Anyone that has worked in retail knows the perks of the employee discount. I worked for a clothing retailer for 10 years and I took full advantage of the employee discount which left us with lots of jeans!
We are definitely a jeans family. Sometimes I wear dresses when it’s warm, but living in Utah means we have many months of cold weather so I mostly wear jeans.
As my style and size changed over the years, I was left with lots of jeans that I didn’t want to wear so I needed to find a way to upcycle them.
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Once you become a mom of toddlers, you quickly learned how amazing parks and picnics are for saving your sanity. Seriously, a park provides hours of fun for the kids while mom gets to relax in the shade having a conversation with other adults. It’s the best thing ever.
Then you get to take your tired kids home where they are no longer bouncing off the walls. So as soon as the sun starts shining, we put on our jackets and hit the parks.
The only problem is, there are very few benches at the parks around here. Definitely not enough for the amount of parents there.
So I started taking a blanket with me, but the damp grass quickly seeped through the blanket. With all those old jeans piling up in my craft room, I knew I could make the perfect picnic blanket and I did!
The denim is super sturdy and holds up so great! I actually made this quilt a couple years ago and we’ve taken it camping in the dirt and rocks, to the park, and even to the beach and it still looks great.
I also made sure to include some pockets from the jeans sprinkled all around the blanket. Just like in my easy picnic placemats with napkin pocket, the pockets are great for holding your napkin or anything else the wind might blow away. They come in very handy with little kids around.
Then to really make this the best picnic blanket ever, I used a shower curtain liner on the back to make the whole picnic blanket water-resistant. The result is this totally awesome water-resistant upcycled jeans picnic blanket and we absolutely love it!
How to Make a Water-Resistant Upcycled Jeans Picnic Blanket
Supplies needed:
- Old jeans
- Fabric shower curtain liner
- All purpose thread
- Quilter’s ruler
- I used a 6 1/2″ square ruler to make quick work of cutting all my squares
- Rotary cutter
- Steam iron
- Sewing machine
If you want to make your own totally awesome picnic blanket, you are going to need a few pair of jeans. Depending on the size and style of jeans (skinny jeans have less fabric than flared or boot cut ones) you can usually get about 10-16 6 1/2 inch squares of fabric from each pair.
To make the largest blanket possible to still fit my shower curtain, I used 11 rows of 11 squares so I needed a total of 121 squares of denim. You can get that from 8-12 pair of jeans.
Start by cutting as many 6 1/2 inch squares as you can from each pair of jeans. Make sure to get some pockets. Also, if the leg of your jeans are skinny you can include the side seam in the square.
To make cutting easier, use a 6 1/2 inch square quilt ruler and a rotary cutter. Seriously, I love my quilt ruler and rotary cutter and use them ALL THE TIME (even for paper crafts).
Once you have all your squares cut out, it is time to line up the quilt. Start by lining up 11 pieces to make a row. Make sure to get all different colors and textures of denim spaced around the row.
Then start sewing. I used a 1/4 inch seam allowance so I end up with a 6 inch square when all sewn. When sewing a quilt top like this, you don’t even have to worry about backstitching because all the seams will be sewn over again in the next step.
So save yourself some time and just quickly sew up a straight line connecting all 11 pieces of the row together.
Then iron the seams nice and flat. Flat seams will make your life much easier so don’t skip this step! Also, the difference between a project that looks professional vs. home sewn is great pressing/ironing. So make sure to take the time and iron everything you sew.
Once the first row is done, lay it down in a large area (like the floor) and lay out the next row making sure you like where the different colors and texture line up. Then sew, then iron. And just keep doing this until all 11 rows are sewn together.
Now sew the rows together. Double check that you like the placement off all the rows. Then sew them together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. When you line up the rows to sew, put a pin on the corner of each square so they stay lined up during sewing.
Then you end up with a much squarer quilt top in the end. Sorry I didn’t get a picture of this, it was getting late and I was in the zone.
Make sure to iron the seams of the rows well. Now you have a complete quilt top. Lay it face up on the ground and place the shower curtain liner face down on top of it. Pin it all around the outside and sew it together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Leave a 2-3 foot section on one side open so you can turn it right side out. A 2-3 foot section sounds a bit big, but the denim makes a thick quilt top and I left a smaller section and ended up ripping my shower curtain liner.
Once you turn the quilt right sides out, you will need to iron the seam, but the shower curtain liner can melt if touched with the hot iron. So iron from the denim side on a lower heat setting and keep the iron moving so you don’t melt anything.
Now to make the quilt look nice and finished I added a lot of topstitching. Jeans are known for their topstitching. You can use whatever thread you like for your topstitching but I wanted it to look like jeans so I bought some yellowish tan thread.
Sew a line around the whole outside of the quilt 1/8 inch in from the outside. This also helps to seal up the 2-3 foot section left open to turn the picnic blanket.
