Essential Denim Makes and How to Style Them

We love a bit of denim here at Sew HQ. Whether you’re making jeans, skirts or jackets, this versatile fabric is perfect for all shapes and sizes and can be easily upcycled, too. That’s why we’ve lined up a collection of essential denim projects which teach you everything from embellishing old shirts, to transforming those blue jeans into a brand new accessory – and we’ve even put together our top tips for wearing them, too! So what are you waiting for? Get your needle and thread ready and upcycle those old blues.

1. Patchwork Bags

Make use of old, worn jeans with these two easy upcycling projects. The first, a fabulous patchwork bag that includes a leather strap and base for extra durability. Combine this bag with complementary colours to create a stylish patchwork accessory that will match any outfit – perfect for your next shopping trip.

The second is a patchwork over-the-shoulder bag, which will keep all of your essentials safe in its fully-lined design. This stylish design also features pretty florals and soft, textured block colours. For a fresh, effortless look, we recommend pairing this accessory with white trousers – as long as the weather stays dry! Denim or linen bottoms work particularly well, and the plain white material will allow this gorgeous patchwork to take centre stage.

2. Craft Pinny

Do you often find yourself stuffing your crafty essentials into your jean pockets? Well, with this creation, you can still store them in a pair of jeans, but those pockets are now stitched onto an apron! This project is a great way to earn some eco brownie points, too, as not only will you be recycling your old jeans but you'll also be jazzing up this pretty pinny with fabric offcuts from your stash.

3. Upcycled Slippers

What better way to recycle jeans than to make them into a soft pair of slippers? These shoes are so easy-to-make that you don't even need a sewing machine, plus they're ideal for thrifty stitchers. Wear these comfortable slip-ons around the house to channel those chilled-out vibes.

4. Embroidered Shirt

If making denim accessories isn't really your thing, why not revamp your existing clothing? Embroidery is the perfect way to add extra va-va voom to any garment. Long and short stitches are a variation of satin stitch; they are great for creating a rich surface texture, filling in a motif and covering large areas without puckering the fabric. Use this type of stitch alongside split and chain stitches to make this pretty floral bird design. When it comes to creating an outfit, pair this shirt with coloured trousers for a cool and casual look. If you fancy it, you can also have a go at embroidering a denim jacket and wearing it with a patterned midi dress for a stylish boho ensemble.