Clicky

  • Shop
  • Crafts
  • Home and Garden Ideas
  • Home Decor
  • Holidays and Special Occassions
Ballen Blogger
  • Shop
  • Crafts
  • Home and Garden Ideas
  • Home Decor
  • Holidays and Special Occassions
No Result
View All Result
  • Shop
  • Crafts
  • Home and Garden Ideas
  • Home Decor
  • Holidays and Special Occassions
No Result
View All Result
Ballen's Buys
No Result
View All Result

9 Crafty Ways to Turn Old Jeans Into New Accessories

Lori Ballen by Lori Ballen
November 26, 2024
in Home and Garden Ideas
0
Got a pile of old jeans gathering dust in the back of your closet? It’s time to give them a second life! Denim is durable, versatile, and perfect for crafting. From chic bags to adorable pet accessories, these 9 creative ideas will help you upcycle your old jeans into stylish, functional items you’ll love.

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

Got a pile of old jeans gathering dust in the back of your closet? It’s time to give them a second life! Denim is durable, versatile, and perfect for crafting. From chic bags to adorable pet accessories, these 9 creative ideas will help you upcycle your old jeans into stylish, functional items you’ll love.

Got a pile of old jeans gathering dust in the back of your closet? It’s time to give them a second life! Denim is durable, versatile, and perfect for crafting. From chic bags to adorable pet accessories, these 9 creative ideas will help you upcycle your old jeans into stylish, functional items you’ll love.

1. Denim Tote Bag

Turning old jeans into a tote bag is a classic and practical upcycling project. It’s roomy, sturdy, and perfect for groceries, books, or your daily essentials.

Picture this: A denim tote with the back pocket front and center, holding your keys or phone. The frayed edges add a touch of rustic charm.

How to Make It:

  • Cut the legs off an old pair of jeans and use the bottom section as the base of the bag.
  • Sew the cut edges together, and use the waistband or extra denim strips for straps.
  • Add decorative patches, embroidery, or painted designs to make it unique.

2. Fringed Denim Earrings

Denim earrings are a lightweight and trendy accessory with a boho flair. They’re surprisingly easy to make and add a pop of style to any outfit.

Picture this: Dangling denim triangles with frayed edges, paired with a breezy sundress and sandals.

How to Make It:

  • Cut small shapes (triangles, teardrops, or circles) from the denim.
  • Fray the edges slightly by pulling the threads with tweezers.
  • Attach the denim pieces to earring hooks using small jump rings.

3. Jean Pocket Apron

A denim pocket apron is a fun way to keep your crafting or cooking essentials within easy reach. The pockets are perfect for holding tools, recipes, or even your phone.

Picture this: A denim apron tied neatly at the waist, with a front pocket embroidered with flowers or your initials.

How to Make It:

  • Cut the top section of your jeans, including the waistband and front pockets.
  • Hem the edges and sew on extra fabric ties to secure it around your waist.
  • Decorate with fabric paint, iron-on patches, or embroidery.

4. Pet Bandana

Transforming old denim into a pet bandana is an easy way to spoil your furry friend. It’s durable, washable, and oh-so-cute.

Picture this: Your dog strutting through the park in a stylish denim bandana with a cute paw print design.

How to Make It:

  • Cut a triangle from the denim, large enough to fit comfortably around your pet’s neck.
  • Hem the edges to prevent fraying and add snaps or Velcro for easy fastening.
  • Personalize it with stenciled designs or a stitched name.

5. Denim Cuff Bracelets

Denim bracelets are a chic and easy way to add a touch of upcycled style to your outfit. Customize them with beads, buttons, or embroidery for a unique look.

Picture this: A wide denim cuff bracelet with colorful beads and stitched patterns, adding a cool, casual vibe to your outfit.

How to Make It:

  • Cut a strip of denim long enough to wrap around your wrist.
  • Add snaps or Velcro as a closure.
  • Decorate with embellishments like beads, sequins, or hand-stitched designs.

6. Jean Pouch or Wallet

Turn old jeans into small pouches or wallets to hold your cards, coins, or other small items. These are perfect as gifts or for organizing your bag.

Picture this: A tiny denim pouch with a zipper, ideal for carrying loose change or lipstick.

How to Make It:

  • Cut a small rectangle from the denim and sew the edges together, leaving one side open for a zipper.
  • Attach the zipper and sew it securely.
  • Add a keyring to turn it into a mini wristlet or keychain pouch.

7. Denim Headband

A denim headband is a stylish way to keep your hair in place while adding a touch of rustic charm.

Picture this: A wide denim headband with a knotted top, perfect for pairing with a casual outfit or messy bun.

How to Make It:

  • Cut a long strip of denim and fold it in half lengthwise.
  • Sew the edges together, leaving an opening to turn it right-side out.
  • Add a knot or twist in the center and sew the ends together to form a headband.

8. Jean Patchwork Throw Pillow

Turn denim scraps into a cozy throw pillow with a rustic, patchwork design. This is a great way to use every last bit of your old jeans.

Picture this: A square throw pillow with denim patches in varying shades of blue, adding texture and charm to your couch.

How to Make It:

  • Cut denim into squares or rectangles and arrange them in a patchwork pattern.
  • Sew the pieces together to create the pillow cover.
  • Add a zipper or Velcro closure and stuff it with a pillow insert.

9. Upcycled Denim Belt

A denim belt is a functional and fashionable accessory that’s easy to make.

Picture this: A sturdy denim belt with decorative stitching, adding a casual touch to your favorite pair of jeans or a sundress.

