21 Creative Upcycle Ideas for Sewing Projects
Tutorial: Reusable Bowl Covers that Fit Perfectly
Ready to stop using plastic wrap for covering leftover? You can make some reusable and washable bowl covers for easy kitchen storage. You can make these with any sized bowl, big or small, and all you need are some fabric remnants, some single fold bias tape, and elastic. Supplies Needed:…
Tutorial: Upcycle An Old T-shirt Into a Pet Bed
Learn how to turn that old, worn out T-shirt into a pet bed. I’ll be honest, this doesn’t make the prettiest of pet beds, but it’s functional. It’s a way to upcycle an old T-shirt into something that can actually be useful. While your at it, you can also use…
Tutorial: Upcycle a T-shirt into an Infinity Scarf
Looking for an easy upcycle project? It doesn’t get simpler than this T-shirt scarf tutorial. In less than 10 minutes you can turn an old T-shirt into an new infinity scarf for you (or your kids). This tutorial works best with large or very stretchy T-shirts. Supplies Needed: Step 1…
Tutorial: Slouchy Hobo Bag Using Denim Jeans
This tutorial will show you how to make a super cute slouchy tote bag by upcycling a couple of old pairs of jeans. I made the sewing pattern to work with a standard pair of jeans, but skinny jeans will be too narrow to use for this project. Check out…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Drawstring Tote
Learn how to make a quick drawstring backpack using the legs of an old pair of jeans. This is a great way to upcycle your old pants to make something new and useful! Simply follow along with the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a new bag in an hour or…
Tutorial: Reusable Shopping Bag Using Old Jeans
This is a quick tutorial to show you how to turn an old pair of jeans into a reusable shopping bag. You can check out the free pattern below that was made to work with an average pair of jeans (jeans with narrow legs will be too small though). Just…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Flowers
If you’re short like me and always need to hem your pants, you can use this tutorial to make cute little flowers out of the length you cut off instead of throwing it out. It’s a cute and simple way to use up that little bit of leftover fabric. Supplies…
Tutorial: Large Denim Totebag With Old Jeans
Learn how to upcycle old pairs of jeans into a large tote bag. You can use the pockets of your jeans as pockets in the bag and any rips in your jeans can add a little extra character to the bag too. Just be ready to cut up a couple…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Jeans Crossbody Purse
This tutorial will show you how to turn an old pair of jeans into a unique and creative crossbody bag. You’ll use the front and back of one leg of your jeans, using the pockets for the bag design. This is a whimsical way to upcycle an old pair of…
Tutorial: Scrap Denim Zipper Pouch
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cute zipper pouch using small scraps of denim. It’s great for upcycling old pairs of jeans into something you can use! You can check out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions. Note: When sewing through…
Tutorial: Jeans Pocket Coin Purse
Learn how to make a simple coin purse by using the pockets from an old pair of jeans. This is a simple tutorial that you can easily complete in less than an hour and is a great way to upcycle a pair of jeans that’s too worn out to wear…
Tutorial: Upcycled Keychain Holder With a Jeans Waistband
Upcycle the waistband from an old pair of jeans to create a creative new keychain holder to give your keys a personal touch. This is a super simple tutorial that will walk you through detaching the waistband and making your new keychain into a custom length. Supplies Needed: Step 1…
Tutorial: Easy Lanyard Using a Pair of Old Jeans
In this quick and easy tutorial, I’ll show you how to upcycle the seam of an old pair of jeans into a new lanyard you can use as a keychain. The seam of jeans tends to be the most durable part, so even when your pants are all worn out…
Tutorial: Upcycled Jeans Butt Pillow
This tutorial will show you how to turn your old worn out pair of jeans into a silly butt pillow to decorate your home. This is a great way to upcycle an old pair of pants and give them a new life. Simply follow along with the step-by-step instructions, and…
Tutorial: Quirky Shirt Pillow Idea
If you have an old or worn out button-up shirt, you can easily turn it into a funny throw pillow to decorate your space. This is a very simple sewing project that’s great for beginners. I made this for a 14″ square pillow, but you can also follow the instruction…
Tutorial: Easy Denim Belt
This quick tutorial will walk you through how to make a simple tie-on belt using an old pair of jeans. You can check out the pattern for this below and lengthen or shorten it depending on the size of your waist. The final belt should be the measurement around your…
Tutorial: How to Make a No-SEW Handkerchief Purse
This quick tutorial will teach you how to tie a scarf or shawl into a cute, little handbag. No sewing supplies are necessary for this bag. All you need is something to use as a handle! Supplies Needed: Step 1 loop corner of fabric over the front and out the…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Folding Wallet
This tutorial will teach you how to turn your old pair of jeans into a new folding wallet. The only fabric you need for this tutorial is one leg of your pants! Check out the free pattern for this wallet below, and then follow along with the step-by-step instructions. Note:…
Tutorial: How to Make a Keychain Wallet using Denim
If you have an old pair of jeans that’s too worn out to wear anymore, you can upcycle them and turn them into a cute little keychain wallet. This denim wallet has five pockets for cards and ID, as well as an inside pocket that I like to use for…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Kepi Hat (Reversible)
Learn how to make a reversible denim kepi hat by upcycling two pairs of jeans and combining them into one cute hat. You can check out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial. Note: when sewing with denim, I recommend using a heavy weight or jeans…
Tutorial: Scrap Denim Bucket Hat
Learn how to make an upcycled bucket hat using scraps of denim. The free pattern (below) was made with small pattern pieces so that you can easily cut up old pairs of jeans to patch together different shades and tones of the denim for a creative and sustainably made hat….
