January 17, 2026
Ariane Brunet-Juteau – Editor
Me!😂
When it comes to denim upcycling… I think I’m pretty nerdy.
Last week, in our Messenger group chat (which you can join here), Ruth asked if anyone kept the threads from their deconstructed jeans. I laughed… because I do!
I keep mine in a big mason jar. I love looking at them, and when I add more, I enjoy squishing them a few times. Basically… I hoard them and never really took the time to think what to do with them.
Curious to see if I was alone, I posted a pic of my jar in our community FB group. Over 300 replies later… I’m far from alone. And wow! So many of you upcycle threads beautifully.
- Many use them to make angel hair for Christmas ornaments.
- Others use them as stuffing for pin cushions.
- Wonderful bowls
- Many spare them for repairs and mending.
- Elly mad that genius handbag and Kelly made that one
- Quelques personnes ont mentionné les mettre dehors pour les nids d’oiseaux. Après une petite recherche, cependant, it isn't a recommended practice, since our jeans are sewn with polyester thread… and polyester is plastic.
I felt so inspired by your replies that I decided to take my own threads to the next level.
I was especially inspired by Carol’s color-coding system. So my first step was to sort and separate my threads by color.
Surprisingly, the process was incredibly satisfying.
Next, I cut pieces of cardboard to wrap the threads around.
Along the way, I ran into several knots. That’s the thing with thread! My patience was tested: some knots I managed to undo, others I didn’t… a nice little life metaphor, lol!
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I slowly wrapped the threads around the cardboard while listening to the latest season of Stranger Things. And it was as if, during that time, the threads and I formed a little bond.
The result: phenomenal!
I’m always amazed at how the simple act of sorting can give objects new value.
I have to admit, though, I didn’t bond with all the threads.
Some got rejected.
For now, I only kept the topstitching threads: since they’re thicker, they’re easier to untangle.
The overlock threads inside the jeans were too tangled, too thin, and less suitable. So, I put them back in the jar and, still inspired by you, I’ll use them as stuffing to make a pincushion.
There were also some multifilament threads… not my favorite. Those also went into the “stuffing” category.
Once all the little spools were ready, I was so excited to use them to practice a few hand-stitching techniques.
I revisited two practices I love for relaxation:
Sashiko embroidery
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese running-stitch embroidery used to reinforce, mend, or decorate fabric. It’s both meditative and visually very satisfying. If you’re interested, you can download six basic stitches for free here.
Some Needle stabbing
Needle stabbing may seem chaotic, but it’s a personal ritual I use to release anxiety and channel certain frustrations creatively. It’s very liberating: I stab the needle quickly and without overthinking, turning intense emotions into something tactile and strangely satisfying, like doodling with thread. I use Sashiko needles because they’re long, strong, and a bit badass.
Both techniques are quite powerful. I find Sashiko reassuring, as its rules guide and support me through the process, while needle stabbing is liberating…no rules, total chaos. I love my needle-stabbing swatches because they remind me that chaos can be beautiful and comforting.
I’ll definitely return to each of these practices throughout the year, but for now, that’s it.
So, my simple jar was hiding many possibilities—several other projects are waiting for these threads, and there’s more to come…
What about you? Do you save your threads, or do you draw the line there? Feel free to comment below, I love reading your updates!
Warmly,
Need small pouches to better organize your sewing tools? Here’s a tutorial you can make by hand! No sewing machine required!
