If you have old jeans you don’t wear anymore, turning them into a DIY denim pillow is one of the most satisfying upcycling projects you can make. Denim is durable, timeless, and surprisingly versatile — and when used for home decor, it adds a relaxed, modern feel that works in almost any space.
If you enjoy projects like this, you’ll love my main guide, 15 best blue jeans craft ideas where I share the most popular and practical ways to reuse old jeans.
Why Denim Works So Well for Pillows
Denim is one of the best fabrics for pillows because:
- it’s sturdy and long-lasting
- it holds structure well
- it looks better with texture and visible stitching
- mixing light and dark denim creates depth without extra effort
This makes denim pillows perfect for:
- couches
- beds
- benches
- farmhouse or modern interiors
Supplies You’ll Need
Main materials
- Old jeans (1–2 pairs, depending on size)
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Sewing machine (or hand sewing needle)
- Thread (matching denim or contrast for a rustic look)
- Pins or clips
- Iron
Optional but recommended
- Pillow insert (square or rectangular)
- Lining fabric (cotton or linen)
- Fusible interfacing (for extra structure)
- Denim needle (size 90/14 or 100/16)
- Fabric glue (for quick finishing details)
Pillow Size Options
Choose the size based on where the pillow will be used.
Common pillow sizes
- 16″ x 16″ (40 x 40 cm) – classic sofa pillow
- 18″ x 18″ (45 x 45 cm) – relaxed, cozy look
- 12″ x 20″ (30 x 50 cm) – lumbar pillow
👉 Always cut your fabric ½” (1.3 cm) larger on each side for seam allowance.
Step 1: Prepare the Denim
- Cut open the jeans and remove bulky seams (inner leg seams and waistband).
- Iron the denim flat.
- Sort pieces by color if you want a balanced look (light, medium, dark).
Tip: Avoid very thick seam areas for the pillow front.
Step 2: Design the Pillow Front (Pillow Top)
This is where your pillow gets personality.
Option A — Simple denim panel
- Use one solid denim piece for a clean, modern look.
Option B — Scrap denim patchwork (recommended)
- Cut strips or rectangles (3″–5″ wide works well).
- Mix different denim shades.
- Arrange pieces before sewing to balance color.
This option ties perfectly into scrap sewing and performs very well on Pinterest.
Step 3: Sew the Pillow Top
- Place denim pieces right sides together.
- Sew with a ½” seam allowance.
- Press seams open or to one side.
- Optional: topstitch along seams for a professional finish.
At this stage, your pillow top should be the same size as your pillow insert.
Step 4: Add Backing Fabric
You have two easy options for the pillow back:
Option A — Envelope closure (beginner-friendly)
- Cut two backing pieces.
- Overlap them at the center.
- No zipper needed.
Option B — Zipper back
- Creates a cleaner, store-bought finish.
- Great if you want a removable cover.
Choose the method that matches your skill level.
Step 5: Assemble the Pillow
- Place pillow top and backing right sides together.
- Pin around all edges.
- Sew around the perimeter with a ½” seam allowance.
- Turn right side out.
- Press edges and insert the pillow form.
Optional Finishing Touches
These details make the pillow look high-end:
- Contrast topstitching around the edges
- Raw or lightly frayed seams (very popular with denim)
- A small front pocket made from the jeans
- A handmade fabric tag
Tips for Sewing with Denim
- Use a longer stitch length (3–3.5)
- Go slow over thicker areas
- Press often — it makes a big difference
- Mix denim textures for visual interest
