Recycle Your Daughter's Jeans

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

05 May 2006 05:04 AM

I saw the cutest jean skirt at the store the other day, and soon after, I saw lots of young girls wearing them. The skirt looked as if it was made from a really old, faded, well-worn pair of jeans. Do you think manufacturers have taken a page from us frugal mommies and found ways to recycle old or damaged garments? Maybe this skirt was designed out of more than a sense of style. Still, it was very cute and seems to be quite popular.

The skirt was made by cutting off a pair of jeans just below the zipper, and just above where the inseam begins. To form the rest of the skirt, use the leftover denim from the cut off legs. Add trim or fray the edge.

You can also make cute bags or purses from old jeans. Cut a pair of jeans off as indicated above for the skirt. Instead of adding strips of fabric below the zipper, sew the bottom edge closed. Use bandanas to make handles. Tie one end to a belt loop, knotting it securely then repeat (make sure belt loops are secure first - you might need to reinforce them). These turn out really cute when made from small pairs of jeans, so pick up a pair at a garage sale or thrift store if your daughter doesn't want a large purse.

You can make a different style of denim bag by cutting squares from old jeans and patchworking them together. Use different pairs of jeans, in lighter and darker colors for a more interesting look. Form a rectangle about 16 inches wide by 32 inches long. Fold in half lengthwise and sew the two side seams closed (from the inside). Fold the top edge over and hem. Make the purse straps from other scraps of denim. Add snaps to keep the bag closed.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Julia Temlyn (191) 05 May 2006 01:44 PM

I've seen the purses made from denim jeans--and they're going fro quite a bit in department stores! Thanks for the great ideas! I always say, "I could do that," but I never get around to actually making those crafts. You've encouraged me to actually try making something with my run-down jeans. :o)

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 05 May 2006 04:45 PM

Awesome, Julia! This stuff is cute but can be really pricey. Might as well make stuff from things you already have. Besides, when you make your own, you can add your own touches for something really unique. ;o)

Tie-Dyed-Jeans (9) 29 Apr 2008 06:28 PM

I've made a number of things using recycled jeans. I especially like to tie-dye them. I've made bags and draft stoppers (also called draft dodgers). I've even made dog toys. Today I just made a yoga bag to carry my yoga mat. For pictures and details, see my blog at http://blog.amethistle.com --Cheers!