Super Easy Recycled Denim Tool Belt for Boys & Girls

I came up with this when my son was about 4 years old and really into tools and working in the shop with his father and grandfather. The tool belts in the toy stores were a joke and never lasted very long. Besides, I didn't want yet another piece of plastic in my house. At the same time, my husband had some old jeans that has seen it's last legs and could not reasonable be sent to Goodwill.

This idea come to me in a flash so I took out my scissors, and sewing machine and started cutting. This is a super easy project that is also fast. Start to finish, it took us 15 minutes including machine set up time and a safety discussion...I like instant gratification.

My son helped with cleaning up and by stepping on the sewing machine pedal (Gently. Mom likes her fingers intact). He was really proud of himself for helping to invent something completely new! He showed off our one of a kind design to anyone and everyone. He wore it for years.

I've recreated the steps here for Instructables. We had a lot of fun doing this again!

Step 1 The First Cut

You can use any size jeans you have; adult or children's. We will size the waist later since I am using a pair of mine for an 8 year old.

Lay out the jeans you are using on a flat surface. Using good strong scissors (one made for fabric if you have them), and start cutting from the fly. Be careful not to cut the metal teeth of the zipper or you'll damage your scissors. Cut as close to the waist band as possible.

I like to keep the little coin pocket that's found on most jeans by the front right pocket. They are a good size for small pencils and other shorter tools. Keep the belt loop that is near this pocket too. It's great for hanging tools from!

Continue to cut until you reach the back of the jeans. Cut around the two back pockets. They will be the two main tool holders.

Comments

[mole1]

This is brilliant!!! I was out pruning grapes last weekend and vowing that I would get a tool belt asap. Now I don't have to go to the store ...and this is even WASHABLE! THANK YOU!

[jodi8727]

Wow, my son just acquired a bunch of tools at garage sales he and his father went to this summer. He want to make a tool belt out of some expensive material I have. I am trying to keep it away from him. Now here is an idea I can encourage him to do. Thanks, great idea.

[imshanedulong]

That is COOL! I can't believe I didn't think of that!! I want to make one!!!!

[aplwh]

The first one I made, I used my husband jeans and because it was bigger, it was even better. The back pockets landed exactly on his hips - just like holsters. I didn't mention it on my posting, but you can decorate it too. Fabric markers are great and they can personalize it all they want.

[opseeto]

Good use of old jeans, simple and "green" -- a thumbs up. :))