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Recycle those Old Jeans

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Repurpose Your Old Jeans

Can old jeans be recycled? Sure they can. What do you do with your old jeans? You know the ones that do not fit anymore. The pair of jeans that have a hole in the knee. How about that pair that started pulling apart at the back pockets? They are not nice enough to donate to Goodwill or other charitable organizations that take old clothing. You just hate to throw them in the trash. I have pairs of jeans that seem like comfortable old friends and I would just hate to toss them.

Here are some unique things that you can do with your old jeans that I have found across the internet.

Image Credit: Pixabay

How To Video
Rag Quilt Made From Old Jeans
Someone Else Recycled The Old Jeans...

One way to recycle

This idea has been around for a while but it is still pretty popular. Use your imagination for embellishments to make it a part of your personality.

Bottom fringe from the legs of the same pair of jeans would work. Adding a ruffle from a shirt or blouse that was ready for the rag bag also works.

Add some bling, if that is your style with studs, beads, baubles, or buttons.

Here is a nice place to visit to see how to make a purse from your blue jeans. Patterns That Fit You has instructions along with the picture above of samples of what you can do.

Make draft stoppers for your doors. Sew one end of leg, fill with pillow stuffing, old rags, or beans and sew the other end.

Gadget Caddy from Jeans Pockets

A nice way to repurpose old jeans.

I found this idea and it is really pretty clever! A little caddy to carry your cell phone, mini video recorder, or whatever you tech item you prefer.

This was an entry in a Sew Useful Contest at Instructables.com. Instructions are given on this page if you think you would like to try to make this for yourself or friends.

You really crafty folks might be able to make up several examples and sell them on line.

Sew several back pockets from jeans to a large piece of fabric and hang on a wall for an organizer.

Crafty or Not

With these ideas will you look at your old jeans differently now?

Yes, I'm pretty crafty and I'm going to make some of these ideas.

Gerald_McConway says:

I won't be doing any of these, but I know some people that will love this information. Our jeans can live forever!

CherrrieB says:

I made a jean quilt several years ago that I took for picnics and places where we needed a cover to sit on. It is heavy so makes a great additional winter quilt for the bed without having to purchase batting. I plan to do this sometime and stitch designs on the bluejean part like I used to do to old beat up jeans. Even tears got filled in with other color blue jean material and then whimsy stitch the edges and add grapevines and flowers in blue flosses. Later I added colored flosses to a pair but I liked the all blue look for awhile. Some now will have memories stitched on them with some decorative shape patches like scrappers do.. You inspired me to work more on this quilt project.

TWOnline2 says:

cool. i used to make skirts from jeans. it was easy. purses are good too. great ideas

Cath1125 says:

This is a great idea, I am not very good with a needle and thread, but I would certainly give it a try.

MTF-briguy says:

I sure will!

Nope, when they are worn out they are done. I'm not crafty anyway.

2muchtrash says:

Fraid not. I WISH I was into doing great things with them, but rags are rags in my book.

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How To Video

Making a Handbag or Tote from Recycled Jeans

Rag Quilt Made From Old Jeans

Someone Else Recycled The Old Jeans...

Some folks just do not have the crafting gene in order to make a purse or other item out of an old pair of jeans. If that describes you, an answer is to purchase it from someone who did find a new purpose for discarded jeans. You can find many items to choose from like this cute little vintage denim purse meant to hold your cell phone or IPod.

Denim by CellXpressionsTM Real Classic Blue Jeans protective case cover for Apple iPhone 4

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 06/02/2012)
List Price: $30.00

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Recycle Jeans into a Binder Cover

Ideas to Make Your Old Denim Stunning

Denim Revolution: Dozens of Ways to Turn Denim Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves

by: Nancy Minsky

Amazon Price: $4.45 (as of 06/02/2012)
List Price: $19.95

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Make a Tool Apron from recycled jeans

Recycle Denim Tip:

Make your old jeans into some nifty looking potholders! You can trim them out with your choice of items and embellish them to your hearts content. Make them uniquely you!

Selection of Recycled Jeans

There is always a nice selection of recycled jeans at the popular auction site, eBay.

Make A Rag Rug From Old Jeans

or purchase one already made.

Extra Weave USA Handwoven Cotton Denim Rug, 2' X 3'

Amazon Price: $26.59 (as of 06/02/2012)
List Price: $34.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

Recycled Denim Comments

Let me know you stopped by. Give us some other ideas for recycling our old blue jeans.

Reply

acreativethinker Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:22 pm | delete

Great ideas and a good way to use those old jeans! Thanks for sharing. :)

Reply

Frankster Nov 3, 2011 @ 1:18 pm | delete

Excellent lens. I love the tool belt and book binder cover. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankster

Reply

Ruthi Jul 11, 2011 @ 5:29 am | delete

What great ideas for my old jeans! Many years ago I'd made handbags with old jeans, but you share some new ideas for my new old jeans. I love that book binder!