great tote bag. Washed effects and minor ripping of a used denim’ will add character and a worn out look. Self fabric denim patches can be used to cover the bigger worn out sections or holes if any. Good for daily use and a trendy product for style-conscious.

Easy denim pouch: Have leftover denim scraps from your other upcycling projects? Use them up by making denim pouches of different kinds in various shapes and sizes. Good for holding coins, works well as a pencil or pen pouch. Easy to make and looks super cool. Use your creativity to decorate it.

Denim clutch purse with outer patch pocket: These clutch or coin purses from old jeans are the cutest. Make this upcycled denim purse from your old jean legs. Best to use the right leg with a little pre-built coin pocket. Make them with a fun contrasting print as the inner lining too.

Upcycled denim stuffed animal pattern: Turn your old jeans into a durable stuffed toy animal. Use both the faces of your jeans and give light and dark shade patterns to your creativity. You can craft various beautiful soft toys like Panda, Rhino, Elephant or a Whale. Stuffing can be done with leftover bits of the jeans, cotton or polyester balls.

Wall organizer: This is a great way to use up jeans pockets while creating some vertical organizer. Front and back pocket panels from various shades of blues and black jeans can be cut apart and joined together in a creative way to create multiple pockets on a flat surface. The organizer is good for holding various household items, including small pocketbooks and diaries to bills/receipts, coins, pins and different kinds of stationery items.

Denim doormats: There are denim upcycling ideas from floor to ceiling. Turn a stack of jeans into a rug. Fine strips of denim fabric can be cut from the old pair of jeans and woven together in a criss-cross pattern. Any shade will do, but best if the same family is used, like all shades of blue woven together. Cotton-rich denim fabric acts as a good absorbent and serves the purpose well. We’ve lived in these, and now it's time to kiss your beloved jeans goodbye. Consider a few creative options to give your beloved jeans a new life by turning them into a trendy fashion accessory or a cool utility product at home.