Does anyone have any patterns or ideas for converting old denim jeans into something else eg; bags or purses?

Answer 1

You might find a lot of inspiration on a website where people sell things they have altered into something else. The link I provide here is where I have searched on there for "denim"

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=denim

There is a clutch bag on there, a tote bag, a little denim apron... the back pockets on jeans are fab for doing things with if you handmake cards or do scrapbooking...

Answer 2

We used to cut the legs off and tie each leg into one big knot to make a toy for our big puppy dog. She loved them.

I've also made skirts from jeans. That was fun. You need two pair to make a skirt, but you'll have some leftovers. Carefully open the seams on the inside of the legs of both pair. Open the underside of the crotch seam, too. Measure and cut two triangles from the legs of one pair to fit the openings at the front and back of the pair you want to wear. Sew these triangle pieces in, and off you go.

Answer 3

You can also make a vest from the jeans. Get some funky snaps at the fabric store for front closures.

Answer 4

Hello and yes I have an idea...

make a teddy bear, or use the left over jeans for a retro looking chair cover or throw...

Answer 5

Make a cushion. Open out the legs for the back, use the butt for the front and use the pockets for remotes etc.? Just an idea?

Answer 6

I feel that skirts tend to either look kind of trashy or cheap if they are tight and short, or these are just the run of the mill jean skirts that are not necessarily sexy.

Answer 7

Try maxi skirts with the side slits those will look great you! No matter whether you have long legs or not only strut that skirt

Answer 8

turn them into shorts; cut them a little longer if you want to hem them
when I was a kid we would cut the legs off and sew the openings shut to make a bag.We often used an old belt as a strap.

Answer 9

Denim paper
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_accessories_jewelry/article/0,1789,HGTV_3225_2740191,00.html

Blue-jean bookbag
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10027

Crocheted denim-rag bag
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/03/21/crocheted-denim-rag-bag

Circular knitting needle holder
http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/fomisc.html

Pillow
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=139239.0

Somebody even re-upholstered an old Lazy-Boy recliner with jeans: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=79204.0

Answer 10

You could always cut off the legs of them and make cute boot cut shorts