Have you ever wished your clothes could change with your style? As we grow and trends evolve, it’s natural to need new things. But the change in fashion trends with every season results in the manufacture of a huge amount of clothes.
No one knows exactly how many, but it’s estimated to be between 80 billion and 150 billion items. Methods of making clothes pollute the Earth’s water supplies, and use up valuable natural resources. And as much as 40% of this clothing is never sold or worn.
Sadly, a massive 73% of clothing ends up discarded and either burnt or in landfill, even though 95% could be reused or recycled. This then takes up valuable land that could be used for housing or growing food, and chemicals in the waste also cause pollution.
So what if instead of always buying something new, you could transform what you already have – or even something from a friend or sibling – into your new favourite piece?
Into the blue
Denim, especially jeans, is the perfect material to get creative with. Worn by fishermen and sailors since the 1700s (they patched, re-used and recycled their jeans too!), it’s always been known for being affordable and long-lasting.
You can add colourful designs, cool textures and unique touches to the pockets to make a pair of jeans truly your own. And the best part is, you don’t need to be a sewing expert or have any fancy equipment. Whether you’re into beads, embroidery or fabric markers, there’s a fun way to make your clothes one-of-a-kind. So, why not dig through your wardrobe, find those old jeans, and give them a whole new lease of life?
5 ways to revamp your jeans
Draw on a design
One of the easiest ways to upcycle your jeans is with fabric markers. These allow you to draw a pattern directly onto the fabric. Start by sketching your design on paper as a guide, then copy it out onto your jeans. If you want your design to stand out even more, try using fabric paint, either with brushes or there are pens available too – it’s more opaque than regular fabric markers, giving your artwork a bolder look.
For an extra ‘pop’, you can paint the pocket with white fabric paint before adding your design. Just be sure to tape around the edges of the pocket with masking tape to keep the white paint neatly in place. The white background also makes it easier to sketch your design lightly in pencil before going over it with fabric pens.
Embellish with beads
Adding beads and pearls to your jeans can create a fun and glamorous look. They’re also really simple to attach – all you need is a pack of beads, some thread, a needle and a fabric pen.
Start by marking small dots on your jeans where you’d like to attach the beads – just remember to stick to the top of the rear pockets. Placing them lower can make them uncomfortable or prone to breaking when you sit down.
Next, thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the string. Push the needle through the inside (back) of the pocket so it comes out where you made your first mark. Slide a bead or pearl onto the thread, then thread it back inside the pocket. Bring the needle back out at the next mark for your next bead. Experiment with different colours and sizes for a more customised look.
Add embroidery
If you’re feeling confident with a needle, why not try hand embroidery? It’s a fantastic way to add colourful floral designs to your pockets and give your jeans a more unique design. Start by using a pencil or disappearing ink pen to sketch your design directly onto the fabric. An embroidery hoop can help keep the fabric taut, making it easier to stitch, although it’s not essential.
Next, thread your needle with multiple strands of thread to create thicker lines and bolder designs. Once you’ve knotted the thread at the end, begin stitching from the inside of the pocket. Simply thread the needle in and out along the lines of the marker pen to bring your design to life. Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start – there are plenty of online tutorials with different patterns and designs to inspire you.
Sew on patches
The perfect way to mend jeans or change old ripped-style jeans into something new is to add a mismatched fabric patch. You’ll need to buy a swatch of new material for this upcycle – cotton works well – and make sure it’s larger than the hole you want to cover, so it can secure all the edges.
Start by trimming away frayed edges around the hole, then place the fabric behind. Next, thread your needle and work from the back to the front using a slip stitch to secure the fabric. If you prefer a quicker option, you can also find iron-on patches or pre-made designs that can be sewn onto the outside of your pocket. The options are endless with patching!
Attach some lace
Lace pockets are a lovely way to add texture and pattern to your jeans. You can cover the entire pocket or just part of it for a delicate look.
Start by tracing the outline of the pocket on a piece of paper to ensure the right size. Use this template to cut your lace to fit. Once cut, pin the lace to the pocket, taking care not to pin it shut. Next, sew the lace onto the pocket by stitching along the edges and making sure to catch the lace with every stitch for a secure fit. When you’re done, trim any excess lace around the edges for a clean finish.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use fabric glue to attach the lace, but keep in mind that glued lace may not last as long as sewn lace, making it best for temporary use.