Stylish jeans from old jeans - 12 best ideas for denim alterations

Every second girl experiments with things from her wardrobe.
Especially if things are already old, unfashionable and require either disposal or urgent upgrading. The second option is certainly preferable. You probably have a stack of jeans lying around in the far corner of your dresser that you hate to throw away.

We'll show you how to make them relevant and fashionable again!

Who suits and how to wear high-waisted jeans?

Ripped or faded jeans

What you will need: your old jeans, a seam ripper (blade or knife), soap and a small metal grater with garlic holes.

We choose a place for the future “scuff” on the jeans.
Carefully rub this area “horizontally” with a grater. We act as carefully as possible if the desired result is abrasion and not a gaping hole. The grater should only remove the top layer of thread.

Whiten your jeans

Getty/Melodie Jeng

Who said bleached jeans are a thing of the past? Take an old pair and bleach them using hydrogen peroxide or bleach to give your clothes a new look. You can change them up even more (like these acid-colored jeans in the photo).

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For the holey effect:

We lay out the jeans on the table and mark strips with soap (maybe chalk) for future holes.
We make horizontal cuts using a seam ripper or scissors.
We pull out a few threads along the edges of the holes to make the jeans feel “worn” (note - or we wash them in the machine so that the threads stretch out on their own) - we create the shaggy appearance of our chaotic holes.
We make cuts based on our wishes - in several areas or immediately along the entire length of the trouser leg(s).
If desired, you can decorate the resulting holes using one of the following methods (lace, sequins, etc.).

To prevent the created “gaps” from spreading completely and ruining the presentation, you should sew guipure scraps to them from the inside out.

1.Rug made from old jeans: step-by-step master class

One of the most popular ways to use old jeans is to make a rug using the patchwork technique. There are many different options. But we have prepared a fairly simple option that even beginners in needlework can implement.

For this you will need:

several pairs of old jeans;
sewing machine;
scissors;
mat-backing;
pins;
padding polyester;
ruler;
a piece of thick fabric;
cardboard;
pencil;
chalk.

First, make a hexagon template on a piece of paper using a ruler and pencil. Be sure to focus on the width of your pant legs so that the stencil fits on them.

One by one we trace the template with a pencil on all the jeans and cut out the blanks. In this case, you should get at least fifty hexagons.

We lay out the blanks on the work surface in such a way that they look most harmonious in color combination. The result should be nine rows.

Take two hexagons, fold them as shown in the photo and connect them with pins. Then we sew them together using a sewing machine.

In the same way we attach the next hexagon to the workpiece.

Using the same principle, we sew the remaining parts. It is very important to check from time to time how smooth the finished canvas is.

When the rug is ready, we trim its edges at our discretion.

On the work surface we place the padding polyester, the fabric face up and the denim rug face down. For reliability, we secure everything with pins.

We sew the rug around the perimeter, leaving a small part for turning out. We cut off the remains of padding polyester and fabric, as shown in the photo.

We turn it inside out, iron it and sew up the hole. The original rug made from old jeans is ready. It turns out to be quite durable, so it would be appropriate in a bathroom or hallway.

Bright colored space jeans - dye according to instructions

For this masterpiece you need: dark jeans, a toothbrush, acrylic paint for fabrics in the desired colors, a sponge, a spray bottle, a solution of bleach and water (2:1), a container for mixing paints.

We spread the jeans on top of the film on the floor.
We spray the bleach solution poured into the spray bottle on various areas - not copiously, but a little at a time and carefully. We are waiting for orange spots to appear. To increase their intensity, you can spray one more time.
Next, mix the first portion of acrylic paints and carefully apply it with a sponge around our orange spots. Let's experiment with colors! That is, we rinse the sponge from time to time and take a different color.
We highlight individual areas with white paint.
We paint the stars in our denim “galaxies” using a brush and diluted white paint. Everything is simple here: we dip the tooth/brush in the paint, and then, using our finger, we “spray” (splatter) the paint onto individual areas - we create clusters of stars.
Don't forget about the back of the jeans and the seams - they also need space. Wait until it dries completely (at least 24 hours).

Denim items for fashionistas

All kinds of decorations

We have not ignored lovers of various jewelry and have prepared a selection of ideas: collars, butterflies, headbands, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings. All this is made from jeans with the addition of various beads, buttons, metal fittings, etc. Be inspired and create beauty!

Posted by Renae Abbate /Etsy/

Author - TheMireyBoutique /Etsy/

Bags and handbags

You can never have too many bags! Therefore, hurry up to create a couple of new handbags from unwanted jeans for the approaching summer. As always, there are many options, from simple to complex: with embroidery with threads and ribbons, with beaded handles, with various belts and chains, with fabric appliqués and much, much more...

