How to Make Ornaments out of Recycled Jeans and Denim

If you've ever seen some of my other craft projects you know that I really enjoy repurposing items. It's something I'm fairly new to, but the more things I create with items I find around the house, the more things I want to make.

One item I can always find around the house is denim. I have old pairs of jeans that aren't suitable to donate and definitely can't be worn. So instead of throwing them away, I make things out of them.

I've made pillow covers, aprons, gift bags, and even a patriotic wreath. And since I don't like to throw anything away, I usually have scraps left over from my projects.

So, instead of throwing the scraps in a big box that is already overflowing with fabric like I normally do, I made these adorable ornaments. They are easy to make and don't take a lot of time. Best of all, they make unique gifts and decorations that don't cost a thing.

These ornaments don't have to be just for Christmas. With a quick change of design and color scheme, they are cute for any season.

Next time you have an old pair of jeans that are ready for the trash can, whip up a few of these ornaments to add a whimsical homespun touch to your holidays.

Supplies You'll Need

• Denim scraps
• Cookie cutters or other templates for ornament shape
• Quilt batting scraps or stuffing for toys
• Ribbon
• Embroidery floss
• Embroidery needles
• Embellishments like buttons and beads
• Scissors (good ones that can cut through denim)
• Marking pen

Step 1: Cut Out the Ornament Shape

Layer two pieces of denim, wrong sides together, and then . . .

1. Using a marking pen or pencil, begin tracing around the cookie cutter or other template shape.
2. Trace around the entire shape.
3. Cut out both layers at the same time, ensuring that both pieces of denim stay together. You may want to pin them so they don't slip. Cut inside the tracing line so it's not seen in the final product.

Step 2: Prepare the Ornament's Filling

There are two different types of filler that can be used to put in the center of the ornament.

• Quilt batting: Trace the template and cut out the shape, cutting it smaller than the denim piece so it won't show around the edges. The ornament remains rather flat when batting is used.
• Toy stuffing: A little goes a long way with stuffing, so use it sparingly. Add the stuffing when the outer edge is almost sewn shut and then continue sewing until completely finished. Using stuffing gives the ornaments more definition.

Step 3: Add the Hanging Ribbon

If this is going to be hung on a tree, it will need a ribbon for hanging. Decide what length you'd like the hanger to be and cut a piece of ribbon to that size. I used about 7″ of ribbon which made a loop of about 3 1/2″.

Pin the loop to the back piece of the denim and set aside until ready to sew.

Step 4: Embellish the Front of the Ornament

1. Lay out the embellishments of your choice until you come up with a pleasing look.
2. Using clear sewing thread so the stitches can't be seen, sew down all of the embellishments.
3. With wrong sides together and all of the edges lined up, sew around the outside edge of the ornament until done. I use about a 1/8″ seam allowance. When finished, feed the thread through the top layer of denim and knot off where the knot can't be seen.

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Notes

• Don't forget to remove the pin keeping the ribbon in place before you finish the project.
• I use three strands of embroidery floss around the edge so that the coordinating color can be seen.

Ornament Design Ideas by Occasion and Color

Happy Crafting!

It's such a waste to throw out a pair of jeans that can no longer be worn or donated. I have so many pairs in my sewing room and every time I look at them the ideas start flowing, like these ornaments.

One thing that makes them so special is that they are small and don't take much time to do. You can put one on a package as an added decoration, or give one as a hostess gift or stocking stuffer.

These ornaments can be designed to fit any occasion and add a special homemade touch to any home.

Recycled Denim Fish Ornament Video Tutorial

You can make these fun fish ornaments out of recycled denim. It's easy to do with this video tutorial.

© 2014 Claudia Porter

Comments

Claudia Porter (author) on May 11, 2015:

I could definitely see these being sold at a craft market Suzie. I've often thought about starting up a recycled crafts business, but just don't have the time. I went back to work part-time so it limits my craft time. I can't wait to read more from you!

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on May 09, 2015:

What wonderful ideas you always have with Denim! Have sooo missed them. Definitely going to make up some and may even sell! Such great ideas you have for all the occasions too. So glad I stopped by to say hi and will be back writing soon.Up all the way and then some!!

Claudia Porter (author) on January 30, 2015:

Thank you peachpurple. I'm glad you liked the chart. Charts help me get my thoughts organized. Enjoy making your ornaments.

Claudia Porter (author) on January 30, 2015:

Thank you peachpurple. I'm glad you liked the chart. Charts help me get my thoughts organized. Enjoy making your ornaments.

Claudia Porter (author) on January 30, 2015:

Thank you peachpurple. I'm glad you liked the chart. Charts help me get my thoughts organized. Enjoy making your ornaments.

peachy from Home Sweet Home on January 30, 2015:

I like the chart where youstated each occasion , shapes and color, very useful

Daphne D. Lewis from Saint Albans, West Virginia on January 10, 2015:

You're welcome, and thanks for sharing this hub!

