Super Cute and Easy Ideas for Upcycling Old Jeans

Tools and materials:

• Pair of jeans
• Rhinestones (cut-out hearts)
• Fabric glue
• Needle and thread
• Pair of thrifted jeans (for exaggerated cuffs)
• Scissors
• Matching thread
• Jacket (optional for matching set)
• Paint (for black denim)
• Paintbrush
• Tape (for studded jeans)
• Studs

1. Rhinestone hearts

Start by laying out your jeans and deciding where you want the rhinestone hearts.

Avoid tight areas if you plan to cut out parts of the heart. 

Glue the rhinestones in place using a light application of fabric glue.

Then hand-sew them for a secure fit, looping your stitches from inside to outside the heart about every half-inch.

If you make sure the thread goes between the rhinestones as you sew, then the stitches won’t be visible. 

Be creative with your design, and remember to take it slow.

2. Exaggerated cuffs

Pick a pair of jeans that you want to add an exaggerated cuff to.

Thrift another pair of jeans that match your original pair in color, but that you’re happy to cut up. 

Cut off the legs of your thrifted jeans and pin them into the existing hem of your jeans. 

Fold up the cuff to hide where it’s connected to your main jeans, and check the length. If it’s too long, then remove the cuff, cut off a bit more, and re-pin it.

If the seams from your thrift and original jeans don’t match, consider which seam you want to match up perfectly.

I suggest you pick the outer seam, because that’s what will be visible.

Once you’re happy with the length, sew the cuff piece (unfolded) to your original jeans, that just fold the cuff back up to hide the seam.

Pin and sew, creating an exaggerated cuff that adds both length and style. 

Consider doing a matching jean jacket. You can watch what I did in the video at 8:09 – 9:07.

3. Painted black jeans

Experiment with painting your black jeans. For a bolder black, avoid watering down the paint.

Paint your jeans aggressively, making each area bold and strong.

Consider doing a second coat on specific areas for added intensity. 

Wash your jeans multiple times to achieve the perfect distressed look.

4. Studded jeans

Decide on the placement of the studs on your jeans. Pop them in without bending the back to preview the design. 

Work methodically, considering elements like belt loops for even distribution

Once satisfied, push them through, fold the backs down, and flatten them using a tool.

Use tape to protect your fingers while folding and flattening.

Be creative! You can stud jeans and denim jackets!

Upcycling jeans ideas

I'm so excited about how these denim makeovers turned out! They bring me so much joy, and I hope you'll give them a shot too. 

Don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know which upcycling jeans idea you liked the best!

Next, check out My New and Improved DIY Rhinestone Boots Tutorial.