Upcycle Jeans Into Cute Shorts with Fabric Ties
If you’ve got a pair of jeans hiding in the back of your closet—maybe they’re too short, worn at the knees, or just not getting the love they deserve—don’t toss them just yet! With a little creativity, you can give them a brand-new look and add a fun twist to your wardrobe.
This beginner-friendly sewing refashion transforms full-length jeans into adorable cuffed shorts with a playful side knot. All it takes is a half yard of quilting cotton, your trusty sewing machine, and about an afternoon of crafting time. The end result? A custom, one-of-a-kind pair of shorts you’ll love wearing all season long.
In this free tutorial, I share an easy method for creating a fabric cuff that’s as stylish as it is simple to make. This version uses a straightforward approach to finishing the cuff—perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying project.
I used prints from the Sweet Bees collection by Barb Tourtillotte for Henry Glass Fabrics. The floral and geometric designs are perfect for adding a touch of charm and personality to your finished look, but you can choose any fabric that coordinates with your jeans.
It’s a great way to use up fabric scraps or showcase a favorite print, and because the project is so quick, you might find yourself making more than one pair. Bonus: there’s even a coordinating patchwork zipper pouch idea at the end of the tutorial so you can make a matching accessory.
Ready to give your old jeans a new lease on life? Grab your fabric, plug in your sewing machine, and follow along with the full, step-by-step instructions here:
Upcycle Jeans to Shorts with a Fabric Cuff – Full Tutorial
As always, I sewed both the shorts and the coordinating pouch on my Baby Lock sewing machine, which made the whole process smooth, speedy, and so much more enjoyable! If you are looking to upgrade your sewing machine, I cannot recommend Baby Lock enough. I sewed this project on my Baby Lock Ballad, and I’ve also enjoyed sewing with several different models of their sewing machines. They even make some models for beginners that start at a fraction of the cost!
Did you know you can save 10% on any machine, accessory, or software at Baby Lock.com? Use my affiliate link!
Happy sewing! Please tag me on Instagram @LindsaySews if you make this upcycled jeans to short project!
