Don't throw out old jeans. Here are 17 genius ways to reuse them

Spring cleaning season is here, and that means closets across the country are going to get organized. In the clean-out, you're bound to find not only things you don't wear anymore but also items that don't fit. When it comes to those old jeans, though, refrain from throwing them out.
After you've decided which pieces to donate to charity, it's a great idea to keep some for yourself to do some amazingly fun and even useful craft projects.
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Need some inspiration? Look no further. We've got 17 crafts you're going to love. Let's get started!
1. Denim organizer (h/t Pillar Box Blue)
This denim organizer made up of old jeans pockets is a great idea for the kid's playroom or even the mudroom to help keep your family organized. Plus, it's too cute and packed with the memories of all your old jeans.
2. Toy whale (h/t valaanvillapaita)
If your kids love whales, this is a great project that will be fun for you and them. It's also a great baby shower gift if you want to give something personal and creative.
3. The denim pillow (h/t A Pumpkin and a Princess)
This is a tried-and-true DIY, and one that never really goes out of style. We love how this project modernizes denim with a nautical theme. It makes the pillow a bit more special and shows how you can change up the style as the seasons, and styles, change.
4. Denim quilt (h/t Modern Handcraft)
If you're a quilting fan, then check out this wonderfully rustic project below. Using a simple triangle quilt pattern, you can easily adapt the project to the size you want. The fading and rips in your old jeans only add to its charm.
5. The denim bag (h/t Brit+Co)
These bags make amazing grocery bags, beach bags and even running-around-town bags. Look how cute this one is! We love how they've used old belts on this craft, too.
6. Lunch bags (h/t Purl SoHo)
These are great for the kids but also for you if you bring a lunch to work. So ditch those brown bags and go for this totally durable, easy-to-clean and super simple-to-make lunch bag.
7. Place mats (h/t Today's Nest)
Aren't these the cutest? Not only are they really easy to make, but they're easy to clean, too. We love this original and shabby-chic idea.
8. Denim planters
If you're looking for some quirky garden decor, these jeans planters certainly fit the bill!
9. Chair cushions (h/t Michelle Made Me)
If you're thrifty and crafty, you probably have a chair or two lying around that you picked up at a yard sale, saying, "I'm going to paint and finish this one day!" Well, this project is the perfect DIY for that. Plus, the durable jeans material means the cushion will last for years to come.
10. Aprons (h/t Happy Hooligans)
All those jeans that no longer fit can be easily repurposed into clever little aprons. This DIY is perfect for craft days with the kids and is sure to stand up to all the wear and tear.
11. A denim basket (h/t Oh Oh Blog)
This is an awesome craft that you can use for years and years to come. Make a big basket for holding toys or laundry, or create a smaller one for your table to hold fruits and veggies.
12. Oven mitts (h/t Alissa Burke)
You can make these out of solely denim or use the denim for one side and another pretty fabric for the other. The thick denim is perfect for carrying hot pots. Plus, these will look too cute hanging in your kitchen.
13. Denim poof (h/t Michelle Made Me)
This is great for the kid's room, a playroom or a baby's room. Use it as extra seating, to rest your feet or just for play. It's too cute and will stay looking great for years and years to come.
14. A baby bib (h/t Becca's Paper Cutz)
This DIY denim bib is one of the cutest we have seen. We love the button on the front. Plus, since there's nothing quite as durable as jeans, this is the ideal material for what is sure to be messy times ahead.
15. A bookmark (h/t Cheese Thief)
We love how you can make these cute bookmarks out of little heart cutouts. But you can do a variety of shapes and sizes. These make great party gifts or additions to book gifts for birthdays and holidays. Watch how this is done in the video below:
16. Little pencil and craft holders (h/t Curly Made)
This DIY project is super easy, and in the end, it's very useful, too. Stick nail polish in them, craft tools or the kid's markers and pencils. Simple and fun! Watch our live demonstration of the project in the video below:
17. Knotted denim rug (h/t Eclectic Me)
Doesn't this look like it came out of an expensive upcycle store? Luckily, you can create this for yourself for practically nothing. This makes a great rug for high-traffic areas of the home, and it's easy to clean, too.
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Did you find your next DIY project? Share this with your friends who would love to find something to do with all their old jeans, too!