10 Things To Do With Tired Jeans

We've all had it happen... One day you're out shopping and you get into the car and RIP! Your favorite pair of jeans splits right down the backside. They can't be patched, so you reluctantly throw them away. Maybe you're walking down the sidewalk and trip and fall. The knee of your jeans is ripped, and you can't wear them any more. Aside from turning them into shorts, there are some things you can do with them. Instead of throwing them away, you can put those tired, comfy jeans to a new use. Here are some ideas...

1. Hot Pack

This is a good use for many old items. Cut off the leg of the jeans below the knee. Sew the ankle closed and fill with rice. Sew the top closed. Heat in microwave to 1.5 to 2 minutes and you have a reusable hot pack that is large and flexible to take care of most aches and pains.

2. A "Hip" Purse

Ok... so that was a bad pun. You can make a pretty nifty purse, though. Cut the legs off at the crotch and sew the holes closed (this one won't work if the hole is in the butt of the jeans) with the sewing machine. The top of the purse is created by the waistband. Sew a strap (use a part of one of the legs to make one) or some handles onto the waistband and you have a purse.

3. Hanging Bird House

When I was growing up, we hung our clothes on the clothesline to dry. My mom would always get frustrated because birds would try to make nests in the pants. She decided that she would take care of the birds and give them a place to nest that didn't disturb the laundry. She took the leg of the jeans and sewed the bottom of it closed. Then she took a milk carton and cut the top of it off. Then she slid it into the leg of the jeans and hung the leg from the clothesline with several clothepins to keep it from falling. The birds loved it and they stayed out of the laundry.

4. Grocery Sack Holder

If you're like me, you have a billion (ok... maybe not THAT many...) grocery sacks in your kitchen. Cut the leg of the jeans below the knee. Sew ribbon into the bottom hem and the top hem to use as drawstrings. Cinch the bottom closed. Fill with the grocery sacks and cinch the top closed. Hang in the pantry or under the sink to hold your grocery sacks.

5. Pocket Purse

This is a little different than the purse above. Instead of using the whole tushy of the jeans, it uses just the pockets. Cut out the back pockets, leaving 1" around the edge. Place the pockets together, facing each other. Sew them together, then turn the pouch right-side out so that the pockets are on the outside of the pouch. Add a strap of your choice and you have a cute little purse.

6. Fridge or Locker Magnet

This is similar to the idea above. Cut very carefully around the back pocket, staying very close to the edge, making sure to leave the seam intact. Glue a magnet to the back of the pocket with sturdy glue. Decorate the pocket with your choice of craft items.

7. Lunch Sack

Cut the upper part of the leg off right below the booty and make another cut right above the knee. Open the lower part of the leg and cut a circle about 3/4" larger than the biggest part of the leg opening. Turn the tube inside out and sew the circle into the large opening. Turn the bag right-side out. Fold 1/2" of the top over and sew it. Thread a drawstring through this area, and add a strap of your choice.

8. Pillow

This is similar to the purse made from the top of the jeans. Cut the legs off right at the leg openings. Sew the leg openings closed. Attach velcro to the waistband. Stuff a store-bought pillow form or an old pillow into the pouch and close it, and you have a pillow.

9. Apron

There are several variations on this one. I have chosen the easiest and added my flair, however, there are links below to the other directions. For this apron, cut the legs off of the jeans. Cut the front off of the jeans at the side seams, leaving the waistband intact. This will provide the waistband of the apron, which will button in the back. The seat of the jeans will be the front of the apron. Decorate the edge with lace or fabric, or simply hem it.

10. Quilt

This one may take some time. Cut squares from the jeans. Add them to squares from other jeans and sew them together. Add lining and backing and you have a quilt. This allows you to keep all of your favorite jeans that are no longer wearable and continue enjoying them for years to come.

All of these ideas will allow you to get a little more use from your favorite jeans. There are many other options to give your tired jeans new life.