In addition to bags, you can make pouches, backpacks and wallets. And also protect your technical devices from external influences with the help of denim covers.

Stylish “varenki” - if jeans have become “boring”

You will need: old jeans, whites, containers (a bucket or a large pan that mom won’t tear her hands away from later).

We choose dark jeans that are in dire need of a “fashion reboot.”
We twist our jeans tightly. Moreover, the more you twist, the fewer streaks there will be. If you want a vertical pattern, then secure the twist sections well with rubber bands. For horizontal twists, you need clamps, and for the “stars” in the twist areas, you need clothespins.
We fill a container with water - exactly half, heat it to 80 degrees (on average) and suddenly pour a full glass of white into it.
Bring our solution to a boil, stirring constantly.
After the “potion” boils, immerse the jeans completely in it. Are they getting out? Push it back with a ladle.
We wait 15 minutes, constantly pushing the jeans under the water. If the color does not want to change at all, add another half glass of the product.
After obtaining the desired shade, we take it out, take it into the bath, remove all the clips/elastic bands and thoroughly rinse the new jeans.

If you are too lazy to cook jeans, your mother doesn’t give you a pan, or you simply don’t have the necessary container, but you have Domestos - use it. We dilute half a glass of the product in 3 liters of water, soak the rolled jeans in the same way and wait for the lightening. Next, rinse and dry.

Methods for restoring a dark shade

What to do if things have lost their rich black color? There are several ways to restore color at home.

Handling faded clothing

How to restore color to jeans? There is one simple but unusual way - washing faded items. If you still have jeans that haven't been washed much and haven't lost color, then wash them with your favorite trousers.

To do this, you should adhere to the following rules:

Take two pairs of jeans, turn them inside out and throw them into the drum of the washing machine.
Set the washing mode to 40 degrees.
After 30-40 minutes, stop washing and leave for two to three hours. This will enhance the paint transfer effect.
After the time has passed, turn it on again and finish the washing cycle to the end.
When the rinse program begins, add vinegar conditioner to the tray.

After this, hang the clothes on the dryer. You should not hang them on the balcony, otherwise under the influence of sunlight the product will again lose its dark shade.

Dyeing jeans with hair dye

Don't know how to restore color to black jeans? There is another simple way - use hair dye. To obtain a positive result, you must strictly follow all the listed rules.

When performing the procedure you will need:

large basin;
one or two packs of black paint;
3% table vinegar;
salt;
a pair of gloves.

The process itself is as follows:

Wear gloves.
Remove the vials with components from the box and mix them as indicated in the instructions.
Dissolve the resulting mixture in warm water and then soak the jeans. Leave for about one hour. To ensure that your pants are dyed evenly, turn them over periodically.
After an hour, rinse the jeans in clean water.
Then soak again, but in cool water with the addition of vinegar and salt.
Wring out well and dry the product.

The trousers will again acquire a rich color. But gradually, after some time, the paint will wash off.

Painting the product using special paint

How to restore the color of black trousers? There is a specialized paint on sale that is perfect for both cotton and thick fabrics.

To complete the procedure, you must adhere to the following rules:

Take a large basin with a volume of up to 10-15 liters.
Purchase special fabric paint at the store. It is sold in powder form. When choosing, focus on proven brands. They cost a little more, but the dark shade will last for a long time.
Put on rubber gloves, and then fill a basin with warm water.
Pour in the powder and mix the liquid thoroughly.
Place the jeans in the resulting mixture and leave them for 30-40 minutes. Turn the product over periodically so that the color is even.
After the time has passed, rinse the product until the water becomes completely clear. Dry.

Using blue

This method is more suitable for dark blue trousers. The advantage of blue is that it is available and has a low cost. But there is also a drawback: it washes off very quickly.

If you decide to use this tool, then follow the instructions:

Pour cool water into a bowl. Its temperature should not exceed 30 degrees.
Add blue to the water and mix thoroughly. Place jeans in the resulting solution and leave them for two to three hours.
To consolidate the result, you can add a little vinegar.
At the end of the procedure, rinse the item and dry it.

Experienced housewives give advice: to make the color lasting, you can add a few tablespoons of table salt to the resulting liquid.

Before performing manipulations, do not forget to wear gloves.

Application of potassium permanganate

Jeans begin to become light gradually with each wash. But to give them new life, you can use potassium permanganate. This technique allows you to get boiled jeans, which are still considered fashionable.

