How to Upcycle a Denim Jacket Easily Using an Old Graphic Tee

Somethingflava
by Somethingflava
5 Materials
$10
15 Minutes
Easy

Have a denim jacket you’ve been wanting to spice up? In today’s tutorial, I’m going to show you how to upcycle a denim jacket with just a graphic t-shirt.


A denim jacket upcycle is a great way to change up your wardrobe without buying a whole new piece and it’s super easy to do. Let’s get started!

Tools and materials:

  • Denim jacket
  • Graphic t-shirt
  • Scissors
  • Fabric marker
  • Sewing machine
Laying the back panel of the denim jacket flat

1. Lay your jacket flat

We’re only using the back panel, so lay your jean jacket flat and smooth out any lines.

Placing the graphic t-shirt on the back of the denim jacket

2. Place your t-shirt on your jacket

Center the t-shirt design where the back panel is on your jean jacket, ensuring it’s in the exact spot you want it in and that the design doesn’t exceed excessively outside the panel.

Tracing the back panel

3. Trace the back panel

Using the raised seams, trace the back panel onto your t-shirt. This is going to be our guide on where to cut. 

Cutting out the t-shirt design

4. Cut out your t-shirt design

Cut about an inch away from the traced line. The extra space is going to allow us to create nice, clean seams.

How to upcycle a denim jacket

5. Fold the edges

Fold the edges of the graphic you just cut out under, making sure the fold is lined up with the line you traced earlier. The graphic should fit neatly within the back panel.

Easy denim jacket upcycle

6. Pin and sew

Pin the graphic to the jacket and sew with a straight stitch.

Sewing the denim jacket

7. Sew again

Sew another straight stitch even closer to the edge for additional security and to prevent fraying.


Tada! The finished denim jacket upcycle!

DIY upcycled jean jacket with a skull design

Here’s another design I did in case you’re looking for some more upcycled denim jacket ideas:

DIY upcycled jean jacket with a graphic t-shirt

How to upcycle a denim jacket

This DIY upcycled jean jacket is a really cool way to personalize your denim without spending a ton of money. It can even make a great gift!


Let me know which design is your favorite and if you decide to try this tutorial.

Suggested materials:
  • Denim jacket
  • Graphic t-shirt
  • Scissors
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 3 comments
  • Msf27430720 Msf27430720 on Mar 30, 2022

    Great idea! Short cut if can't draw or embroider. I'd check t shirt sales for whimsical designs & embellish with gems or buttons.


  • Lisa Lisa on Mar 30, 2022

    I love both of them. So it would be hard to say which one. Good idea.

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