Claudia Porter (author) on January 10, 2015:

Hi DaphneDL - I love the idea of adding an ornament to every package you wrap. If you start these now, you'll have lots of ornaments by the time the holidays roll around again. Thanks so much for commenting and reading.

Daphne D. Lewis from Saint Albans, West Virginia on January 09, 2015:

These ornaments are adorable! I'm adding them to my list to start for next Christmas. I always like to add an ornament on each package when I wrap it, and these will be wonderful!

Claudia Porter (author) on November 27, 2014:

Sunshine - Many thanks for reading and commenting. And I know I love all three elements to this one. I'm starting to run out of denim for my projects. Thanks for the support and I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Claudia Porter (author) on November 27, 2014:

Hi Rebecca - This would definitely be a good project for the holidays, especially if there is bad weather and the kids are stuck inside. Many thanks for all of the support! Happy Thanksgiving!

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on November 26, 2014:

Excellent idea! Who doesn't like denim, crafts and ornaments? The best of all three rolled into one! :)

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on November 26, 2014:

This would be a great project for kids to help with while home for the holidays. And of course I love the fact that it is recycling! Thanks! Pinning to my holiday crafts board and shared!

Claudia Porter (author) on October 16, 2014:

Hi OhMe - First off, apologies that it took so long to respond. I took a little time off and am trying to catch up. I think using toddler jeans is an absolutely great idea! I need to go thru my daughter's baby clothes now. Glad you liked the hub and hope you are sewing a bunch for your son and his wife. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on October 13, 2014:

Thank you annieangel1 - Hope you made a lot of ornaments out of your old jeans! They really are fun to make. Have a nice day.

Nancy Tate Hellams from Pendleton, SC on October 07, 2014:

Our ornaments are all so meaningful and this is a super idea. I think I have some of my son's jeans that he wore as a toddler. I would love to make some of these and give the ornaments to he and our daughter in law for their tree.

annieangel1 on October 06, 2014:

I was just about to send an old pair of jeans to the recycling when I spotted this, thanks for the ideas.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 13, 2014:

Thanks so much BNadyn! I like having ornaments for different things. They add a nice little touch around the house. The stars are the perfect example. Exchange the green for red thread and you have a patriotic decoration. I'm glad you liked the project and I appreciate the support.

Bernadyn from Jacksonville, Florida on September 12, 2014:

What a wonderful idea, a great way to reuse jeans. I like that you suggest to make ornaments for any occasion. Using the cookie cutter for outlines is so creative, thanks and pinning this!

Claudia Porter (author) on September 06, 2014:

Hi epbooks - Glad I reminded you of some things from your childhood. It' really is fun to make little projects. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Hope you make some of these!

Elizabeth Parker from Las Vegas, NV on September 05, 2014:

This is a title that got my attention. While I haven't used jeans to create ornaments, when I was a kid, I'd always make little things like this. I forgot all about it until I saw your hub. THanks for bringing me back! Great hub!

Claudia Porter (author) on September 04, 2014:

Hi Raimer Gel - Jeans are great for all sorts of repurposing. It's really fun to make different blue jean creations. Thanks for your comments.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 04, 2014:

Thanks so much Thelma. You could make a whole lot of ornaments out of a couple pairs of jeans. You could probably decorate a whole tree. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Have fun making your ornaments.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 04, 2014:

Hi aka-rms - This is definitely something that anyone can do with any level of sewing skills. That is what is so fun about it. One could even personalize the ornaments with a fabric pen. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 04, 2014:

I appreciate it heidithorne - I hope it gets popular around the holidays. It's interesting because on pinterest I am slowly seeing more and more Christmas stuff so hopefully this picks up some steam. Glad you liked the project and thanks for stopping by.

Raimer Gel on September 03, 2014:

I thought old jeans were only good as rags. That's a great idea.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 03, 2014:

Thank you Phyllis - I like felt creations too, but have been having fun with denim. Glad you liked them and I agree that they have that homespun look which I like. Have a great day.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on September 03, 2014:

What an idea! I have a lot of old jeans which I no longer use. I can make plenty of Christmas ornaments for this DIY. Thanks for sharing. Voted this up. Well done.

ElleBee on September 03, 2014:

Didn't think of that. But I do have some sewing skills, definitely enough for this project.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 03, 2014:

ElleBee - If you don't like to sew you could always use fabric glue to seal them, although these are pretty easy. I love using fabric glue for projects and it's really strong. Glad you liked the project and hope you make a few. Thanks for the kind comments.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 03, 2014:

Hi craftypicks - I could definitely see a whole tree covered in denim, maybe a secondary one to the main tree. Glad you liked the hub and thanks for stopping by.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 03, 2014:

Thanks so much for your continued support Bill. I hope this one does well during the holidays. It's an easy project so that makes it more appealing to some folks. Have a great day.

