Recycled Jeans Crafts

I am looking for ideas for using old jeans, something besides using them for quilts and pot holders. Thanks.

By June A from Chilhowee, MO

Answers:

Recycled Jeans Crafts

Purses are very cute and also removing the pocket with the back on, I use these in my Sunday school class. I use puff paint writing on it and tack it to the wall with markers or post it notes in it. Very cute! (02/14/2010)

By Brenda

Recycled Jeans Crafts

I made really nice work aprons with a pocket band across the bottom. I can stuff a lot of "stuff" in them. I am going to make backpacks to give our local school for homeless and disadvantaged children. You can get a pattern online. You can also make shopping bags.

Pat (02/14/2010)

By Pat

Recycled Jeans Crafts

You can also use them to make strong dog plushies or even for ruff kids! The back pockets make cute little bags for little girls with the addition of some beads or even rhinestones. (02/14/2010)

By Reine

Recycled Jeans Crafts

I have seen rag rugs made of denim. They are adorable and last forever. I have no idea how to make them, but am sure someone here could get you a pattern. (02/15/2010)

By paula

Recycled Jeans Crafts

I make jeans purses and sell them. I get used jeans at the thrift store for a couple of dollars. Get a women's size 8 or 10 unless you want a huge bag. When I get them home the first thing I do is lay them flat and cut the legs off right at the crotch. I cut the french seams off to use as handles (some people prefer I make a standard handle).

Turn the jean top wrong side out. If you want to use a fringe across the bottom baste it between the layers, then sew across the bottom. I line my purses by freehand drawing on my lining fabric leaving enough to turn over at the top. Next I sew the handles on, then the lining. You may have to do a little adjusting to make the lining lay smoothly, but it looks really nice. The last thing I do is make a scarf to go through the belt loops and tie in front. You could even use rope. I hope this has been of help to you.

I tried to upload a picture, but don't know how. I could email it to you if you like.

Judy in Alabama (02/15/2010)

By Judy

Recycled Jeans Crafts

I made seat covers for several of our cars. Just sew together enough pieces to cover the top with about 4 - 6" plus hem for all the sides. Thread a piece of heavy string in the hem. Easier if you round the corners. Put the piece on the seat, tuck around sides and back, draw up string tight, tie in large bow, tuck in excess string. Later it will be possible to get string untied again more easily than if you had tied a knot. (02/20/2010)

By DeBushe

Recycled Jeans Crafts

Make grocery shopping bags. Use a paper bag for a pattern and add handles. Or use one of the reusable bags that the stores are all selling for about a dollar for a pattern. If you need a stiffener for the bottom, cut a piece from the side of a large bleach bottle. (02/20/2010)

By DeBushe

Recycled Jeans Crafts

One year I made vests for all the guys in my family. Cut strips about 2-3" wide and sew together end to end with light and dark contrasting. Sew strips together side by side so it looks like a brick wall then cut out the vest pattern from this "fabric." Cut a lightweight lining. Bind armholes and other edges. Or you could just sew the strips on to the lining then bind. You can also place the strips on the diagonal. I get jeans from the dumpster nearby or you can ask your friends for donations. (02/20/2010)

By DeBushe