subject: Recycle Your Denim [print this page] Denim is one of the best materials to recycle and use for other fun things. There are many fun things to make out of denim, especially if you know how to sew. In this guide, I'll share some of my favorite things that can be made with denim and how to make them.
The first thing that has become very popular is creating a new look with your older denim. Many companies charge a lot of money for jeans with tears in them, so why not create them yourself? Instead of cutting your denim, tearing them will create a look with fringes, which is more in style these days.
In order to properly create denim strips, begin by placing your jeans on a flat surface. It's impossible to just tear the jeans without a hole to start, so cut a .5inch slit in the jeans. After you have the cut in the denim, tear the jeans in a quick motion. Always tear them vertically and you'll create an awesome look. If you have an old pair of jeans that you want to practice on, go for it!
Another popular item created with recycled denim is pillow cases. This is much more effective if you have an old denim shirt to use. This will require some sewing, so hopefully you know how to operate a sewing machine!
To begin making your pillow case, cut your denim into strips that are 1.25 x 14 inches. You should cut somewhere between 5 and 9 of them. Take a piece of chalk to mark the denim strips. This will indicate where to attach the strips. Proceed by sewing down the middle of the denim strips and use an awl to push the denim to the side. This will help create pleats in the denim. Most needles can't handle the denim, so be sure to find the right needle specific for denim. You'll need to sew two more rows down the sides, with only 1/8 inch seam. Make sure the strips are flat.
If you're really the artsy type and want to get crafty, consider making floral brooches out of your old denim. These brooches can be added on many things to add a pretty touch. They do look great if you make a denim bag and attach the brooches for some decoration.
To make the denim brooches, begin by ripping a pair of old jeans. The tear should be 1.5 inches wide and about as long as your actual jeans. From the edge of the strips, you'll need to sew two rows of stitches that are only 1/8 inch apart from each other. You'll need to combine a machine and then you need to hand sew. The spiral shape of the brooch is hand sewn on. Make sure to add a safety pin to the back of the design, so you can simply add it on to whatever you like.
There are many fun ways to get creative with your old denim and reuse it for fun little crafts. This is a great hobby as it's affordable and fun! Good luck with whatever you choose to make from your old denim!