Follow these guidelines:

Take a large enamel pan.
Fill it with water and add potassium permanganate. If you want to get a darker and more saturated color, then add more potassium permanganate. Pull down your jeans.
Hold the product until it is completely colored.
To enhance the effect, add a few tablespoons of salt to the liquid.
Once you have the desired shade, take out the trousers and rinse them in cool water.
Dry on a flat surface and enjoy the result.

When things lose their usual shade, it becomes sad that the original appearance cannot be returned. But there are ways that help update a thing and make it a little brighter than it was before.

What options are there?

Lace sewn as a lining on the hole from the inside out. The denim edges around the lace patch, of course, need to be ruffled. White lace sticking out in the slits of blue jeans looks very piquant.
A lace ribbon sewn around the waist or just the front (only the back).
Back pockets completely decorated with lace.
Flowers cut out of lace (another pattern), sewn onto trouser legs like appliqués.

Just don't overdo it. An abundance of lace or its illiterate use can turn your jeans into a vulgar item.

Accessories and other small items.

A large number of small things, such as toys, wallets, vases, bracelets, can be made using only old denim clothes.

Decorating jeans with rhinestones and beads

What you will need: rhinestones, beads, beads, your jeans.

We select the desired area on the jeans, look for the desired pattern and transfer it to the jeans with chalk/pencil (pockets, sides of the legs, cuffs).
We select rhinestones of different sizes and glue them according to the pattern manually.

Sequins, beads or beads will have to be sewn on. The work is more painstaking, but the result is worth it.

If you don’t know how to draw, take tattoo designs as a basis (among them there are many interesting sketches of flowers, birds, etc.).

DIY jeans crafts - kitchen textiles

What exactly can be sewn from denim-based kitchen textiles:

Potholders, mittens for hot dishes;
Lunch mats for table setting;
Pockets for cutlery;
Tablecloth on the table.

Potholders can be made as simple as possible, or you can embroider or sew on appliqués, turning this element into a real masterpiece. For table setting, you can make pockets for forks and spoons.

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In this case, you won’t need to sew anything, because it’s enough to carefully cut out the pockets of 2-3 trousers. It turns out very fresh and unusual. Suitable for a picnic or youth party!

And the jeans have cuffs!

Today, wide cuffs on jeans are considered the most fashionable. Although no one will stop you from making them according to your personal size and desire - you are a designer.

Having chosen the desired width, stitch the jeans or simply roll them straight out, baste along the seams and start decorating the resulting cuffs:

Decorate with rhinestones or beads.
Sew on the lace.
We use bright strips of fabric.
Making fringe.

2.Wicker basket made from old jeans

One of the easiest ways to transform old jeans is to turn them into a small basket for fruit or various small items. Due to the density of the material, it will keep its shape well.

Necessary materials:

several pairs of old jeans;
scissors;
ruler;
pencil;
threads;
sewing machine;
container according to the size of the future basket.

First, we apply markings to the jeans in the form of strips of the same width and cut them. You should end up with eight identical long stripes. We sew the rest together to make a long ribbon.

We fold the hair as shown in the photo and fix it strictly in the center.

We begin to braid the strips with one of the ends. Sew the end of the ribbon to it and continue weaving the bottom of the basket.

We place the workpiece from the outside on the bottom of the container. It will be the basis for giving the correct shape to the basket. We gradually form the walls, as in the photo.

When the walls are the required height, tuck in the ends of the tape. For better fixation, you can sew the edges with thread and a needle. We cut off the excess threads and give the basket a neat look.

Stamps are not always bad

If a bear stepped not only on your ear, but also on your hands, and you only know how to draw with chalk on the asphalt, it’s not a problem. Stamps and stencils will come to the rescue

We take an ordinary children's rubber stamp for creativity with the desired pattern, dip it in fabric paint of the desired color and stamp it for health in the way your soul requires.
If there are no children's stamps, you can make it yourself from a potato, an eraser, etc.
You can also stamp with a sponge. Just use thicker paint and first test stamping on an unnecessary piece of paper so that the excess paint comes off the sponge - the design should turn out to be a fine snowball, not blots.

Option 3:

We cut out the desired pattern from the lace and soak it in bleach until slightly damp (so that the lace does not crumble).
Place the lace on the trouser leg and press tightly for 10-30 minutes. Accordingly, the longer, the brighter the picture.
Next, remove the lace and briefly dip the jeans in a solution of water and vinegar (approx. 3:1). Afterwards, wash separately in a machine or by hand.