Then sew a line down each row about 1/8 inch to the side of the row seam to help hold the shower curtain liner in place and add more topstitching detail.
Now it is ready for picnicing! There is no need to put off a day in the sun even if it rained the day before because you have an awesome water-resistant upcycled jeans picnic blanket that will keep you comfy and dry while the kids wear themselves out.
I know we have already put our blanket to use this spring, and we’ve only had a couple days of sunshine. Now I want to make a second one to keep in the car at all times for those impromptu park trips.
And I think this time I’ll find a brightly colored or printed shower curtain for the back of the next one. It might cost a bit more than the plain shower curtain liner, but I really like color so it’ll be worth it.
And again, my cute little photography helper just couldn’t resist getting in the shot! Those grapes were just too tempting 🙂
**UPDATE: I have had questions about how big the blanket is all folded up since denim quilts are very bulky. This blanket is not bulky because there is no batting in between the denim and the shower curtain liner.
Here is a picture of the quilt folded up in a reusable grocery tote.
I’ve also had request to see the back of the quilt. The back of the quilt is pretty boring. Just a plain white shower curtain liner. My liner did have weights in the corners that I removed.
You can see the lines I used to “quilt” the liner to the blanket. I just did straight lines down the rows on the blanket. It works perfectly to keep everything together.
Please feel free to ask any more question! I love hearing all your ideas 🙂
Happy spring everyone!
If a drink is spilled in quilt-how do you wash and dry it?
I love your blanket I was wondering if I could add batting as well
I’ve been wanting to do this for a while but what stops me is wondering if the quilting the layers together makes the backing less waterproof? Does moisture migrate through the stitching?
It is not waterproof, it is water-resistant. Yes you will still get some moisture coming through after a while. But the shower curtain also does not fully prevent water from seeping through either.
Love this quilt! Thank you!! I am just now completing the jeans part of a picnic quilt (top) for my son and his partner. And am debating what to use for a sturdy, water resistant backing. Definitely liking the fabric shower curtain idea.
I have made many denim quilts but never one with a plastic liner. My questions are this: How well does it hold up when laundered? Do you line dry or dry in the dryer?
Many thanks.
I throw mine in the washer and dryer and the lining has held up fine.
How did you sew the seams around the pocket squares? My machine skips some of the stitches because of the thickness. Do I need to use a different foot on the machine or what? I would appreciate the help. Thanks
I will hand crank the needle on thick parts to prevent this. It also saves me from breaking too many needles. And if the foot is in the way, you can lift it up when you get to the thick spot to hand crank the needle through.
Do you put the right side of the shower liner on the outside of the quilt (so that is what shows) or inside? In other words, are the top and liner wrong sides together or wrong side of quilt to wrong to right? Thanks.
I have the right side showing. So put them right sides together to sew and then turn it so the right sides are on the outside.
Please help, I have my blanket done to the point of top stitching the denim to the shower curtain and when I sew down the seam it is like the denim stretches or the shower curtain is gathering up…I run out of shower curtain at the end of the row. It is very frustrating because I have it all pinned before I sew and it is fine. I have my stitch set at 3.5. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
I would try loosening the pressure of your foot so it glides over the thick materials. If it pushes down too hard, it can make the fabric stretch as you sew. Also, I have found placing a piece of clear tape on the bottom of the foot can help it glide easier. Good luck!
I would like to know how you joined your top and bottom. Did you use a binding?
Nope, I just placed the two pieces right sides facing in, and sewed around the outside (all but about 10 inches). Then I turned it and top-sewed close to the edge to give it more strength as well as close up the opening left to turn it. Super easy and no binging needed! Then I quilted it after.
A canvas painters drop cloth can be used in place of a shower curtain. They are waterproof and just a bit heavier. These can be purchased at Lowe’s and Home Depot in their paint department for a reasonable price.
That is a great idea, no clue why I didn’t think of it because I love crafting with drop cloth.
So is the shower curtain plastic Final type or it is a fabric shower curtain? How easy is it to launder?
Sorry, I meant to say is the shower curtain vinyl as in some type of plastic or is it a fabric shower curtain?
Cindy, it is a fabric curtain, but has a kind of finish on it to make it water resistant so it’s extra stiff. I have been tossing it in the washing machine and dryer every few weeks (during the summer) for 4 years now and it looks great. There is one part of the shower curtain that has a small rip in it. But it’s on the outer edges so it doesnt effect the water resistance much.
I love this idea. I want to make one for my son and his fiancee as they love to go to the park. I worry about the shower liner cracking/splitting. I think I’m going to try mine with a light-to-medium weight canvas. I was thinking one could spray the back with a waterproofing spray…such as what you would use to waterproof a tent. Otherwise I would think the two layers of denim and canvas would be pretty dry. I can’t want to get started! Thank you
A waterproofing spray could work. I haven’t had any issues with my shower curtain liner cracking and we have been using it lots for the past 4 years.
