How to Turn Old Jeans into a Floor Mat
Use all those jeans with the frayed hems and torn knees to make a custom floor mat.
Up next in Easy Sewing Projects (45 videos)
All you need is a needle, thread, some fabric, and these step by step instructions to start sewing.
You Will Need
- Waistbands, inseams, and cuffs from old jeans
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- A yard of non-slip backing fabric
- Straight pins
- A sewing machine
- Heavy-duty double-fold bias tape
- A denim needle (optional)
- A no. 16 needle (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Cut off buttons and belt loops
Cut all of the buttons and belt loops from the waistbands and open the cuffs to make strips.
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Step 2
Cut backing
Measure and cut the non-slip backing fabric to an 18-inch by 32-inch rectangle.
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Step 3
Arrange pieces on top of backing
Lay the non-slip material non-slip side down and arrange the denim pieces on top of it, face up.
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The denim can overlap the non-slip base – just trim the pieces to line up with the edges after arranging.
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Step 4
Pin pieces to backing and sew
Pin the pieces into place on the non-slip fabric and stitch them with a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. Remove the pins as you sew.
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Use a denim needle or a no. 16 needle and sew slowly to keep from jamming or breaking the needle.
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Step 5
Pin bias tape around edge
Open the bias tape to the center fold. Place the center fold on the edge of the mat with one side of the tape on the top and the other side on the bottom of the mat and pin it in place.
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To create mitered corners, fold the bias tape to create a triangle flap and pin it down.
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Step 6
Sew bias tape into place
Sew the bias tape into place using a stitch at the top edge of the tape, removing pins as you sew.
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Step 7
Trim loose threads
Trim any loose threads and find a place for your new mat.
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Many companies recycle denim from clothing and fabric companies into insulation.