Tips for preserving color

To ensure that your favorite jeans do not lose their original appearance, you need to follow several recommendations:

Wash your jeans inside out.
Carefully study the manufacturer's label. It indicates the temperature at which the product should be washed and ironed.
Always add only liquid washing gel to the machine. To preserve color, use conditioner on black clothes.
Do not soak your pants in water for a long time.
Wash the product at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees.
As a preventive measure against color loss during hand washing, add a little vinegar to the water.

If the jeans still become lighter, and these tips did not help, then you can try dyeing the product.

Jeans turn... into elegant capri pants

Everything is simple here. If you are tired of flares, or the bottoms of your trouser legs have become completely unusable, then it’s time to cut your jeans into capri pants (or shorts).

Select the desired length with a margin for cuffs.
Cut along the strips marked with soap.
We bend the legs outwards and decorate them using one of the above methods (fabric, lace, beads, etc.).

Patches are at the height of fashion!

If you are young, daring and have golden hands, you can use appliqués. They transform old jeans so much that then people they know ask where to buy this beauty?

There are many options - choose according to your taste or look for something unique:

Bright rectangles made of multi-colored and multi-textured fabrics, randomly sewn onto the front legs of the trousers.
Applications using colored laces.
Applications in graffiti style.
“Dot” applications in the form of hearts, letters, patches, etc.
Using colored thin leather or denim in different shades.

You can also sew on appliques in different ways - from a regular stitch to a zigzag or even a satin stitch contour.

Causes of color loss

After washing, any items lose their color saturation. Denim products are no exception. Despite the fact that this is a dense material and lasts quite a long time, over time during wear it loses its attractive appearance. Such clothes become faded, which is why they appear worn out and old. This type of favorite item is upsetting, because not everyone knows how to restore the color to jeans themselves at home.

The composition of detergents, as well as water, lead to loss of rich color. They wash the dye out of the fibers of the material. After several washes, the item looks several shades lighter. Denim items often fade after washing, which is also another reason for discoloration. This can be seen by the color of the water as it takes on the color of the clothing.

Most of us think that denim fades due to the poor quality of the dye used during the production process. In fact, even natural paint compositions used by well-known companies release coloring pigment in the first few washes. After purchasing, you should conduct a test to understand how much the item can shed. To do this, take a cotton pad and lightly rub it over the fabric. If the product is of high quality, then it remains clean.

Active sun rays cause damage, because clothes fade in the sun. A light shade appears on jeans if they are actively worn.

Embroidery on jeans is painstaking and time-consuming, but beautiful and durable

If you can surpass even your grandmothers in needlework talent, and you have a box full of floss, feel free to look for the desired pattern.

Apply the pattern to the desired area.
We embroider. It’s better to use satin stitch, it looks more impressive. Although, you can also use the cutwork technique, but in this case it is not recommended to experiment with colors - take 1 thread color slightly lighter than the jeans fabric.

Lace inserts make old jeans fashionable

For those who don’t like just jeans with holes, there is a great option: decorate them with lace. It is enough to cut a patch of lace fabric of a size slightly larger than the size of the hole and sew it on the wrong side.

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The seam can be made as invisible as possible, matching the tone of the fabric, or you can turn it into a decorative element by decorating it with crosses, zigzags or other shapes. In this case, use thick embroidery threads in bright colors. The color of the lace can be any color you like: black, white, to match the fabric or contrasting.

Blue jeans with white lace look very stylish and gentle.

Rivets on jeans are a timeless fashion

First, come up with a pattern or think about the geometry along which you will “screw” the rivets. If during the decorating process you realize that you have done “wrong” and “wrong”, it will be extremely difficult to correct.

We buy rivets in the store (those with “petals” on the inside).
We pierce the fabric with a rivet and bend the petals. If the jeans are too thick, make mini holes in advance.
Rivets will look most advantageous on side seams, pockets, waistbands or cuffs.

Ways to breathe new life into your old jeans - one cart and one small cart. Based on the above, you can come up with your own techniques and create a real masterpiece.

Remember: “hand-made” is valued at all times! You can even organize your own handmade business, ideas for which you can find here.

For the dacha

The long-awaited summer is coming soon. Let's see what to make from old jeans for the dacha. With a little effort, your jeans turn into a great hammock!

Did you want to be alone? Sew a quick denim screen and create your own corner in the garden. Pockets are useful for a book or magazine.

For a picnic, sew a denim rug or a wonderful tablecloth with pockets for napkins and cutlery.

For gardening, denim aprons with plenty of pockets for tools or bags of seeds are useful.

To avoid losing your husband’s, dad’s or grandfather’s tools, sew similar cases for them from their own jeans)

Old country stools can be easily updated with denim covers.