Robin S from USA on September 02, 2014:

What a terrific idea and it looks simple enough that even I can do it with good results. Thanks for sharing!

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on September 02, 2014:

So cute! Be sure to reshare this in about a month or two when people really start getting into holiday mode. Voted up, useful and beautiful!

Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. on September 02, 2014:

This is a great project and well-written hub with good instructions. I used to make ornaments like this out of felt and embellishments. You have motivated me to make some with denim. I love the homespun look that denim gives the ornaments. Thank you for writing this hub.

ElleBee on September 02, 2014:

These are adorable, and I think they might actually be w/in my (very limited) sewing ability!

Lori Green from Las Vegas on September 02, 2014:

What a wonderful way to decorate a tree! I have plenty of jeans I can use too.

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on September 02, 2014:

Hi Glimmer. How creative. I never would have thought to make ornaments out of old jeans. This hub should do really well during the holiday season. Great job, vote up, shard, etc.. Have a great week.

Claudia Porter (author) on September 02, 2014:

Thank you aviannovice. A bird shape would be pretty on a tree too. Thanks for stopping by!

Claudia Porter (author) on September 02, 2014:

Thanks for the pin and share randomcreative! I'm glad you liked them. The are fun to make. Some of your buttons would look good on them!

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on August 31, 2014:

This is another great idea.

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 31, 2014:

Your ornaments are adorable! I love the range of options here. Pinned and shared on HP.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Thanks so much for the pin Just Ask Susan. They really are a fun quick project. Good luck with your ornaments.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Thanks AliciaC - I imagine you are right. Everyone has at least one pair of jeans that they don't wear anymore. Glad you liked the ornaments.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Jeannieinabottle - The more I work with denim the more ideas I come up with. My husband just chuckles when I look at something and think it can be made with denim. Thanks for stopping by.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Hi teaches - Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I like the stars too.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

RTalloni - I thought about fragrant fillers too, but I have two furry friends, one who really likes to taste anything that smells interesting so I can only imagine what he would do with the tree if I had these on it with fragrance. Just keep the hanger off and they can easily be used as a sachet though. Thanks for the great ideas.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Hi Suzanne - Denim really is good for recycling. Nice and durable and I'm always amazed at how good it looks even after years of wear. Glad you liked these ornaments. Thanks for the kind comments.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Hi Hendrika - You must definitely have denim scraps around. I use my husband's jeans too since he wears out the hems and I can't donate them. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Thanks Hezekiah, I appreciate it. Kids will definitely love this one.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

I appreciate your kind comments tebo and I'm glad you enjoyed this project. It's amazing how many things can be done with jeans.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

tirelesstraveler - I love easy crafts too and this one is definitely easy. Thanks for stopping by!

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Thank you 101Ways2Life. Glad you liked the project.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Hi Kathryn - Christmas is just around the corner. You could get a lot of ornaments out of one pair of jeans. Hope you are enjoying your long weekend and thanks so much for reading.

Susan Zutautas from Ontario, Canada on August 31, 2014:

Oh I love this idea of making ornaments out of jeans! Pinning so I can come back and reference your hub when I make my own ornaments. Very cool!!

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Thanks 2 enjoylife8. I'm working on a curtain project with jeans too! I think a recycled tree would be a great theme and teaching too for kids. Glad you liked the project and I appreciate the kind comments.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

I appreciate it pkmcruk. Kids could definitely do this and if they are too young for needles, then some good fabric glue would work too. Thanks for stopping by!

Claudia Porter (author) on August 31, 2014:

Hi tillsontitan - I can think of a few people too! Seriously though, thanks for your support and kind comments. These really are easy and fun and make a nice homemade gift. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on August 30, 2014:

This is a useful hub, Glimmer. I expect lots of people have old jeans lying around. Your ornaments are a fun way to use them!

Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on August 30, 2014:

I would have never thought to use denim to make ornaments. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

Dianna Mendez on August 30, 2014:

Lots of good ideas here! I love the stars.

RTalloni on August 30, 2014:

Cute, cute, cute!!! I'm seeing these with a fragrant filling… :) These are great examples of reusing denim.

Suzanne Day from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on August 30, 2014:

Denim is the best fabric for upcycling as it is so durable and suits everything else! Your ornaments look lovely and easy to make in time for Christmas and they are very cute. Voted awesome!

Claudia Porter (author) on August 30, 2014:

Hi LisaRoppolo - Thanks for reading. Glad you liked the ornaments.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 30, 2014:

I really appreciate your kind comments starstream. I also think they have a bit of a country look and depending on the type of ribbon and embellishments used could really be a more rustic look. Glad you enjoyed the project and thanks for stopping by.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 30, 2014:

Hi Ibidii - Glad you liked the article. I love creating things with denim. It really is fun and the nice thing about these ornaments is that they don't take much time. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 30, 2014:

Thank you so much misterhollywood. It's amazing what crafts can be done with items around the house. I appreciate the support.

