Denim Accessories

Last updated on December 26th, 2015 at 01:15 am

Recycled Denim Fashion Accessories

By Nancy Minsky

Denim is one of most versatile cloths and we wear it to work, school or even spiced up for a glamorous evening. I cut up my old jeans remaking them, among others, into all kinds of accessories like belts, bags and jewelry. The lovely frayed edges and naturally worn textures are the characteristics that make it so fashionable.

Using denim as the base, here are two projects – a “Plaid Denim Choker” and a pair of “Rhinestone Denim Bow Barrettes”. All the accent materials I used in these projects I found in my stashes of old buckles, ribbons and fabrics. I hope it inspires you to search around and surprise yourself with the wonderful denim projects you can make with “found” or “re-discovered” treasures pulled out of recycle bins or attics.

These sewing projects are easy to make so enjoy making and wearing or gifting them!

PLAID DENIM CHOKER

Materials:

• Washed and pressed denim
• 1 yard x 1/8″ wide pale blue velvet ribbon
• Plaid scrap
• 1 1/2″ of Velcro
• Sewing thread in a color that blends with the denim
• Pins, sewing machine (you can also sew everything by hand), scissors, measuring tape; pencil or tailor’s chalk

Cut The Denim:

Loosely measure your neck with the tape measure and add two inches. Now cut a denim strip, on the bias, that length x 3″ wide.

Note: The bias is cut at a 45 degree angle from the center front or center back of your jean leg. Even stiff denim will lay prettier curving around the neck when on the bias.

Turn the denim to the back, and draw a gradual curve to measure 2 1/2″ at the center front curving to 2″ at the ends.

Note: This is an adult size, for a child you need to reduce the proportion to about 1 1/2″ at the center front curving to 3/4″ at the ends.

Wrap the denim around your neck with a 1″ overlap to check the size, and if necessary cut it narrower or shorter.

Cut The Plaid:

Pin the denim on the plaid (with the plaid on the bias) and right sides facing up on both cloths.

Note: The bias is at a 45 degree angle from the selvage on yardage.

Cut the plaid. Remove the pins and cut the plaid smaller, ¾” (½” for a child), on both sides of the length.

Decorate Your Choker:

Pin the plaid, centered, on of the denim, baste in place, remove pins and zigzag stitch all round the perimeter of the plaid.

Cut the velvet ribbon in half, pin to the denim a good 1/8″ from the edge and zigzag stitch in place.

Finishing:

Sew on the Velcro closure. Knot well all threads.

You can convert this concept easily into a belt, headband or cuffs. You can sew buttons, snaps or ribbon ties to close your choker instead of Velcro. You can also line it in a pretty floral or silk. Use your imagination with what you have in your sewing basket and your favorite colors and patterns!

DENIM RHINESTONE BOW BARRETTES

Materials:

• Washed and pressed denim
• 2 rhinestone buckles, 1/2″ wide x 1 ¼” long
• Note: These were buckles that I love, but you can use hot pink, black jet, whatever you have or love.)
• Two barrette pins
• Sewing thread in a color that blends with the denim
• Scissors, measuring tape; sewing needle

Cut The Denim:

Cut two denim strips, on the bias, 1 ½” wide x 12″ long.

Note: You want to cut it on the bias because even stiff denim will form prettier bows when on the bias. To find the bias, cut at a 45 degree angle from the center front or center back of your jean leg.

On each strip, cut one denim end at a 45 degree angle.

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Make Your Bows:

Pick up one denim strip. With right side of denim facing you, fold back 5″ from diagonal point. Slip the buckle through, centering it. Now fold the denim behind the buckle, 4″. Fold the balance behind to form a symmetrical bow. Stitch in place, securing the buckle and the denim in place. Stitch with neat little stitches, knot securely. Repeat with the other buckle.

Finishing:

Stitch securely the barrette pin to the back. Securely knot.

Bows can be different sizes and complexity. I made a pair of bows and attached clips to the back and use them as shoe clips, and have sewn pins to use them as brooches.

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About the Author:

A former design assistant to Calvin Klein, Nancy Minsky has recently published Denim Revolution: Dozens of Ways to Turn Denim Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves, a craft book filled with fun projects to recycle cast off jeans into “new” clothing and accessories.

A graduate of Parson’s School of Design, where she has also taught fashion sketching, Nancy loves handmade, sewing, recycling, sketching and fashion.

You can read her personal blog at: 21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com

 

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