upcycling old jeans into shorts diy

Do you have a drawer overflowing with old jeans that you can’t quite bring yourself to throw away? Maybe they’re worn in all the right places, just a little too snug, or perhaps the style is simply out of date. Before you resign them to the back of the closet, consider this: those jeans are perfect candidates for a stylish transformation into a cool pair of shorts! Upcycling old jeans into shorts isn’t just a fun DIY project; it’s also a sustainable and budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right jeans to adding personal touches, ensuring you end up with a pair of shorts that you’ll love to wear.

Choosing the Right Jeans for Your Upcycling Project

Not all jeans are created equal when it comes to turning them into shorts. The type of denim, the fit, and even the wash can all impact the final result. Here’s what to consider:

Denim Weight and Stretch

Heavier denim tends to hold its shape better and is less prone to fraying excessively, making it a good choice for beginners. Jeans with a bit of stretch can be more comfortable to wear as shorts, but they might be slightly more challenging to work with, especially if you’re planning on adding hems or embellishments. Consider what feels best for you and what kind of finished look you’re aiming for. If you’re aiming for a more rugged, distressed aesthetic, the weight might not matter as much.

Fit and Rise

The fit of your jeans around the hips and waist is crucial. If your jeans are too tight, the shorts will likely be uncomfortable. A pair of jeans that fit well around your hips and waist is ideal, allowing you room to move. Consider the rise too – high-rise jeans will naturally result in higher-waisted shorts, while low-rise jeans will result in something closer to a mid-rise fit. The rise is all a matter of personal preference, so choose based on what styles you like wearing.

Style and Wash

The style of your jeans – whether they’re bootcut, skinny, straight leg, or something else – will influence how your shorts look. Straight leg jeans will generally result in classic style shorts. Skinnier leg jeans might create a more form-fitting pair of shorts. The wash of the denim can also add character to your shorts, from light washes for a summery vibe to dark washes for a more polished look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have, remembering that you can always distress them further once you’ve cut them.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you start chopping, make sure you have the following tools and materials handy:

• Sharp Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Dull scissors can make the cutting process frustrating. Invest in sharp fabric shears or consider a rotary cutter for a more precise cut.
• Measuring Tape: Crucial for determining your desired length and ensuring symmetry.
• Tailor’s Chalk or Fabric Marker: To mark your cutting lines accurately.
• Pins: To hold your hems or cuffs in place while sewing (if you plan on hemming them).
• Seam Ripper: For adjusting the seams if needed, or opening up the old hem for a frayed style.
• Sewing Machine (Optional): Useful if you plan on hemming or adding decorative stitching, but not required for all styles.
• Needle and Thread: For hand-sewing hems or any needed repairs.
• Iron: For pressing hems and making folds crisper.
• Ruler or Straight Edge: To ensure your cutting lines are straight.
• Optional Embellishments: Patches, embroidery floss, lace, or anything else that you want to use to personalize your shorts.

Step-by-Step Guide: Turning Jeans into Shorts

Now, let’s dive into the process of transforming those old jeans into a stylish pair of shorts. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all method, so feel free to adjust these steps based on your personal preferences.

Step 1: Preparing Your Jeans

Start by washing and drying your jeans. This will ensure that any shrinkage happens before you cut them. Iron your jeans to eliminate any wrinkles that could affect your measurements.

Step 2: Determining Your Desired Length

This is perhaps the most important part. Put on your jeans and use a fabric marker to mark your desired length. Remember that you can always cut more off, but you can’t add it back! It’s helpful to mark your length about an inch or two longer than you think you want them. This gives you room to hem or roll them if needed. Stand in front of a mirror to get a clear view of where you want the hem to sit. Keep in mind that hemming can shorten the length of the shorts.

Step 3: Marking Your Cutting Line

Take off the jeans and lay them on a flat surface. Use a ruler and fabric marker to draw a straight line across each leg. You can use your original markings as the baseline and draw your new line slightly longer. For a traditional short, make sure to maintain the same distance from the original hem on both legs. If you want the side seam to be shorter than the front or back, you can adjust your marks appropriately. For example, for a popular angled hem where the side is shorter than the center, you’ll need to mark that accordingly. Double-check the marks are even and that they will result in a style you will want.