If I missed info about this I’m sorry. I want to make one of these blankets but the only fabric shower curtains I can find say to hang to dry. Is it ok to put them in the dryer?
I do not remember if mine said to hang dry or not, but I have always put my shower curtain liners in the dryer. I would recommend pre-washing it in case it shrinks a little.
Do you have any tips for sewing through vinyl? I’m a beginning quilter and am hoping to make a quilt with vintage sheets and a vinyl backing. Thanks!
For vinyl, if you put a piece of scotch tape on the underside of your pressure foot, it will help it to slip and not stick to the foot as much. Also, loosen the pressure of the foot to allow it to slide. And make sure to extend your stitch length. Most sewing machines have a default stitch length of 2.5 and it can cause the vinyl to rip because it’s close. Extend to about 3.5 to give you some more space between the holes made by the needle. I also suggest trying things on scrap pieces to make sure it is how you want before using it on your beautiful vintage sheets. Good luck!
If you have a walking foot for your machine, that might help as well.
Hello from Tasmania, Australia. I’m loving the denim picnic blanket.
My oldest daughter (18) just got her Provisional Drivers License in December and my youngest daughter , Katie (16) now has her learners license. A blanket each would be great for them to keep in their cars. I will have to save a few
more pairs of jeans, however the
Opportunity Shops: ie Salvation Army
Shops would be a great place to
purchase extra jeans at cheap prices.
I will add the project to my “to do” list.
Thanks for the great tutorial and loved reading other the comments.
Thank you Jane! Good luck with two teenage daughters driving ;). These picnic blankets would be great for having in the car. They are heavy and water-resistant so in an emergency they can help with warmth, but then you can also use them for concerts and parks too! I hope you can get enough jeans soon.
Or you could ask friends or family to save/give their unwanted jeans so you don’t have to buy any.
Love the jeans to picnic blanket idea. I don’t have enough jeans to make one but one thing I would add if I did make this would be to leave each corner square plain. The next two squares in could be pockets. Then you can put a rock in each pocket to hold the blanket in place if it gets windy. If the blanket stays in the car and you want to be super prepared you can always send the kiddos rock hunting for the perfect size to keep with the blanket “just in case.”
I love the idea of the pockets with rocks! I hate when the wind blows the blanket away. Save up those old jeans and soon you will have enough 😉
Appreciate how you respond to your comments from viewers
Thank you Brenda! I love hearing all the ideas from my readers, otherwise I feel like I am talking to myself 🙂
pretty cool ..only thing I would do different is put the pocket pieces strategically towards the center like when you set a table for 4 or 6 to be used as napkin and silverware holders so if windy napkins don’t blow away
Thanks Debby! You can do so much with the pocket pieces. They are super handy!
Such a great idea for the backing! I’ve actually done the same thing apart from the backing! Right down to the exact size of squares you used. However, my issue is I’ve made it the size of a queen sized duvet (though it will be used for a picnic blanket) due to the fact that we have 4 in our family and like to have enough space to lay on it as well if we’re not having a picnic.
Sadly I don’t think I can use a shower curtain liner for the backing due to the size. Grrr! It’s such a great idea. I might just have to go and buy a king size sheet or something to use for the back and just scotch guard the back of it.
You could piece together a couple shower curtains to get the larger size, or even back it with oilcloth or other water-resistant fabric. The denim is definitely going to be awesome no matter how you back it!
Does the shower curtain tear as it’s sewn. I’m imagining it’d be tricky
The trick is to extend your stitch length. At a standard 2.5 length it can perforate the shower curtain and make is more susceptible to tearing. Extended to a 3.5 will help. I haven’t had any problems with mine!
Could you post a pic of what the back side of the blanket looks like? I love this idea.
Hello Heather! I am updating the post with pictures of the back. It’s nothing too fancy, just a plain white shower curtain liner 🙂
Rag quilts made from jean squares are awesome and easy to make too. You can also buy squares already cut on eBay for a pretty nice price. The rag quilt is a lot thicker and is pretty heavy.
Precut squares would be awesome! Cutting is definitely my least favorite part of sewing quilts, but luckily my cutting square and rotary cutter makes it a little easier. I chose not to do a rag quilt for the picnic blanket because my kids are messy and I knew they would end up getting food stuck in the exposed seams, but I have a few of them that we use for other purposes, they are great!
I’ve made these using a “quillow” technique. Meaning, I sewed a huge pocket onto the end of the quilt, then I can fold it into its own pocket and it’s a pillow size for storage. Easy enough to add a couple handles to create a tote.
I love the size of your patches.
Thanks Pati. I have quillow that I made in high school! I keep it in the car for emergencies. It would work perfectly for this picnic blanket, but as of now, we just fold it up and put it in a reusable grocery tote.
