If you have a stash of jeans with holes we have a list of 10 easy things to make with old jeans besides making cutoffs. However, if you want to make shorts of your holey jeans, I have included directions for 3 different ways to hem cutoffs.
My kids are pretty rough on jeans. Oh, who am I kidding? My husband and I are pretty hard on jeans too. In the winter, when we blow out the knees on our jeans we put on long johns under our jeans to keep warm. In the summer, we expand our summer wardrobe, by creating cutoffs.
How to Make Cutoffs:
I pull out my quilting supplies when I make cutoffs. I want to get as even as an edge as possible when I cut the excess fabric off, because if you don't get an even cut you end up “evening them out” a little at a time until you are left with Daisy Dukes. And that is just wrong!
I use the ruler to measure from the hem to above the hole get an even cut:
I mark my cutting line with a washable marker or chalk:
Then I use the ruler as a guide and a rotor cutter to cut the excess denim off:
This creates a nice even edge at the bottom of cut-offs. If you want, you can ‘t declare yourself done, embrace a bohemian look and let them fray.
3 Ways to Hem Cutoffs:
If you don't want your cutoffs to fray, you can use a couple different methods to prevent it.
1. Use thread and a sewing machine to hem your cut-offs. Be careful to match the thread color and the style of over-stitching. Jeans usually have two rows of over-stitching, use a ruler to measure the distance between the rows, so you can duplicate it.
2. Cheat and use bonding tape. The works best for lightweight denim and khakis. Turn up the hem, place the bonding tape under the turned up fabric and iron.
3. Use fray check. Instead of hemming your cutoff jeans. You can run a thin line of fray check near the bottom of your cutoffs. This will help prevent your shorts from becoming too frayed.
10 Things to Do with Old Jeans:
10 Ways to Reuse Old Blue Jeans Fabric:
2. Make a Denim Book or Bible Cover.
4. Make a denim pencil case. Here are directions for a lined denim pencil case.
5. Add the extra fabric to your fabric stash and use it to make patches when you get a hole in your jeans during the winter.
6. Braid long strips of denim to make a dog pull toy.
8. Make a braided rug from blue jeans.
9. Make this easy denim drink cozy.
How do you use your old jeans?
Barbara says
i UPCYCLE OLD BLUE JEANS BY MAKING DENIM FLOWERS AND WREATHS FROM THEM. i’VE MADE WREATHS USING JUST THE SEAMS, RAG WREATHS WHERE YOU CUT THE DENIM INTO 6 OR 7 IN. STRIPS AND TIE TO A WIRE FRAME, AND i’VE MADE FLOWERS – RUFFLY ONES, FLAT ONES WITH PETALS, ROLLED FLOWERS, ETC. Use the pockets for place settings and stick your silverware into a pocket and add a bandana napkin for each guest, make napking rings from the waste bands or belt loops, etc.
Don’t waste those old denim jeans!
Alea Milham says
I love your creative uses for old jeans!