Turn Your Jean Scraps Into Stylish Accessories: DIY Denim Pouch and Fringe Earrings
Don’t let your leftover jean scraps go to waste after Pants Month. Give them a second life with these stylish accessory projects! Transform those leftover denim pieces into a trendy shoulder pouch and a pair of fringe earrings for the perfect DIY denim duo. Get creative and make your jeans go even further!
DIY Denim Pouch
Upcycle a pair of old jeans with great pockets by transforming them into a cute pouch, using the existing back pocket as an exterior pouch pocket.
Supplies
- One pair of non-stretch denim jeans
- 1/4 yard of woven cotton fabric (lining)
- Two 1/2″-wide swivel lobster clasps
- Size 100/16 denim needle
- Matching all-purpose thread
- Removable fabric marker
- Rotary cutting system
- Pattern or tracing paper
If you don’t feel like cutting up an old pair of jeans, look into your stash or even your scrap bin to find fabric leftovers and off-cuts from past sewing projects instead!
Preparation
Start by drawing a 5"x7" rectangle on pattern or tracing paper and cut it out to designate it as the pouch template. Mark one short edge as the upper edge. Repeat this step to create a 4"x5" flap template and mark one long edge as the upper edge. Prewash and dry the jeans. Cut along each outer seam on the jeans, beginning at the leg opening and ending at the waistband. Spread out the jeans flat with the back facing right side up on a work surface. Center the pouch template over one back pocket, align the template lower edge with the pocket lower edge, pin, and then cut out. This will be the front panel. Position the flap template over one leg, align the template lower edge with the hem, pin, and then cut out. From the remaining denim fabric, cut one back panel using the pouch template, one 2"x20" rectangle for the strap, and two 2" squares for the strap tabs. From the lining fabric, cut one front and back panel using the pouch template and one 4 1/2"x5" rectangle for the flap.
Construction
All seam allowances are 1/4" unless otherwise noted. Start by pressing one strap tab in half lengthwise with wrong sides together; unfold. Fold each tab long edge toward the fold line; press. Fold along the original fold lines; press. Topstitch each tab long edge using a scant 1/8" seam allowance. Repeat to construct the remaining strap tab and strap. Insert one strap short end through one lobster-clasp ring, extending the short end 3/4" beyond the ring. Stitch over the strap short end, through all layers using a bar tack to secure. Repeat to attach the opposite strap short end to the remaining clasp. Position the flap lining right side up on a flat work surface and designate one long edge as the upper edge. Position the denim flap wrong side up over the flap lining, aligning the upper and side edges, but making sure the lining lower edge extends 1/2" beyond the denim lower edge; pin. Fold the lining raw lower edge 1/2" toward the lining wrong side; press. Stitch each side edge. Turn the flap right side out; press flat. Edgestitch the flap lower edge from the denim side, making sure to catch the lining lower folded edge within the stitching and using a needle thread color that matches the denim. Position the denim front and back panels right sides together; pin. Stitch the side and lower edges. Clip the lower corners. Repeat to stitch the lining front and back panels, but leave a centered 3" long opening along one long side for turning. Turn the denim exterior right side out; press. Fold each strap tab in half widthwise; press. Position the denim exterior with the back panel right side up on a flat work surface. Position one strap tab over the back-panel right side, aligning one tab long edge with the panel side seamline and the tab short ends with the panel upper edge; baste. Position the flap lining side up over the back-panel right side, aligning the flap upper edge with the panel upper edge; baste. Insert the lining into the denim exterior with right sides together, aligning the seam lines and upper edges; pin. Stitch the pouch upper edge. Turn the pouch right side out through the lining opening; press. Machine stitch the lining opening closed. Push the lining into the denim exterior, favouring the denim upper edge toward the lining; press. Edgestitch the pouch upper edge using a scant 1/8" seam allowance.
DIY Denim Fringe Earrings
Flaunt fringed denim earrings upcycled from a pair of jeans.
Supplies
- One pair of non-stretch denim jeans
- Two fishhook ear wires
- Size 100/16 denim needle
- Matching all-purpose thread
- Removable fabric marker
- Seam ripper
- Pattern or tracing paper
For a bold look, use bright-coloured jeans!
Preparation
Prewash and dry the jeans. Draw a 1"x1 1/2" rectangle on pattern or tracing paper; cut out. Designate as the earring template and one short edge as the upper edge. Position the earring template over one jeans leg, aligning the template upper edge with the hem; pin and then cut out. Designate the hem edge as the earring upper edge. Repeat to cut a second earring.
Construction
To fray the edge, remove the cross-grain threads beginning at the earring's lower edge using a seam ripper. Stop removing threads at the hemline stitching line. Press the earring flat and straighten the frayed threads. Attach one fishhook ear wire centered along each earring upper edge. No fabric scrap left behind! Whether you’re upcycling old pieces or repurposing fabric scraps, every bit can find new life in a creative project—no matter how small! Try creating your own denim pouch and earrings today!
First Trim's Hot Take
Repurposing denim scraps into stylish accessories is a fantastic and sustainable way to reduce waste and add unique pieces to your wardrobe. The DIY denim pouch and fringe earrings are not just environmentally friendly but also budget-friendly and fashionable. So grab those old jeans and let your creativity shine!
Original Article: https://www.sewdaily.com/sewing/turn-your-jean-scraps-into-stylish-accessories-diy-denim-pouch-and-fringe-earrings/
