Recycling your old jeans into new and useful things is fun and frugal. The denim recycled from old jeans is very durable and the fabric is very versatile. Oh and the best part, when you recycle denim from materials you have on hand, its FREE.
Today I want to share how to make an oven mitt from your old jeans. There are several good tutorials on the Internet showing how to create a homemade oven mitt. (Edit:) Here is a oven mitt template you can use. The original one I used is no longer free so the link has been changed to one that is free.
Cut two denim panels using the mitt template. Then cut two from fabric for your lining and two for your mylar batting. If you don’t want to use store bought mylar batting, just cut two pieces from old towels but make sure they are thick so you get enough protection for inside of your mitt.
Click on any photos to supersize
Because denim is so hard to machine sew through several layers, I assembled my oven mitt in two pieces. First pin the two denim panels together with right sides together. Machine sew the two denim panels together using a narrow hem around the mitt. Leave the end hem unfinished at this point. Trim curves and clip at thumb turn. Turn wrong sides to the inside. Using a pencil’s eraser end, push out the thumb and edges. Press with hot iron and turn under a narrow hem along the unfinished edge of the denim mitt shell.
Next put the two fabric lining panels together with right sides together. Then add a batting layer to the bottom and top of your lining insert. Pin in place and machine stitch a narrow hem around the mitt. Leave the end hem unfinished for now. Trim edges and clip at thumb curve but don’t turn. Turn under a narrow hem and press with a hot iron along the unfinished edge of the fabric lining.
Lastly insert your fabric lining inside your denim oven mitt. Check fit and trim edges if necessary so the insert fits nicely inside your denim mitt shell. Match hem edges and pin the two edges together. Machine stitch very close to the edge to enclose the hem of the denim panel and the lining insert. Fold over the edge if desired to show off your fabric lining or add embellishments to the outside of the mitt.
Need a potholder to go along with your oven mitt? You can add a denim potholder that sports a pocket from a pair of jeans to create a cool recycled denim kitchen set.
I swear, you have the coolest ideas on this blog! Wow! Any time you want to guest post on my blog, let me know!
Great idea – well done.
.-= Lynne´s last blog ..stash enhancement =-.
What a great idea! And I always need a new pot holder or two…
I made a pair of oven mitts about 5 years ago from denim and they are still going strong although stained etc. I have to make larger size dut to hubby’s big hands…can’t let him have any excuses not to cook. Instead of pressing under edges at the top I used bias tape making a loop for hanging.
Love this idea. I have a whole lot of denim, usually used to make purses, but lately other things too…like a wallet for my husband and son, and now I’ve found this tutorial on how to make these really cool oven mitts. My husband (chief cook and bottle washer in our house) will like this!!
I love this idea!!! My hubby passed 10 yrs ago & I still have some of his jeans. Think I’ll make mug rugs, potholders out of them for myself & give 2 my 2 kids.
Thanks soooo much for sharing.
I going to share this info too…..
The oven mitt template you listed isn’t free and I refused to pay $9 for a day pass just to download it. Instead, I did the same thing I used to do when I did gloves for myself. I traced around my hand and cut it out in muslin so I could check the fit. Love your idea! I agree with the poster that you have some GREAT ideas.
Susan — I am so sorry that this template for the oven mitt wasn’t free anymore to print. I have removed that link and updated it with a new free oven mitt template. Thank you so much for letting me know that the mitt template wasn’t free. I completely agree that no one should pay $9 just to print one item. I have emailed you with this new link so hopefully you can make this recycled denim mitt now without any printing fees.
Best wishes and let me know if you have any further issues with any of my links. Thanks again.
Cindy
That is so cool I’ve made a flower pot holder out of scrap denim also. Great ideas and projects for rainy days
I was wondering how much batting you put in to ensure safety? You didn’t say how many layers….but I do plan on attempting this, only, hand-stitching as I don’t have a sewing machine right now.
Monica – I used one layer of the special batting called Insul-Bright and its fine. This stuff is great as it has like a foil on one side to provide extra protection. Plus the denim is so thick it’s really good to protect your hand. I’d love to see your oven mitt when you finish. Let me know if you need any further help.
My daughter comes to me and says ‘Mom, we need a new oven mitt. This one is torn.’ Then wala, I stumbled upon your site. Thank you. I will make on today!! O and lining with old towels is an awesome tip. Thank you for that.
Karna – Best wishes on your denim oven mitt and glad you found my pattern useful. I’d love to see your finished denim mitt. Share a photo if you get the chance.
Thanks for the tutorial! Using traditional COTTON batting can be quite important. Polyester batting can melt if holding very hot pans from the oven and burn one’s hands.