Club Benefits
I don't know about you, but when spring comes back around each year, I start seeing my closet in a new light. All of a sudden the clothes I wore last spring don't look as appealing, or my closet suddenly becomes overwhelmed by the clash of winter and summer clothes that I need to clear out.
And then I start staring at my jeans. I've got too many and I'm not even sure I like half of them. But, spring is the perfect time for a clear out and that means decluttering your closet is a great place to start. This year, I've decided to focus on the overwhelming pile of denim I have accumulated.
Article continues below1. Turn them into cleaning cloths
Instead of spending money on microfiber cloths or paper towel, denim has a great texture for picking up dust from surfaces. And, since it's quite a thick fabric, it's also an excellent durable option for cleaning your home over a long period of time.
Much like your other cleaning cloths, you'll be able to throw your jeans turned cleaning cloths into the washing machine to prepare them for your next clean. It's also really easy to cut up or rip up your old jeans to make these cloths and a lot more sustainable than having to spend money buying new ones.
It's worth noting though that you might want to wash the jeans first before using as they might leave lint behind. Old jeans are also well-worn meaning they're less likely to leave behind dye.
2. Craft an apron
One of my favorite cooking influencers wears this wonderful denim apron that I've admired for a while now. So, when I discovered you could turn an old pair of jeans into one, thanks to another creator on TikTok called @properfitclothing, I was excited.
Luckily, I've got a basic amount of sewing skills and the chance to borrow my mom's sewing machine to make this happen. You can make your apron with as much patchwork as you like, as well as reusing the old jean back pockets as front pockets for your apron.
This one requires a little bit of extra skill, but it's worth the effort and there's plenty of tutorials to follow online if you need a helping hand, like the one above.
3. Use them to clean your car
Much like the reasons you can turn your old jeans into cleaning cloths, you can also turn your old jeans into the perfect tool for cleaning your car – both inside and out. Denim works well against grease, oil and grime and so using it as a way to wipe down the exterior of your car, or as a handy cover when you're doing something a bit more hands-on for maintenance is a great solution.
I'm not going to be changing the oil myself anytime soon, but I'm certainly always on the lookout for a way to wipe down the interior and exterior without leaving behind dust.
4. Create a denim tote bag
If a denim apron feels a little out of your sewing skill reach, a simple denim tote bag could be the perfect alternative. Plus, it works great if you've got less denim to use.
Tote bags are simple to sew together. You can even do it by hand, if you've got the patience. And as a self-professed tote lover, the idea of being able to upcycle my old jeans into a durable and stylish addition to my collection is perfect. And as TikTok creator, @designerluisa, demonstrates above, you can even repurpose the pockets from your jeans into pockets for the front of your bag.
5. Transform them into coasters
And if you want to make your upcycling or DIY crafting even easier while still creating something unique for your home, then how about a coaster... or four? With a pair of jeans, you can make a variety of coaster squares, folding up the rough edges and hand sewing them to create a neat finish.
For added texture and design, you can even use the back pockets. Or, you can get as creative as you want attaching crochet, using strips, or stitching on your own design like @oodokey demonstrates above.
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