Denim items created from old jeans are a creative way to add a feeling of comfort to your home. The material washes well and lasts a long time making it a great economical and environmental choice. Everything from the pockets to the closures can be used to transform many areas of your home.

Your closet

Cut the legs off and make a pair of shorts or Capri's. Another great idea is to make a skirt. First, decide the length and the width you would like to have. Then lay it flat onto tissue paper so the legs make a triangle and trace the inseams. Fold the traced triangle in half and alter the sides to make them match. Be sure to add a seam allowance. I then use the pattern to cut two pieces of cloth for the openings between the legs. Open the inseams and crotch of the jeans. Sew the triangles to the front back of the jeans. Make sure to either leave a slit in the back of the skirt. You can also make slits on the sides of the skirt by opening the outside seams and hemming them. Feel adventurous? Sew in the inserts leaving the seam allowance on the good side of your skirt and allow it to fray! Do the jeans have holes or stains? I paint on them, embroider, glue on bead, or add interesting patches.

Your bedroom

Use the warmth of denim to make a wonderful quilt. Gather your old denim (and that of your friends and relatives) and cut it into squares. Then lay the denim into an interesting pattern and sew it all together. You can then extend this into your home dcor by making pillow covers or shams, curtains (they look great over sheers and are great at blocking out the light), lamp shades, as well as chair cushions and covers. You can vary the theme by choosing denim in different shades or by adding embroidery, patches or fabric paint.

The kitchen

Old jeans make great aprons by cutting apart the inseams and sewing the fronts together.
The pockets can be removed and used alone as magnets, or they can be sewn onto the leg for key holders. Because it is easily washed, the recycled denim works well for place mats. Pot holders can be made by using material from shirts or sweaters between two layers of denim. Small bits of left over batting also work well.

The living room

The front zippers work well in an activity blanket for toddlers. Little animals and other treasures can be easily attached with a ribbon and hidden underneath the zippers. To keep remotes and magazines from getting lost in the couch cushions, make an organizer from the top half of the jeans. The legs can then be cut off the bottom and reattached to the waistband or they can be folded back and secured with a belt. The legs can then be placed under the cushion to hold the organizer in place.

The Bathroom

Denim makes a great floor mat. Cut the denim into long strips that can be braided, knitted, or crocheted together. To add interest, yarn, lace, or braids can be mixed into the denim strips. To hold items such as hairbrushes, toothbrushes, or bottles, make a wall hanging with the pockets along the bottom. It looks great on the back of a bathroom door.

Get organized!

Make a purse, pencil case, organizer, or thermos cover. The pockets in jeans are well constructed. They work great for sorting make up and other items that seem to find their way to the bottom of your bag. If you find you need more pockets, they can be easily added to your project by layering them or cutting them from contrasting fabrics.

The limits are endless when it comes to reusing the denim from old jeans. When you start to run out of ideas, invite your kids, family, and friends to create with you.

Learn more about this author, Angie Haggstrom.
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