Hendrika from Pretoria, South Africa on August 30, 2014:

Thanks for the good ideas. I love making decorations for Christmas and now I can make these with all the scraps of denim we have. My husband often wear his old jeans for dirty work as shorts by cutting off the legs, so lots of scrap peaces of denim!

Hezekiah from Japan on August 30, 2014:

What an excellent idea, good for kids too. Thank for sharing.

tebo from New Zealand on August 29, 2014:

Great ideas for Christmas decorations. I also like the other ideas you had for using up old jeans....pillow cases, gift bags, aprons.. great ideas.

Judy Specht from California on August 29, 2014:

I can do this! Love easy to follow repurposing ctafts.

Alana Niall from Christchurch, New Zealand on August 29, 2014:

Great idea. Must try.

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on August 29, 2014:

What a great idea! I have some jeans that I set aside just to use for some kind of up-cycled item, but I hadn't gotten to the point of figuring out what yet.

Thanks for sharing this with us. Christmas is almost around the corner when it comes to crafting.

Have a great weekend!

~ Kathryn

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

Thank you so much LadyFiddler. It was a fun project to do and write about. Glad you stopped by.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

Hi Nell - I think a pair of denim shorts definitely counts, even if all it meant was cutting off the legs. Sewing work like this definitely relaxes me and helps me with my patience. Thanks so much for sharing and voting. Have a lovely weekend.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

Thank you engelta - I'm glad you enjoyed the hub.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

What a lovely comment MsDora - Now if I could only have an empire like she does I'd be set for life. Glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for reading.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

Hi Millionaire Tips - I definitely hate throwing away worn out jeans. There are so many parts of them that can be salvaged. Thanks for the kind comments.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

A family craft day sounds like a really fun idea Deborah. I wonder if I could get my 2 sis-in-laws to do it? I know my mom-in-law would. Glad these may be a part of it. They would be great stocking stuffers for family members too. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on August 29, 2014:

Thanks so much craftybegonia. They were fun to make.

2enjoylife8 from Amidst a cloud of creative energy. on August 29, 2014:

I love the simple beauty of these ornaments! Right now I'm using my old jeans for curtain panels, but your idea presents a possible theme for this years Christmas tree! Thanks so much! Repurposing is addictive, isn't it?

pkmcr from Cheshire UK on August 29, 2014:

What an intriguing idea and a great one for crafters and of course the kids!

Mary Craig from New York on August 29, 2014:

Christmas ornaments always attract me ;) I have to say these are a great idea glimmer. Though there are a few people I'd like to leave in the jeans when I hang the ornaments I have to admit these are a useful and easy to do idea.

You've made the instructions easy to follow and I have a feeling there'll be lots of denim ornaments on lots of Christmas trees this year.

Voted up, useful, and awesome.

Lisa Roppolo from New Lenox, IL on August 29, 2014:

What a cute idea!

Dreamer at heart from Northern California on August 29, 2014:

Your denim ornaments are wonderful. They bring back memories of country life for me. Please continue to share your creative ideas. This would be a great project for teaching the value of recycle in our community.

Ibidii on August 29, 2014:

I love the idea of using the cookie cutters as templates! That is awesome. These look really cute and like you said can be made several Holidays. I made an apron for my daughter from an old denim dress. I made some stuffed cats that are small like you ornaments for gifts.

I am in the process of making some purses out of old jeans and using the pockets for coin purses to add to a key chain. Your hub is a great idea for the ornaments!

John Hollywood from Hollywood, CA on August 29, 2014:

Cute hub with lots of practical advice on how to recycle your jeans for ornaments. Who would have thought? I shared this one.

Joanna Chandler from Caribbean on August 29, 2014:

This what i call creativity , very very awesome i love your ornaments this should get a Hub of the day award :)

Blessings

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on August 29, 2014:

You are so clever! and you have that patience that seems to have eluded me! lol! I love this idea, I did make a pair of shorts out of denim jeans a few years ago, does that count? great hub! voted up and shared, nell

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on August 29, 2014:

You may be the Martha Stewart of HubPages, only better since you do so much with recycling (I really don't know if she does). Anyway, I totally admire the crafts from recycled jeans. And for Christmas? Awesome!

Shasta Matova from USA on August 28, 2014:

These are so adorable! And a great way to use up those raggedy jeans instead of throwing them away.

Deborah Neyens from Iowa on August 28, 2014:

I. Love. This. Thank you for giving my Craft Day idea a good three months before Craft Day (an annual holiday tradition among my sister, sisters-in-law, and me) takes place.

craftybegonia from Southwestern, United States on August 28, 2014: