You have a pair of old jeans in your closet. You don't wear them, but they're too good to throw away. There is a way to transform them into something new and unique.

Yes, you can absolutely make overalls out of old jeans. This popular DIY project¹ can be done with or without sewing, allowing you to upcycle your denim into a new, functional garment with a customized fit and style.

In my two decades running a denim factory, I've seen jeans repurposed in countless ways. The creativity of designers and home sewers never fails to impress me. Turning old jeans into overalls, or dungarees, is a classic project that captures the durable and adaptable spirit of denim.

It's about seeing the potential in a garment that has reached the end of its first life. Let’s break down the different ways you can tackle this project, from a quick no-sew version to a properly constructed pair.

Can You Make Overalls Out of Old Jeans Without Sewing?

You love the idea of DIY overalls but the thought of sewing feels overwhelming. You don't own a machine, and you feel stuck. Don't worry, there are other ways to get it done.

Yes, you can make no-sew overalls² using tools like heavy-duty safety pins, strong fabric glue, or iron-on hemming tape. This method is fast but creates a less durable garment best for temporary wear or a costume.

I've seen some very creative shortcuts in my time, and a no-sew method is the ultimate shortcut. It's perfect if you need a quick costume or just want to try the look.

You will need one pair of jeans to become the shorts and a second pair for the bib and straps. First, cut one pair into shorts. Then, cut a bib panel from the legs of the other pair.

You will also cut long strips for the straps. The magic is in how you connect it all. You can use large safety pins on the inside for a punk look, or use a strong fabric glue for a cleaner finish.

Iron-on hemming tape is another good option for a semi-permanent bond. Just remember, these connections are not as strong as thread. They might not survive a wash cycle and are not meant for heavy activity.

Can You Make Overalls Out of Old Jeans with No Sewing At All?

You need an even faster way to create the overall look. Safety pins and glue still feel like too much work. There is a method that uses no fasteners at all.

You can create a temporary overall style by cleverly tucking and tying parts of your jeans. This involves using a belt or clips to hold a bib in place, making it the fastest but least secure option.

This approach is more of a styling trick than a construction method. It reminds me of how stylists on a photoshoot will quickly pin and clip clothing to fit a model perfectly for a picture.

It's not meant to last all day. For this, you cut your jeans into shorts. Then, you cut a simple bib panel³ from the leftover legs. Instead of straps, you could use an actual belt.

You would cut small slits in the top corners of the bib and thread the belt through it, then buckle it around your neck or cross it in the back and attach it to your belt loops. To attach the bib in the front, you can simply tuck it deep into the waistband of your shorts.

For more security, you could use suspender clips to connect the bib to your shorts' front belt loops. It’s a very creative, temporary solution.

Can You Make Overalls Out of Old Jeans Without a Sewing Machine?

You want a durable, long-lasting pair of overalls but you don't own a sewing machine. You wonder if hand-sewing is strong enough for denim. It absolutely is.

Yes, and hand-sewing can be just as strong as using a machine. With a heavy-duty needle⁴, strong thread, and a simple backstitch, you can create durable, beautiful overalls that will last for years.

Before industrial sewing machines, everything was sewn by hand. A well-made hand stitch is incredibly strong. To do this, you'll need the right tools: a good pair of scissors, a pack of heavy-duty or "denim" needles, strong polyester thread⁵, and a thimble.

The thimble is very important—it protects your finger as you push the needle through thick layers of denim. The process is the same as with a machine, just slower.

You'll cut your base shorts, a bib, and two straps from old jeans. You will carefully sew the hems on all the pieces to prevent fraying. For the main seams, like attaching the bib to the shorts, I recommend using a backstitch.

It's a very strong stitch that locks itself, creating a durable seam that can handle a lot of stress. It takes patience, but the result is a truly handmade garment.

How Do You Make Proper Dungarees Out of Old Jeans?

You are ready to create a high-quality pair of overalls that look professional. You have a sewing machine and want to follow the right steps for a durable, clean finish.

To make proper dungarees, you need a sewing machine and a clear process. This involves carefully cutting your pieces, sewing clean hems, creating double-stitched straps, and securely attaching the bib with reinforced stitches⁶.

This is how we would approach it in a professional sample room. Precision and strong construction are key. Using a sewing machine with a denim needle will give you the best results.

Here is a simple breakdown of the process:	Step	Action	Pro Tip from My Factory
1. Prepare the Base	Cut your main pair of jeans to your desired shorts length.	Cut them about an inch longer than you want, so you have fabric to create a clean, folded hem.
2. Create the Bib	Cut a bib panel from the leftover jean legs. Measure it against your torso for size.	Hem all four sides of the bib. This prevents fraying and gives it a professional look.
3. Make the Straps	Cut two long, wide strips of denim. Fold each in half lengthwise and sew down the long edge.	Turn the straps right-side out and then "topstitch" along both long edges. This makes them flat, strong, and look great.
4. Attach Everything	Sew the straps to the top corners of the bib. Then, sew the bottom of the bib to the front waistband of the shorts.	Where the straps attach to the bib and the back of the shorts, use a square stitch or an "X-box" stitch for maximum strength. These are stress points and need reinforcement.

Conclusion

Turning old jeans into overalls is a great project. You can choose any method, from a quick no-sew trick to a fully machine-sewn garment, to give your denim a new life.

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