How to Make It:

  • Cut a strip of denim long enough to fit around your waist.
  • Attach a metal buckle or tie the ends into a stylish knot.
  • Decorate with stitching, studs, or painted designs for a custom look.

With these 9 crafty ideas, your old jeans can have a whole new life as stylish, functional accessories. Which one will you try first? Whether it’s a tote bag, a bracelet, or a headband, these projects are perfect for getting creative and making something uniquely yours!

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

Previous Post

8 Timeless Color Schemes for a Vintage Look

Next Post

8 Essential Herbs to Plant in Your Hippie Garden

Related Posts

At a bustling farmers market, a woman with a DIY choose joy tote—adorned with a boho rainbow—shops for fresh flowers, peaches, and baguette amid vibrant stalls and colorful produce, capturing the spirit of positivity and mindful living.
Home and Garden Ideas

How to Paint a Boho Rainbow “Choose Joy” Tote Bag (Step-by-Step DIY)

May 21, 2025

Want to turn a plain canvas tote into something beautiful and personal? Here’s how to paint a hand-lettered boho rainbow...

A refreshing glass of tap water with lemon sits beside a filtration machine, while fresh mint leaves nearby hint at simple ways to enhance everyday hydration.
Kitchen

This is how I made my tap water taste like bottled water

May 16, 2025

I’m picky about water. Always have been. I don’t want it tasting like metal, plastic, or the inside of a...

Here are 7 fun and fabulous color schemes to transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, free-spirited paradise.
Garden

I’m Obsessed with These 15 Vintage Craft Ideas – You Will Be Too!

May 7, 2025

Here are 7 fun and fabulous color schemes to transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, free-spirited paradise.

A sunlit closet exudes calm and joy, featuring neatly folded pastel clothes and towels arranged in baskets and on shelves, while delicate pink accents—like ballet flats and a sweater—add a touch of warmth and personality.
Organization

If Your Closet Doesn’t Spark Joy, Here’s What You Need to Do Right Now

May 7, 2025

Is your closet a chaotic mess? It's time to make it a space you love. From purging unwanted items to...

A pink ottoman with built-in storage serves as a stylish focal point in a cozy bedroom filled with plants, books, and personal decor, enhancing both function and ambiance beneath sunlit sheer curtains.
Home and Garden Ideas

Why I Never Settle for ‘Good Enough’ Storage (And You Shouldn’t Either)

May 7, 2025

Cluttered spaces don’t just make your home look chaotic—they drain you. They mess with your mental clarity, and let’s be...

A vintage jewelry box surrounded by pearls, butterfly brooches, and timeless treasures atop a weathered blue dresser embodies the cozy elegance of grandmacore style, all bathed in gentle natural light.
Home and Garden Ideas

This Vintage Style is Taking Over: How to Do Grandmacore Right

May 7, 2025

If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed the resurgence of a cozy, nostalgic, and totally...

Next Post
8 Essential Herbs to Plant in Your Hippie Garden

8 Essential Herbs to Plant in Your Hippie Garden

No Result
View All Result

Lori Ballen

A cheerful woman enjoys a sunny day outdoors in her suburban neighborhood, radiating warmth and relaxation.

Hi! I’m Lori Ballen. I’m a midlife creator who finds joy in home projects, cozy spaces, effortless style, and simple-but-delicious recipes. I started this lifestyle blog as my personal outlet—a place to create, explore, and share what I’m loving right now.

I live in Las Vegas and travel often, especially on solo adventures and cruises that feed my love for freedom and discovery. When I’m not writing or filming, I’m probably hanging out at home with my two adopted cats—one spunky and playful, the other a total lap lover. They’re constant companions in my quiet, creative life.

This blog is a reflection of that life—equal parts fun, functional, and full of soul. Whether you’re looking for a new DIY idea, a comfy outfit, or a quick dinner recipe, I hope you find inspiration here to create a home and lifestyle you love.

Product categories

  • Cleaning
  • Fashion
  • Kitty Corner
  • Makeup
  • Product
  • Skincare

Recent Posts

  • Laundry Pods That Smell Rich, Cat Toys That Save My Furniture, and 15 Other Favorites
  • Why My Cats Are Obsessed With the FluffyDream Cat Scratcher Lounge Bed
  • Laura Geller Blush Serum Review
  • 21 Cozy DIY Wood Slice Crafts That Bring Instant Rustic Vibes
  • Backyard Party Ideas That Don’t Feel Like a Kid’s Birthday
  • Boho Bridal Shower Ideas That Feel Stylish, Not Tacky
  • Design Your Own Quilted Pot Holders
  • How to Make a DIY Junk Journal (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

RSS Product Reviews

  • Guest Room to Gym: Reclaim Your Space & Body!
  • How I built a home gym I’ll actually use at 53!
  • Showing you my favorite beach pants in every color. #summerfashion #ootd #midsizefashion
  • Shopping Haul Mystery Revealed: 17 favorite Items for the week
  • I can’t believe the current price on these patio dishes.
  • This pool raft will keep you dry while you float
  • Laura Geller SPF 50 Foundation Serum
  • What I Actually Buy as an Empty Nester (Grocery Haul + Real Talk)
  • I Built a CATIO and My Cats Are Obsessed
  • Cat Goes Wild Over This Crazy Toy!
  • About Us
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
Author: Lori Ballen

© 2023 Ballen Publishing

No Result
View All Result
  • Shop
  • Crafts
  • Home and Garden Ideas
  • Home Decor
  • Holidays and Special Occassions

© 2023 Ballen Publishing