What a great idea! I’ve thought about a quilt as well, but that seems too overwhelming. Question: How do you store/carry it? All that denim could get a bit bulky. Have you considered designing/making a bag, also from recycled jeans, to keep it in? Perhaps using seams or waistbands for straps or closures?
Thank you BettyAnn! My picnic blanket isn’t very bulky. It’s similar to other blankets I have when folded. I do not have anything inside it between the denim and shower curtain. Typically quilts have a layer of batting. Straps or a carrying bag would be nice, but then I would have to make sure to put it back inside and I’m kinda lazy. I just fold it up and throw it in the back of the car 🙂
I have made similar blankets to take camping but I love that these are waterproof! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thank you Sara! The water-resistant back comes in very handy.
Congratulations! This post is going to be featured over at Diana Rambles tomorrow and has been pinned in the Featured at Diana Rambles board at Pinterest and Tweeted. Please grab a featured button off my button page or via the post guidelines graphic. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!
Thank you so much for the feature Diana! I always enjoy partying with you 🙂
Wow! This is such a creative way to use old jeans! I am always looking for new ways to reuse things that I already have on hand! I will definitely be adding this project to my list!
Thanks Brittany! I love being able to reuse too.
I wanted to stop by and let you know that your post has been selected as a Feature for the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party! Stop by to see your post linked up and don’t forget to grab your Featured Button as well! ~Lisa~
Thank you so much for the feature Lisa!
cool!!!
I love it! Great idea!
Thank you Amy!
Wow, what a clever way to use old jeans! Here in the NW, it’s important you have a water resistant blanket since it’s often wet 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Appreciate you linking up. See you next week!
Thank you Erin!
Seriously, this is amazing!! Such a GREAT idea to use jeans! (We also have that same cooler, but in turquoise) 😉
Thanks Jenny! Isn’t that cooler awesome. Perfect for picnics.
I’ve been saving old jeans for quite a while now and have a bag full. I had some sort of quilt in mind but I think this is probably a lot more practical. Your instructions are super clear, thanks, I feel very inspired!
Thank you Julie! We love our picnic blanket quilt.
This would be perfect for all our visits to the park this summer. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Charlene! I hope you get a chance to make one.
Cute things like this make me wish I could sew! Love this idea, we sure could use one a lot in the summer time.
This is a really easy sewing project for a newbie! It’s all straight lines and can get you comfortable on the machine 🙂
What a great idea! This is super cute.
Thanks Courtney!
Hi Kati, What a great idea! Well done! Love denim anything! Blessings, Janet
Thank you so much Janet 🙂
I have a huge jean quilt, and not being water resistant was one of the things I dislike about it. I can’t wait to make another following this tip! Thank you!
Thank you Amy! I love having it water-resistant. We love using it for camping and the park and I hate having a wet bottom 🙂
This is fabulous! What a great idea.
🙂
http://gwingal.blogspot.com/
Thank you Nikki!
Is that a plastic/vinyl shower curtain? If so, how do you wash? How do you keep it from tearing? Awesome idea
Sue, it is a fabric sower curtain liner (polyester or nylon) but is coated with something to make it water-resistant. I wash it in my washing machine with cold water and tumble dry low. A plastic liner will tear because the sewing machine needle will perforate the seams and make them weak, but since this one is fabric it is a bit sturdier. There are a few small tears on the bottom since we’ve been using this quilt for 3 years now, but I don’t have any issues from them.
I had the same question. Thanks for the swer!
You’re welcome Cheryl 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions.
Great idea for upcycling!
Are you able to wash the blanket with the shower curtain liner? I’d love to try it but I know with my family and the dogs it could become quite a mess 🙂
Yes Cynthia! I wash it very regularly. I have 2 kids and a dog so we put it through the test (and the blanket in the picture is 3 years old, we use it all the time and it still looks great). I just wash on cold water and tumble dry low.
Love this quilt ! Did you use a plastic shower curtain or one of the fabric liner ones?
Kerry, I used a fabric one (either polyester or nylon) but it is coated with something to make it water-resistant. I bought it at Walmart or Target for about $5. Be careful with plastic because the sewing machine needle will perforate it and make it rip easily.
I love it
Thank you 🙂
Ahh I love this idea! I’ve been wanting to take advantage of the nice Spring weather and go on a few picnics. This blanket is a great way to recycle old jeans!
Thanks Jenna! You are definitely going to be needing one of these after you have your baby 🙂 Lots of park visits in your future.
What a great way to reuse old jeans! We have a bunch of jeans that we no longer wear, and this would be such a great project for them. I love how you added the shower curtain liner to keep it water resistant. It turned out so cute!
Thank you Celeste! I finally got rid of most of our old denim and we love our picnic blanket.