Old jeans can be reused long after they are no longer suitable to wear. Denim is strong, easy to cut and available in different shades of blue, making it particularly useful for simple decorative projects.

One of the easiest ideas is a fabric garland. Start by cutting unwanted denim into long strips. The pieces do not need to be identical. Slight differences in width, length and colour give the finished garland more variation.

Tie each strip around a length of rope or sturdy cord, placing the pieces closely together. Mixing pale, medium and dark denim creates a natural colour gradient without needing additional fabric.

The edges can be left unfinished. Denim gradually frays after cutting, which adds texture and removes the need for sewing or hemming. Longer threads can simply be trimmed when necessary.

The same method can be used with other materials. Jute, linen or cotton strips can be added between the denim to introduce another colour or texture. Small beads, shells or wooden details can also be attached to the cord.

For a softer alternative, jute can be wrapped around a curved branch or piece of wood and finished with a long fringe. This creates a decorative wall piece using the same basic principle of knotting fibres around a support.

Denim garlands work particularly well for outdoor tables, garden gatherings and informal celebrations, but they can also be used in children's rooms, creative spaces or as temporary wall decoration.

Instead of discarding worn jeans, even relatively small sections of fabric can therefore become useful material for a new decorative piece.

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