Upcycle Old Pants into Gorgeous Planter Covers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 22/02/2025

Don't toss those old jeans! Instead of adding to landfill waste, give your worn-out pants a stylish new life as charming and unique planter covers. With a little creativity and some simple sewing skills, you can transform discarded denim into beautiful containers for your favorite plants, adding a touch of rustic charm to your home or garden. This upcycling project is not only environmentally friendly but also a fantastic way to personalize your décor, breathing new life into both your clothing and your green spaces. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination, from bold statement pieces to subtly textured additions to your plant collection.

This guide provides a fun and easy, step-by-step process for turning your old pants into gorgeous planter covers, perfect for both novice and experienced crafters. Whether you're looking to spruce up your indoor plants or add a unique touch to your garden, let's get started on transforming your unwanted trousers into attractive and practical plant holders.

Safety Guidelines

  • Always wash and thoroughly dry your old pants before starting the project to remove any dirt, chemicals, or lingering odors that could affect your plants.
  • Ensure the fabric you are using is durable enough to hold soil and water. Thin, delicate fabrics may tear easily.
  • If using heavier fabrics like denim, consider adding drainage holes to the bottom of your upcycled planter cover to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Methods: Transforming Plastic Containers with Recycled Pants

Tools Needed

  • Scissors
  • Old pants (polyester/spandex/nylon)
  • Plastic containers (various sizes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Container

    • Choose your container. Clean thoroughly.

  2. Prepare the Fabric

    • Select a section of the pants fabric. Cut off the top if using a bottle.
    Select a section of the pants fabric. Cut off the top if using a bottle.
    Prepare the Fabric

  3. Apply the Fabric

    • Slip the fabric over the container, ensuring it's snug.
    Slip the fabric over the container, ensuring it's snug.
    Apply the Fabric

  4. Trim and Finish

    • Cut the excess fabric, leaving enough to reach the bottom. Trim and adjust to your preference.
    Cut the excess fabric, leaving enough to reach the bottom. Trim and adjust to your preference.
    Trim and Finish

  5. Add Drainage (Optional)

    • If planting directly into the container, make drainage holes. If using a double-container method for better drainage, skip this step.
    If planting directly into the container, make drainage holes. If using a double-container method for better drainage, skip this step.
    Add Drainage (Optional)

Tips

  • Use small patterns for a prettier look.
  • Polyester, spandex, or nylon fabrics work best due to durability and stretch.
  • Don't throw away scraps – they can be used for other small containers.

Methods: Covering Trash Cans with Recycled Pants

Tools Needed

  • Scissors
  • Old pants (polyester/spandex/nylon)
  • Trash can

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fabric

    • Measure and cut the pant fabric to fit the trash can's circumference.
    Measure and cut the pant fabric to fit the trash can's circumference.
    Prepare the Fabric

  2. Cover the Trash Can

    • Slide the fabric over the trash can, ensuring a snug fit.
    Slide the fabric over the trash can, ensuring a snug fit.
    Cover the Trash Can

  3. Refine the Cover

    • Trim excess fabric to create a neat finish.
    Trim excess fabric to create a neat finish.
    Refine the Cover

  4. Add Drainage (optional)

    • Make drainage holes if planting directly inside.
    Make drainage holes if planting directly inside.
    Add Drainage (optional)

Tips

  • The fabric stretches, so it will stay in place securely.
[RelatedPost]

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Fabric Weight and Drape

Reason: Using lightweight fabrics like linen or silk can result in a planter cover that is too flimsy to hold the pot's weight or sag unattractively.
Solution: Choose heavier-weight fabrics like denim, canvas, or corduroy for better support and shape.

2. Improper Sizing and Seam Allowance

Reason: Incorrectly measuring the planter or neglecting seam allowance leads to a cover that is too small or too large, and can result in poorly fitting seams that unravel.
Solution: Accurately measure the planter's circumference and height, adding extra fabric for seam allowance and ease of fitting.

3. Neglecting Drainage

Reason: Creating a completely sealed cover prevents proper drainage, leading to soggy soil and root rot.
Solution: Leave an opening at the bottom of the planter cover for drainage, or use a liner inside the fabric cover.

FAQs

What types of pants are best for making planter covers?
Jeans, corduroy, and canvas pants work well due to their durability. Avoid very delicate or thin fabrics that might tear easily.
How do I ensure a good fit for my planter?
Measure your planter's circumference and height before cutting your pants. Add extra seam allowance for a comfortable fit and to account for the fabric's potential stretch.
What if my pants are too short to cover the entire planter?
You can use multiple pairs of pants, create a patchwork design, or add a contrasting fabric band at the bottom to extend the height.
Looking for more inspiration before you get started? We recently showcased five stunning examples of eco-friendly planter cover ideas in a previous article. These provided a glimpse into the incredible versatility of upcycled materials – the perfect jumping-off point for transforming your old pants into unique and beautiful planter covers, as detailed below.