I have quite a lot of jeans that people have given me for when I make jean rag quilts. They sure are bulky and take up a lot of room. I was wondering how you go about cutting them up to get the most out of them. I figured I could start cutting a few at a time because the squares or stripes dont take up the amount of room the folded jeans do. That's the other question...since I have no idea what I'll make with them, how do you know whether to cut squares or strips. Your helpful input is much appreciated. Thanks :)

I've taken my 6 1/2" square ruler and cut as many patches as I could out of jeans - then toss the rest.

I haven't made a quilt with them yet but they come in handy for underneath things that may scratch my furniture!

I usually just cut the legs apart, cutting from seam to seam, so I have 4 large pieces when I'm done. I also save the seams and pockets in a separate stack because they come in handy for embellishing other stuff.

My daughter and I recently made a rag quilt using old jeans. I cut out 8" squares. Or you could just cut away the pockets and bulky seams and store that way until you decide what you are going to make. That would cut down on the space they take up to store. I think it is posted under "denim rag quilt" if you want to look.

Actually to store them i cut them apart with scissors following the seams...I only cut the squares when i`m ready to make it...a lot less bulky than storing the whole jeans....you end up with a pile of fabric.

I just bought several pair for the same reason. I'm going to cut the waist bands off and the seams out, then just fold up and store until I decide what size or shape I'm going to use. I've seen some cute purses made from the top half, but you leave the waist band on for those. Hmmm, maybe I'll leave one or 2 together.....
Carol B

If I don't know how I will use them I cut off the waistband, then cut off the side seams and hems. cut off the inseam and center back seam and the fly and center front seam. That leaves the back pockets intact in case I want to use them later. The pieces fold flat and easy to store until I have enough to make a project. The exception to this is if I want to use the top portion to make a purse our of the top part, then I just cut off to legs and open them up.

here is my latest...it`s a rag quilt....the one i`m woring on now won`t be a rag ...

Yes, cut apart at the seams, save the pockets and the zipper if it has one and is still working. You never know when you have to replace one of those. Toss the rest.

I cut off the legs and stack them. The pockets come off next and then the zippers. If they have labels on them I save them too. I have saved the waist bands, they make good handles for totes.
I find that by cutting them this way, they fold and stack very nicely. I can then cut them into the sizes I need, depending on the size of the quilt :D:D:D