Got some old jeans? Well how about recycling the hems into some cool coasters. I saw the idea over at Going Green Crafters where they used the hems from old jeans to create denim coasters.
I just love recycling denim and had to try this craft project. I used two inside hems from a pair of old jeans to create my coaster. Trim the edges very close and evenly with a pair of sharp scissors.
Next I spliced my two hem strips together with a thread and needle. Just do a few hidden slip stitches to secure your two denim pieces together. You can click on any of the photos to supersize them.
Using a fabric glue, roll up your denim hem and apply a line of glue along the inside of the strip. Work your way along by tightly rolling up the denim and applying the glue until you get to the end. I added a extra bit of glue at the end and left the coaster to dry for several hours on a flat surface to make sure the coaster would set up nicely.
Here is my finished denim coaster. It measures about 4 inches wide. I left the bottom hem end on it as I thought it added character. You could cut it off or add another hem strip to make your coaster larger as desired. Now I’m ready to go out and enjoy a hot cup of coffee using my new recycled denim coaster.
I love that you showed how you sewed the two pieces together. This looks really great! I can’t wait to try it myself.
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This is a really cool idea! I like the looks of the end product. I sent your post link on to another crafter, also. 🙂
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Wow – now that wasn’t at all what I was expecting! very nice!
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What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing!
Definitely going to try this – first project I’ve seen for using the part that usually get’s discarded – fantastic!
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Love these! Must make some trivets…
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How inventive and practical. I really like this idea. Nice day 😀
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Love this!
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So cool. Almost make you want to cut up a good pair of jeans.
Cindy, this is such a good idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love this! I weave tons of rugs for people using old denim but I usually throw the seams away and have boxes of pockets I want to do something with. The coasters are wonderful, can’t wait to cut up some jeans and give this a try. I saw the pocket pot holders, may give those a try too….Thanks!
Wow, what a fun project to use the hems. Going to make some today….Thanks for this great idea!!!
I wonder if the side seams would work as well – they would be longer and not need to be sewn together —- I think I will give it a try – could be a good item to donate to the church craft show.
With jeans that I have I have taken a leg of the jeans, ran a casing around the botton of the leg (narrow part) threading elastic thru it and sewing the elastic together. At the top making a hem and adding a hanging type strap and have a bag for grocery bags to recycle. I also have made them for gifts. Having an embroidery machine I embroidered a “Bag Lady” on it and give out as gifts.
I love your coasters.
Made a bunch of pocket purses for a charity but was thinking what do I do with the rest of the jeans now. Great ideas…….
Kathy,
What parts do you still have? I use small pieces for rags, coasters, or even cut them into quilt squares. I have used small pieces for cutting out hearts to place on other projects too.
I make denim purses from the top of the old jeans and use the leg material to make quilts. I made dog toys from the seams. I take some of the hems (seams) and tie them together about 3 or 4 of the pieces, so it looks like an octopus, kind of. My dog loves it! But I think the coaster idea is fantastic and will be making some right away. Thanks for sharing.
This is the tutorial of the day on my blog, The Crafty Artisan. I have posted photos and a link sending my readers to your web site.
Happy Crafting!
art attack wooooo….i loved it nice work and nice coaster.
Hey Cindy! I’d like to feature these on Craft Gossip but the top photo is a bit small. Would you be able to send me a larger version?
Thanks Amanda! These are all the photos I have of the project but free feel to use what you can. I look forward to seeing your Craft Gossip post and so appreciate you featuring my recycled denim project.
That is a really neat idea. Thank you.
Great idea, regards! x
These are fantastic!!!!
Muito joia.
Hi Cindy, I love this idea! Could these coasters be made bigger and used to set hot pots or casserole dishes on? Would the fabric glue hold with extreme heat?
Shannon — Yes these denim coasters could be made bigger but just adding more hem strips. Just add them as I have shown when I used a thread and needle to attach a new hem strip in the tutorial. I’m not sure about the glue holding for extreme heat but a good fabric glue should hold for moderate heat. I guess you try it and see how it holds up over time using it for hot dishes.
Wow, i love the idea!
Greets from Germany.
Sylvia
Hey thanks for this great idea, I have many jeans that do not fit me… SO, I can utilise now… Thank you very much.