Reusing blue jeans

[Medesha]

So...my favorite pair of jeans has finally died, despite my rampant denial over the matter. *sniff* They were nice jeans. They fit me so well.

But the hole in the crotch isn't getting any smaller, and it's resisting any attempts to mend/patch (a patch would look really funny there anyway, trust me). I've already caved and gotten a new pair, but I hate to throw the old pair out. I can't make them into cutoffs, obviously, so what other ideas do people have for recycling old jeans?

[madder]

You could make a skirt? Undo the seams on the insides of the legs, and sew together in front and back to make a skirt, whatever length suits you.

Or you could make a bag from them.

Or a skirt AND a bag.

[inie]

That would be either a small bag, or a small skirt, then :p
My mother once cut of the legs of my jeans to mend a chair, on vacation :)

[LadyFaile]

makes a neat purse/tote actually. the back pockets are handy

and if you have another old pair of jeans in a different shade, you could use scraps of the one to patch the other. even if the patches are just decorative, say on an old frayed distressed pair of jeans. would look kinda neat

[jenni-anti-fur]

makes a neat purse/tote actually. the back pockets are handy

and if you have another old pair of jeans in a different shade, you could use scraps of the one to patch the other. even if the patches are just decorative, say on an old frayed distressed pair of jeans. would look kinda neat

thats what i was gonna say--my mom made me cool purses out of a cool pairs since i was in HS.---love them--My fiancees mom made them into bean bags for a bean bag toss game that they made---she cut the jeans up filled the jeans with beans or something like that--sorry i dont sew have no idea--sewed them together and they work perfectly-

peace and love

Jenn:pibo:

[Erin_S2S]

I saw old jeans sewn into decorative pillows on While You Were Out once.

[piratebean]

I was thinking the pillow idea would be great, because then you could still cuddle up to your favorite jeans, which I'm sure have become nice and soft over time. You could even do the pillow thing with the lower legs (open each leg on one seam, then sew them together. Get a pillow first to make sure you've got the sizing right. You can pick up cheap white throw pillows at most big stores or sewing stores, which are designed to be covered.)

Then you could use the top of the jeans to make a bag. A real simple version: sew the legs shut so that they're even with the crotch. Add some snaps/velcro/zipper (depending on your level of comport with sewing) inside the waistband - voila! Instant bag, complete with pockets, etc.

[berrykat]

my mom -inlaw made a quilt out of Pete's old jeans I'm not that talented though.

[Medesha]

Thanks for the tips, guys! I'll keep you posted if any of these project ideas get off the ground. :)

[natto freak]

I like to make quilts with old jeans. I love to work with denim.

[Cinnamon toast]

A friend of mine has a great beach/picnic blanket made with the legs of old jeans.

[hippymama]

I'm pretty sure you don't have a baby, but maybe you know someone who does. I made some old jeans into a baby carrier (I have a business designing them now) and it was about the coolest and most comfy one I've ever used. I wore my son all over Los Angeles in it and got comments from everyone. He was 9-10 months and close to 30 pounds at the time. Here are the instructions I used from Borntolove.com.

FREE BABY CARRIER:
Turn your old jeans into a sturdy denim baby carrier! You'll need two pair of adult jeans, with no worn spots on the backside. Remove the backs from the fronts, leaving the thick side seams attached to the discarded fronts. Cut off waist-band, belt loops and leg hems. Make a T-shaped cut up the centre from each crotch, as follows: On one jean-back - "T" is through the centre of the back pockets.
On the other jean-back - "T" is midway between the crotch and bottom of back pockets. Fold the legs in on themselves to form 4" wide straps. Double-stitch along the length of both sides of these straps. Place one jean-back on top of the other, to form an "H" shape - lining up one jean-back along the top of the other's pockets. Double-stitch the two jean-backs together.
Tie the shorter straps around your waist. For a front carrier, have a friend help place baby's stomach against your stomach, baby's legs on either side of the carrier seat. For a back carrier, baby's stomach is against your back. Bring carrier and longer straps up over baby, with one strap over each of your shoulders.
For a front carrier, you could cross the straps at your back. While you hold securely on to the longer straps to support baby, have your friend mark or pin where these longer straps meet the seat part, making sure this is a comfortable position for baby and you.
Remove baby and carrier, double-stitch longer straps to marked spots, on the inside of the seat part. Finish by folding and hemming any remaining cut edges. Make sure all stitching seams are strong and sturdy for safety.

[Coney]

But the hole in the crotch isn't getting any smaller

I hear ya'. I just put an iron on patch on the inside of my jeans that I love to hopefully make them last a bit longer.

You can make a hand bag out of the top. I've got a friend who has a jean bag. Cut them off right at the crotch, then sew the legs closed. Or cut them off just under the back pockets if the crotch is too ripped to use. Then use the legs for the strap and sew it on. Voila!

Cut the rest into squares, then sew them together with other scraps of fabric to make throw pillow cases.

Or you can make change purses out of the legs and give them to your friends. Embroider fun things on them, put on a button or velcro for the flap.

Sad to lose favorite jeans. I've had many a funeral at the garbage can for jeans that I loved that died.

[lemonbaby]

Wow - I am inspired. Thanks people. I too hate to throw away clothes. I give all I can to the charity shops, but some are just past it. I might just dig the sewing machine out ...