Upcycle Old Jeans
( Don’t miss Day #2 of this post HERE)
Out with the old, in with the new, right? Well, sometimes but not always — old jeans are the perfect upcycle project! The styles of jeans change every couple of years, if not every year, but that doesn’t mean you have to give them the heave ho. I have had these “Sweetheart” style Old Navy jeans for several years, they do not even make them anymore. This style is a tad low on the waist and the leg width is looser than what I wear now, but it was hard for me to give them away when I saw a pair of beaded cropped jeans for a hefty price at one of our local retail stores. You can really tell this pair of jeans has been worn a lot because they look like my knees are still in them, LOL!
Upcycle with the Right Tools
As with any project, preparation with the right tools is important. This upcycle project went very quickly with just a few necessary items and doing one step at a time.
Step 1: When cutting off the old upcycle jeans, be sure to work on a flat surface. Measure and mark the amount you want to cut off on each pant leg. Use a comfortable pair of sharp fabric scissors for the most accurate cut. I use Fiskars brand scissors that are ergonomically designed so that they do not make your hands sore. I have done so much hand work in the past that my thumbs hurt now, so these scissors are a big help since there is no thumb action required. Here is the link I used to purchase them on Amazon:
// Fiskar Ergonomic Scissors //
Step 2: “Measure twice, cut once” is still a good rule. I decided to cut off 8-inches of length which left the upcycle jeans just below my calf. The ruler I used was thin cheap plastic and was flimsy for this project. It is best to use a heavier metal ruler for an accurate measurement, even a dressmaker tape is too soft for this. For future projects, I ordered this set of 3 heavy metal rulers from Amazon, different sizes are good for projects from big to small. Below is the link for the ruler set:
// Set of Metal Rulers //
Step 3: Before you apply the beaded fringe, be sure to finish off the bottom edge of the denim to prevent fraying. I used a zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine, but you can also use “Fray Check” which is a quick-drying liquid that seals the raw edge. If you do not want to sew for this project, the beaded fringe can also be attached to the upcycle jeans with Tear Mender permanent washable fabric glue. Below are Amazon links to both of these products:
// Fray Check //
// Tear Mender Fabric Glue //
Easy Upcycle with Beaded Fringe
I found the beaded tulip fringe on Amazon, it is hand washable. I plan to roll up the finished hems and then put my upcycle jeans in a sealed pillow case for gentle machine washing, then let them line dry to keep anything from snagging or tangling. The fringe came packaged in one continuous length of 36-inches and was EXACTLY enough to embellish both legs of the upcycle jeans. And I mean EXACTLY, not one bead left over, ha! So, be sure to also measure around each leg so you order enough of this beaded fringe to complete the project. Better to have too much than not enough!
You can purchase this beaded fringe on Amazon here:
// Beaded Fringe //
Keep reading to see the completed upcycled jeans styled three different ways by just changing the shoe option.
Keep reading to see the completed upcycled jeans styled three different ways by just changing the shoe option.
Keep reading to see the completed upcycled jeans styled three different ways by just changing the shoe option.
Upcycle with Style
The completed upcycle jeans have been a lot of fun to wear for a casual look with that added “bling” to dress them up for a different type of look. I have said it a million times, but it is still somewhat hot here in Georgia, so the jeans are a nice transition into Fall. It is easy to give this same outfit a different look by just changing the shoes as shown in the three examples below. I have worn the same earrings, necklace, belt and Fitbit accessories in all of the looks with links for everything below:
Chocolate Suede Bootie Option
// Gold Drop Earrings // //Chocolate Pearls Necklace// // Cheetah Belt //
// Fitbit Charge 2 // // Fitbit Cheetah Band //
*BE SURE TO SELECT YOUR SIZE AND BASIC BAND COLOR WHEN ORDERING YOUR FITBIT CHARGE 2*
A great seasonal option is the suede sandal type bootie with chunky heal that will be a very popular look this Fall. This shoe looks great with many different types of jeans and pants, especially when you are not needing a full boot and open sandal season is gone while we are transitioning to Fall.
// Brown Suede Sandal Bootie //
Basic Black Gladiator Option
My black gladiator wedge sandals are older by Naturalizer. I found a similar option for you by Aerosoles here at Amazon.
Dressy Gold Wedge Option
If you are having a warm, slow Fall transition where you live, you can still mix in open shoes with seasonal Fall wardrobe pieces like my gold wedges below.
My gold wedge sandals are a few years old and are by Naturalizer. I found a similar option here on Amazon.
// Gold Wedge Sandals //
It doesn’t take much for me to feel wild and daring, LOL! Check out my navy blue toenail polish, a big step from me usually sticking with red or dark pink. Jazz up your pedicure with an unexpected new color, a fun and easy change with cute shoes!
Linking with: French Ethereal
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14 Comments
These jean are so adorable! I love this tutorial! I would love to try this.
Maria
Hi, Maria! The jeans revamp is so quick and easy, I would love to see how yours turn out, let’s stay in touch! Thanks for visiting 🙂
Lori Jo
Very cute Lori Jo. You did well giving them a completely new look – I liked them with the gold sandals the best, but the look definitely works with all three. Nice to see you back blogging again.
Glad you enjoyed the idea, Leanne! It is fun to be creative with clothing, glad to be back, talk soon!
Lori Jo
How cute!!! Lori Jo, I love how you’ve cut off your jeans and created something new with them just with a bit of fringe beads! Great idea!!! You know, I had these sweet beaded fringe pillows from Mervyn’s {which went out of business during the beginning of the Great Recession} and I finally let them go this year… I knew those beads were good for something!!! Lol! Actually, I have some jeans which will be falling apart in the body soon but I plan on keeping the pockets as they are super beaded. <3
Happy recycling and such cute sandals/boots!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the post, Barbara! I do remember Mervyn’s too! Yes, save those beaded pockets, they can be used in many other ways. Stay tuned for more fun stuff coming soon 😀
Lori Jo
Super cute, Lori Jo, and a great idea to change the style of jeans by adding fringe! Thanks for the tutorial! Pinning!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Julie. Thanks so much for the pin! 😀
Lori Jo
Totally adorable! I must have some.
🙂 gwingal
Yes, Nikki! I would love to see how your upcycled beaded fringe jeans turn out, let me know! Thanks for visiting 🙂
Lori Jo
Lori this is such a clever idea and the result is stunningly professional. I really love all the embellishments you’ve added!
Thanks, Mary! Glad you enjoyed this idea – these may be the longest living jeans on earth, LOL!
Lori Jo
GIRL!!! I think he might be my sister from another mister. Are used to do this to my jeans back in the 90s and absolutely loved it. I would attach the friends with Velcro so that I could take them off when I wash the jeans. Best idea ever. I haven’t done it in a while and now your post has me thinking I need to do this again. Thank you so much for the post! You rock! Hey no hurry we’re going to bite my skin
Glad you were inspired! My next project is to revive some old overalls in a chic way, eclectic is fun! Thanks for visiting 🙂 p.s. not sure I understand the end of your comment???
Lori Jo