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 gave a ty making a DIY Denim Rug.
I already made a recycled denim basket, so it’s no my first time upcycling denim. I love how the DIY rug 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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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
- 6 used denim pants (maybe more depending of the size)
- Scissors (a very good pair as denim is a thick fabric)
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Jeans and denim machine needles
- Anti-slip underlays
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.
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 😉
A lot of cutting after you are ready to sew the pieces together.
Put two pieces wrong side on wrong side, and sew the long sides together.
Repeat with another piece, and another one…until you finished the circle. I had different denim colors, so I mix the pieces.
When all pieces are sewn, iron the seams. Don’t skip this part if you want to have a nice flat 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.
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.
The rug is done! Happy dance!
And now you can make a safe and happy dance on your new 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.
In conclusion, transforming old denim into a DIY rug is not only an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option, but it also allows for creativity and personalization in your home decor.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can turn your old jeans into a stylish and functional piece for your space. As the saying goes, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” So, take action today and start upcycling those denim pieces sitting in your closet.
And as you walk on your one-of-a-kind rug, remember that you’re not just making a statement, but you’re also a part of the solution. Keep creating, sewing and upcycling – the possibilities are endless!
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Want to remember it? Save this DIY Denim Rug on your favorite Pinterest board
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