Hey besties!
Right, so you know that drawer (or, let's be honest, maybe a whole wardrobe) crammed with jeans we never actually wear? Jeans that are too tight after all those lockdown snacks, too faded, or just... too last season? I totally get it! I had a mountain of denim judging me the other day, and I knew I needed to sort it out. That's when I threw myself into upcycled denim, and honestly, it's been a proper journey!
Why Upcycle Denim? (Besides the Obvious Space!)
Okay, so decluttering is fab, but upcycling is way more than just tidying up. It's about being kinder to our planet, saving some pennies (because let's be real, we all love a bargain!), and unleashing our inner creativity. Sustainable denim fashion is where it's at! Plus, you get a totally unique piece that no one else will have. Win-win-win!
My First Upcycling Attempt (Spoiler: It Wasn't Perfect!)
I decided to start simple: a denim tote bag. I found a denim repurposing tutorial online that looked easy enough. Famous last words, right? Cutting the denim was fine, sewing the pieces together… well, let’s just say my sewing machine and I had a moment. The seams were wonky, the handles were uneven – it was a hot mess! But you know what? I didn't give up. I unpicked (a lot!), re-sewed, and eventually, I ended up with a perfectly imperfect denim tote. And I loved it because I made it myself! It was a disaster, but I learned so much.
Upcycled Denim Ideas That Actually Work (and Look Amazing!)
Okay, so you're probably thinking, "Emma, that's great, but I don't want a wonky tote bag." Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some upcycled denim ideas that are actually achievable, even if you're not a sewing whiz:
1. Denim Patched Jacket
This is probably my favourite project so far. I took an old denim jacket (a classic Levi's number I've had for ages) and added patches cut from other jeans, old shirts, and even some scraps of colourful fabric. I used a combination of sewing (for the bigger patches) and fabric glue (for the smaller details) – Bostik All Purpose Glue is brilliant for this and doesn’t leave a residue. It looks incredible and it’s such a conversation starter! People are always asking me where I got it. The best part? It's one-of-a-kind.
2. Denim Skirt
Turning old jeans into a skirt is surprisingly easy! There are tons of DIY denim projects online, but basically, you cut off the legs, unpick the inseam, and sew the front and back pieces together. You can add a denim panel from another pair of jeans to give it an A-line shape. I added some frayed edges to mine for a more edgy look. Pro tip: use a heavy-duty needle on your sewing machine when working with thick denim! Otherwise, you'll be replacing needles all day long. Trust me on this.
3. Denim Coasters
Okay, this is a super simple one. Cut circles of denim (I used a cookie cutter as a template), layer them up, and glue them together. You can even add a layer of cork on the bottom to protect your surfaces. These make great gifts, too! I tried this when I needed a quick birthday present for a friend and it worked a treat. Speaking of gifts, I need to get a move on with my skincare routine, I've been loving this Sakura set lately.
4. Denim Pouch
Perfect for storing makeup brushes, pens, or even your phone. Cut two rectangles of denim, sew them together on three sides, add a zip (I bought a pack of YKK Zips from Amazon), and you're done! You can line the inside with some pretty fabric for a more polished look. I sometimes use old silk scarves to line mine, and it really elevates it. I've found that using a contrasting colour silk scarf really makes it pop.
5. Denim Shorts
This is a classic for a reason! Simply cut off the legs of your jeans to your desired length. You can leave the edges raw for a more casual vibe, or hem them for a neater finish. I like to distress mine with sandpaper and a seam ripper for a lived-in look. For a really personalised touch, try adding some embroidery or fabric paint. Look, here's the thing, when you cut them, make sure you cut them a little longer than you think you want them, you can always go shorter.
Tips for Upcycling Denim Like a Pro (Well, Almost!)
* Gather your materials: Old jeans (obviously!), scissors, a sewing machine (if you have one), needles, thread, fabric glue, patches, embellishments – anything goes!
* Wash your denim: Give your old jeans a good wash before you start cutting them up. This will help prevent shrinking and bleeding later on. It's also just good hygiene, let's be honest.
* Iron your denim: Ironing will make it easier to cut and sew. And it'll look much neater.
* Start with simple projects: Don't try to make a denim ballgown on your first attempt. Start with something small and build your confidence.
* Don't be afraid to experiment: The best thing about upcycling is that there are no rules! Get creative and have fun!
* Embrace imperfections: Handmade items have character. Don't strive for perfection; embrace the quirks! It's what makes them special.
Where to Find Inspiration
Social media is your friend! Check out Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for tons of upcycled denim ideas. Search for hashtags like #upcycleddenim, #DIYdenim, #sustainablefashion, and #denimrepurposing. You'll be amazed at what people are creating!
My Go-To Tools & Supplies
Sewing Machine: My Brother FS40s* sewing machine is my workhorse. It's reliable and easy to use, even for beginners.
Fabric Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors is essential. I swear by my Fiskars RazorEdge* scissors.
* Seam Ripper: You'll need this for unpicking mistakes (and trust me, you'll make some!).
* Pins: These are your best friends when sewing.
Thread: I like to use Gutermann* thread; it's strong and comes in a wide range of colours.
Fabric Glue: As I mentioned before, Bostik All Purpose Glue* is great for attaching patches and embellishments.
* Denim Needles: These are designed specifically for sewing denim. They'll prevent your needle from breaking. I wasted money on cheaper ones, so just get these.
Final Thoughts
Upcycling denim is not only a fun and creative way to give your old jeans a new life, but it's also a sustainable choice that helps reduce textile waste. So, gather your old denim, grab your scissors, and get ready to transform your wardrobe! And don't forget to share your creations with me – I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Happy upcycling, lovelies!
Love,
Emma x