You have a pair of old jeans you can't wear anymore. You hate the idea of throwing them away, but you don't know what else to do with them.

Yes, you can absolutely make bookmarks out of old jeans. The durable denim fabric¹ is perfect for crafting sturdy, unique bookmarks that won't easily tear, and it’s a simple and fun DIY project.

In my factory, we work with massive rolls of denim, but the core principle is the same: don't waste good material.

Every scrap has potential. A designer like Dean might see a small, distressed piece and be inspired to use it as a patch on a jacket.

You can have that same mindset at home. An old pair of jeans isn't trash; it's a source of high-quality, pre-worn fabric that's perfect for small, creative projects. Making a bookmark is the perfect way to start your upcycling journey.

How can you repurpose old jeans?

You have a growing pile of old jeans in your closet. They take up space, and you know there must be something useful you can do with them.

You can repurpose old jeans into countless items. Simple projects include making bookmarks, coasters, or patches, while more involved projects can yield tote bags², pillows, or even a quilt.

The strength and texture of denim make it an amazing material for all kinds of crafts.

The possibilities are really only limited by your imagination and your comfort level with crafting.

For someone just starting out, using the fabric for small, no-sew projects is a great way to begin. As you get more comfortable, you can take on bigger challenges.

The different parts of the jeans offer unique opportunities. The sturdy pocket can be cut out and hung on a wall as a small organizer.

The thick, flat seams can be coiled up to make durable drink coasters. And the large sections of fabric from the legs are perfect for creating things like tote bags or decorative pillow covers.

It's a great way to give a piece of clothing with memories a brand new life.

Skill Level	Project Ideas	Part of Jean to Use
Beginner	Bookmarks, Patches, Coasters	Any fabric scrap, seams
Intermediate	Tote Bags, Pouches, Throw Pillows	Leg fabric, pockets
Advanced	Quilts, Rugs, Upholstery	The entire pair of jeans

How do you make scrap fabric bookmarks?

You want a unique bookmark that won't get bent or torn. Store-bought paper ones are flimsy, and you want something with more personality that you can make yourself.

To make a scrap denim bookmark, simply cut a rectangle of fabric from old jeans³, trim the edges neatly with sharp scissors, and add any decorations you like with fabric glue⁴.

Creating a denim bookmark is one of the fastest and most satisfying DIY projects⁵. You don't even need a sewing machine⁶. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.

The Basic Bookmark

This is the classic, straightforward approach. First, cut a strip of denim about 2 inches wide and 7 inches long. Use sharp fabric scissors for a clean edge.

That's it! You have a durable, simple bookmark. If you want to add a little style, you can gently fray the edges with your fingernail or a piece of sandpaper.

The Shaped Bookmark

This one adds a bit more fun. Draw a simple shape like a heart or a star on a piece of paper to use as a template. Trace your shape onto the denim and carefully cut it out.

For more detailed shapes, a thin layer of fabric glue along the cut edges can help prevent too much fraying.

The Tassel Bookmark

For a playful touch, you can add a tassel. Cut your main bookmark strip. Then, cut several very thin, long strips of denim.

Fold this bundle of thin strips in half and tie them together near the fold with another small piece of fabric. Use fabric glue to attach the top of your new tassel to the top of the bookmark.

Are old jeans good for anything?

You're looking at a pair of jeans that are completely worn out, with holes in the knees and frayed hems. They seem useless, like they should just be thrown in the trash.

Yes, even very old jeans are good for many things. The durable denim fabric, even in worn sections, is a valuable raw material for hundreds of creative upcycling⁷ and repair projects.

Old jeans are a goldmine for crafters. The reason they're so versatile comes down to the fundamental properties of the denim fabric itself.

It's not just "cloth"; it's a material engineered for durability. Think about it: even a "worn-out" pair of jeans is still stronger than most brand-new fabrics you can buy in a store.

The worn, faded parts have a beautiful, authentic texture that you can't fake. The stronger, less-worn sections around the upper legs and waistband can be used for projects that need more structure.

This is why I love working with denim; its character improves with age. Even the smallest scraps can be used for patches⁸ or decorative elements. Before you ever consider throwing a pair away, look at it as a collection of different materials.

Denim Property	Why It's Great for DIY
Durability	Projects will last a long time.
Texture	Adds character and a vintage feel.
Versatility	Can be cut, glued, sewn, or painted.

Can worn out jeans be recycled?

Your jeans are so torn and stained that you can't even cut a usable scrap from them. You don't want to just throw them away and add to a landfill.

Yes, worn-out jeans that are beyond repair or upcycling can be recycled. Textile recycling programs can break down the cotton fibers and use them to create new materials like insulation or yarn.

It's important to know the difference between upcycling and recycling. Upcycling is what we've been talking about: you creatively reuse the material yourself to make something new.

Recycling is an industrial process where the material itself is broken down and remade. When you send your jeans to a textile recycling⁹ facility, they are put into machines that shred the fabric.

These machines pull all the cotton fibers apart. These raw fibers are then cleaned and re-spun into new threads or pressed into thick mats.

This recycled material can become home insulation, carpet padding, or sound-proofing material for cars. Some companies even use it to spin new yarn to make new "recycled" denim.

This process keeps textiles out of landfills and reduces the need to grow new cotton, which saves a huge amount of water and energy. Many clothing brands and local community centers have drop-off bins for textile recycling.

Conclusion

Old jeans are far from useless. They are a wonderful resource for creative DIY projects like bookmarks and can even be recycled, giving the fabric a full and sustainable second life.

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