Don’t throw out your old denim jeans just yet! I’ll show you how to turn them into beautiful denim flowers with this easy tutorial. If you’re looking for things to make from old jeans, look no further—this is absolutely one of the best ways to repurpose them.
Most of us probably have a pair of old jeans in our closet that no longer fit. In my case, I have tons—and instead of tossing them, I’m on a mission to discover creative ways to upcycle them. I just started my first denim craft project: a denim rose made using a drinking glass. If you haven’t checked that out, here is the tutorial: Denim Rose Tutorial – Easy Denim Crafts. It’s an upcycled denim craft that does not require any sewing, making it the perfect project for everyone.
Easy Craft Idea With Old Jeans
After you tried that one, make these denim flowers next. These fabric flowers are still easy to make, do not worry. And yes, there’s still no sewing required! You’ll be able to follow the steps easily. Use these flowers as decor for your home or events like weddings and parties, or as embellishments for bags or hats. Keep on reading or watch the video below for the step by step instructions.
How to Stiffen Fabric With PVA Glue
All of the denim fabrics I used for this project were stiffened. Stiffening the fabric helps it to hold its shape, makes the cutting easier, and prevents the edges from fraying.
There are different methods to stiffen fabric. You can use starch, stiffening sprays, interfacing, cornstarch mixture, flour mixture, or glue. For this denim project, I decided to use PVA glue.
The first step is to dilute the glue with water. The ratio will depend on how stiff you want the fabric to be.
Once the solution is ready, apply it to your fabric by dipping a paintbrush into the mixture and brushing it evenly over the wrong side of the fabric.
Hang it to dry. Make sure to let it dry completely before using.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Denim Fabric Flowers
Learn how to turn your old jeans into these gorgeous denim flowers with this step by step tutorial.
Cut denim rectangles
Cut 15 x 2.75 in (38 x 7 cm) denim rectangles. You will need one per flower.
Fold in half
Take one denim rectangle, fold it in half lengthwise, and glue along the open edges.
Make a fringe
Measure 0.8 inches (2 cm) from the folded edge and draw a straight line—this will be your cutting guide. Next, cut slits that are about 0.25-0.28 in (0.6-0.7 cm) wide.
Add the stem
Take 3 floral wires and glue them to the end of the fringe, just below the line. Fold the end over the wire.
Make the flower
Add hot glue just below the line, then start rolling the denim. Keep applying hot glue as you go, and roll it as tightly as possible.
Make the leaves
Take a piece of chambray fabric and fold it in half. Press it flat. Trace the leaf pattern and cut out 6 pieces. Glue them in pairs, wrong sides together, using fabric glue to make 3 leaves.
Gluing the leaves
Take one leaf and glue its end to the stem, as shown in the photo below. Then apply hot glue to the bottom edge of the flower to secure the leaf in place.
Add the other leaves
Repeat step 7 with the remaining leaves. Make sure to space them apart.
Cover the stem
Cut a long strip of chambray fabric and wrap it around the stem.
Done
Tools
- glue gun
- fabric scissors
- ruler
Materials
- #26 floral wires
- stiffened denim fabric
- stiffened chambray fabric
- glue stick
- chalk
- leaf pattern
- finger protectors
- fabric glue
Crafting Tip
Use sharp fabric scissors and finger protectors!
What to Do With Denim Flowers
- Denim flower bouquet. Make this denim flower in different shades to make a denim flower bouquet.
- Denim flower brooch DIY. Remove the stem if you want to use it as a brooch or as a denim flower embellishment for clothes, hats, or bags.
- DIY Flower Keychain. Simply glue a small denim strip at the back of the flower and add a keychain ring.
How to Upcycle Old Jeans
There are plenty of ways to recycle old denim jeans. Here are some great ideas to get you started:
Crafts
General
Sewing Ideas
How to Make Denim Flowers From Scrap Denim
