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DIY rug with old denims

DIY recycled denim rug

I wear denim every day, it’s like my uniform. As everything, after a while, they become old and have holes. As I hate to throw away…even old clothes, I try to find ways to upcycle things.

I already made a recycled denim basket, this time I give a try with a DIY rug. I love how it turns out. It’s not very complicated to make but it does take time to cut out and sew the fabric pieces together.

The result was totally worth the time and my son have a nice rug to play in his bedroom.

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used demin recycled into a rug

The finished rug will have a diameter of 5 feet 10 inches. You will need at least 6 denim pants to complete this project. I use some of my pants, size 10, and others from my husband. The smallest the pants are the more you gonna need…for once I was happy not to be a size 6 😉

Materials you will need to make a DIY recycled denim rug

One important thing, if you want to avoid any accident you need to put anti-slip underlays like these ones or you can make your rug more cushioning with this.

cut denim to make a rug

The first thing you need to do is drawing the pattern to cut out the pieces. Take some paper or cardboard you have around and trace a trapezoid.

The large base dimension is 9 1/4, the high 27 1/2 and the small base is 2 inches (in centimeters this will be: 23.5 cm for the base, 70 cm high and 5.5 cm for the small side). You report the trapezoid shape on the denim and you cut out the piece, leaving 1 inch around for the seam.

denim pieces to make a rug

You cut 4 pieces from each denim, you will need 24 pieces to complete the rug (which mean 6 pants…..I’m too good at math, I know 😉

used denim recycled into a rug

 

A lot of cutting after you are ready to sew the pieces together.

sew demin to make a rug

Put two pieces wrong side on wrong side, and sew the long sides together.

sewing pieces to make a denim rug

Repeat with another piece, and another one…until you finished the circle. I had different denim colors, so I mix the pieces.

iron back of the diy denim rug

When all pieces are sewn, iron the seams. Don’t skip this part if you want to have a nice flat rug!

sewing a DIY recycled denim rug

Here we are, almost done. The finish the outside of the rug, fold the edge through inside, pin and make a seam al along.

sew a diy recycled denim rug

Take the last pant and cut a circle of 1 1/2 feet (43 cm) in it. It’s fine if you need to sew fabric pieces together to make the circle. Pin the circle in the center and sew it with the rug. Iron the seam.

put anti-slip underlay under diy denim rug

The rug is done! Happy dance!

Don’t forget to put anti-slip like these ones under your DIY rug ( this one is chunky, and perfect if you like walking barefoot)

And now you can make a safe and happy dance on your new rug!

DIY recycled denim rug

 

DIY recycled denim rug

 

DIY recycled denim rug

So what do you think? Any other fabric we can use to make an upcycled rug?
If you like the crates storage in the picture below, take a tour HERE for the tutorial.

kid's bedroom with DIY recycled denim rug

 

DIY recycled denim rug

Looking for more ideas to upcycle your denim? You can find inspiration with these 30 DIY ideas or in this great book.

DIY recycled denim rug

 

You will find all the tutorials featured in the video on my “Best DIY” page.

Amaryllis

Toyann

Friday 3rd of April 2020

When do you sew the outside seam? I didn't see that in the instructions.

amaryllis

Monday 6th of April 2020

Hello, once you have finished sewing all the pieces together, you fold the fabric edge inside, you pin and you sew. Thanks for your comment, I changed a little the text in the blog post to make the explanation better. Have fun sewing.

Brenda Bradford

Friday 24th of January 2020

Very nice rug. I like to reuse and repulse also. Thanks for sharing the instructions.

Persian Rugs London

Wednesday 15th of May 2019

Thanks for sharing this DIY rug design, nice article.

Leslie A Dzuro

Thursday 18th of April 2019

So Instarted making this probably.giving it a little too much extra for the seams and thought, "This is gonna be pretty darn huge...too huge...hmmm" I was showing off my progress and held it up in the mirror.to.look then realized if I closed.off the 9 sections that were done...I had an awesome a-line skirt just my size!! I cant wait to add some pockets in the back and maybe some in front who knows? I can wear it to go shopping or even to do some of my heavier duty outside summer chores. Its so durable...I still need to hem the bottom but was so excited I couldn't wait to share. Thanks so much for the tutorial & inspiration! P.s. This will pretty much work for anyone including little girls. Just add or remove a section to accomodate your waist size and hem to desired length.

amaryllis

Friday 19th of April 2019

This is wonderful! Starting a project to upcycling denim pants into a rug, but ending with a skirt! I love it, very creative!

Brenda S Lang

Friday 19th of October 2018

Omgoodness! That sounds so simple. I can't wait to make this rug. Unfortunately, I just gave all my wore jeans to goodwill. I'm sure my family and friends will help me with this adventure!

amaryllis

Friday 19th of October 2018

Hello Brenda, it is very simple! Have fun making your rug