7 Ways To Refashion Old Denim Jeans

Are you having trouble letting go of your favorite pair of jeans? We understand how attached you can get to a piece of clothing that fits just right or holds a special memory.

But when those jeans start to show their age, it can be tough to figure out what to do with them.

That’s where this DIY craft article comes in! With a roundup of 7 creative ways to refashion old jeans, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for what to do with those jeans that you just can’t bear to part with. From turning them into a trendy skirt to repurposing them into a stylish tote bag, these ideas will help you give your old jeans a new lease on life.

Check out this book featuring 10 other ways to use Denim jeans.

1- Patchwork Jeans from Une Touche de Rose

2- DIY Tie Dye Denim from Swell Mayde

3- DIY Distressed Jeans from Fashion On Blog

Denim fabric is a sturdy cotton twill fabric that is most commonly used to make jeans. It was originally invented in the French city of Nîmes (which is where the name “denim” comes from) in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that it became popular for use in clothing, particularly in the form of denim jeans.

In the 1870s, a tailor named Jacob W. Davis and a dry goods merchant named Levi Strauss began making work pants out of denim fabric for miners and other workers in the American West. These pants, known as “waist overalls,” became popular due to their durability and comfort. In the 1920s, the concept of blue jeans as a fashion item took off, and denim has been a popular fabric for clothing ever since. Today, denim is used to make a wide range of clothing items, including jeans, jackets, skirts, skirts, and more.

4- From Flared to Skinny Jeans from Lazy Girl’s DIY

5- New Capris From Old Jeans from Baking Outside The Box

6- DIY Lace Bonanza Jeans from Pariata Time

7- DIY Fest Studded Cuffs from 21^st Street Blog

Do you have your own ideas for using recycled jeans? We’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to get creative with our old jeans.

Here are some of the submissions for other ways to recycle your denim jeans.

Turn them into a trendy skirt or dress
Make a tote bag or backpack
Create a patchwork quilt or throw blanket
Use them to make a cushion cover or throw pillows
Repurpose them into a stylish apron
Make a denim wallet or purse
Create a denim headband or hair accessory
Turn them into a pet bed or toy
Use them to make a jean purse or clutch
Cut them into strips and use them as ribbon or twine for gift wrapping or crafts.

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Matariki is such a beautiful time of year here in New Zealand. As a mum of two (plus our chaotic dog Aloo), I’ve really come to love how this season invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—both with nature and with each other. The M?ori New Year isn’t just about looking to the stars; it’s about grounding ourselves in gratitude, remembrance, and community.

Over the years, I’ve tried out a few simple Matariki-inspired activities with my kids, and they’ve quickly become part of our winter traditions. Whether you’re new to Matariki or looking for ways to make it more meaningful for little ones, here are some fun, hands-on ideas to help kids engage with the celebration in a way that sticks.

What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the name of the M?ori star cluster that appears in the early winter sky. Its rising marks the start of the M?ori New Year—a time to remember those who’ve passed, celebrate the present, and set intentions for the year ahead.

There are nine stars in the Matariki cluster, and each has its own special meaning. Some are linked to food sources (like water and land), while others connect us to wellbeing, weather, and the spiritual world. It’s a time rich in culture, reflection, and family connection.

Matariki Craft & Activity Ideas for Kids

1. DIY Star Garland

This is such a calming activity for a rainy afternoon. Cut out nine stars from cardboard (cereal boxes work great), then let the kids decorate them with paints, markers, glitter—whatever you’ve got on hand. Each star can represent one of the Matariki stars.

Once decorated, string them together and hang them across a wall or window. It’s a beautiful way to bring the meaning of each star into your home.

2. Make a Matariki Wishing Tree

This one’s always a favourite. Collect a bare branch from the garden and place it in a heavy jar or vase. Cut out paper stars or leaves and let the kids write down their wishes or hopes for the year ahead. Tie the messages onto the branch with twine or ribbon.

It’s simple, personal, and brings so much heart into the space.

3. Prepare a Shared Meal (Kai)

Food is central to Matariki. It’s the perfect time to make a meal together—something seasonal and comforting. Whether it’s rewena (M?ori sourdough), vegetable soup, or even a shared breakfast, the idea is to come together and be thankful for what we have.

Talk about the food’s journey—where it came from, how it grows—and how it nourishes us. These are such great little moments for connection and learning.

4. Star Gazing & Story Time

Bundle up, grab a thermos, and head outside to spot the Matariki stars in the early morning or evening sky. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, reading M?ori legends and stories about the stars indoors is just as magical.

Some of our favourite picture books:

They’re gentle, thoughtful, and perfect for all ages.

5. Painted Kindness Rocks

Have your kids ever painted kindness rocks? Matariki is a lovely time to do this. Use paint pens or acrylics to decorate rocks with stars, spirals, or symbols of light and growth. You can write uplifting words or messages on the back.

Then go on a walk and hide them in your neighbourhood—or gift them to friends or teachers.

6. Memory or Gratitude Cards

Cut out simple card shapes and invite kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for or a memory of someone they miss. These can be added to your wishing tree or kept in a memory box that you revisit each Matariki.

This is a gentle way to talk about loss, love, and the people who’ve shaped us.

Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to pause and reconnect. These little moments we create with our children through craft, food, stories, and stargazing build memories that will stay with them for life.

If you give any of these ideas a go, I’d love to see what you and your wh?nau create. Tag us or send through your creations—we might even share them on CraftGossip.com!

From our family to yours, wishing you a season of warmth, wonder, and a sky full of stars.