Step 4: Cutting Your Jeans

Carefully cut along the marked lines using your sharp fabric scissors or rotary cutter. Take your time and cut slowly to ensure a clean line. If you’re new to this, cutting one leg at a time is recommended. Try to keep the material taught to ensure that it cuts smoothly. Make sure you are not cutting through layers you want to keep by spreading the material apart before cutting. Once cut, try on the shorts, and make any additional adjustments needed.

Step 5: Finishing the Hems (Optional)

Here’s where you have options: you can leave the raw edges for a distressed look, create a clean hem, or add a cuff. If you want a raw hem, simply wash and dry your shorts again, and the edges will naturally fray. For a cleaner hem, fold the edge up by about half an inch, press with an iron, and then fold again. You can either hand-sew the hem or use a sewing machine. If you’re using a sewing machine, use a straight stitch and keep the stitch close to the folded edge. For a cuffed look, simply fold the raw edge of the shorts up to the desired length and press with an iron. You can tack the cuffs in place with a few stitches, but that’s usually not required for a single cuff.

Step 6: Adding Personal Touches

This is where you can really make your shorts unique. Consider adding patches, embroidery, lace, or even fabric paint. You can also distress your shorts further by creating rips or using sandpaper to create a worn look. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Styles and Variations

Once you get the hang of the basic process, you can start experimenting with different styles and variations. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

Distressed Shorts

For a more casual and edgy look, embrace the distressed aesthetic. Use sandpaper, a cheese grater, or a seam ripper to fray the edges, create rips, or add other distressed details. You can even use a razor blade carefully to create small holes or slashes. The beauty of distressed shorts is that each pair is slightly unique.

Cuffed Shorts

Cuffed shorts are a classic, timeless style. You can cuff your shorts multiple times for a shorter, more polished look or just once for a subtler effect. You can also add small stitches at each side to ensure the cuff stays in place. You can also change the width of the cuff, from very thin to a wide, statement cuff.

Lace-Trimmed Shorts

Adding a lace trim to the hem of your shorts can create a more feminine and delicate look. Simply sew a strip of lace along the bottom edge of your shorts. This look can be customized by selecting a lace of your choice. You can choose a simple white lace, a brightly colored lace, or a more intricate, decorative trim.

Embroidered Shorts

Adding embroidery is a great way to personalize your shorts. You can use embroidery floss to create unique designs, patterns, or even initials. Simple floral designs are common, but you can do anything that appeals to you. The embroidery allows you to make your shorts as creative as you want.

Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Double-check your measurements before you start cutting. It’s always better to cut a little longer than you think you need, as you can always shorten them.
• Start Simple: If you’re a beginner, start with a simple, straight cut and avoid adding complex details until you have a few basic pairs under your belt.
• Take Your Time: This isn’t a race. Be patient, and take the time to get the cuts and finishing touches just right.
• Use Good Lighting: Make sure you have good lighting when you’re marking and cutting your jeans. This will help you see what you’re doing and avoid making mistakes.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: The best part about DIY is that you can create something that is truly unique and reflects your personal style.

Caring for Your Upcycled Shorts

Once you’ve created your perfect pair of upcycled shorts, you’ll want to keep them looking their best. Always turn them inside out before washing. This will help preserve the color and any embellishments. Machine wash in cold water and avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. Tumble dry on low or, ideally, hang dry to preserve the shape and integrity of the fabric. If you’ve added any delicate trim or embellishments, hand washing might be the best option. With proper care, your upcycled shorts will be a favorite for years to come.

Upcycling old jeans into shorts is a fun, creative, and sustainable project that allows you to breathe new life into old clothes. It’s not only a great way to save money, but it also gives you the opportunity to create something that is truly one-of-a-kind. So, go ahead, dig out those old jeans, gather your supplies, and get ready to transform them into a stylish new addition to your wardrobe. Have fun with it, and enjoy the process of creating something unique for yourself!