DIY Dog Toy: Upcycled Jeans into a Durable Ball

Updated at: 14/05/2025

Tired of expensive dog toys that get shredded in minutes? Want a fun project that's both eco-friendly and budget-friendly? Then get ready to transform your old jeans into a durable, stimulating toy your canine companion will adore! This simple DIY project repurposes unwanted denim into a tough, long-lasting ball that's perfect for fetch, tug-of-war, or simply satisfying your dog's chewing instincts. It's a fantastic way to reduce textile waste and give your dog a one-of-a-kind toy made with love.

This guide will show you how to upcycle those forgotten jeans lying in your closet into a surprisingly resilient dog ball. From cutting and shaping the denim to the final stitching, we’ll take you through each step of the process with clear instructions and helpful images. Ready to get started on your upcycled denim dog ball? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old jeans (or denim fabric/canvas)
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
  • Chalk (or fabric marker)
  • Stuffing material
Safety Guidelines
  • Remove all hardware: Buttons, rivets, zippers, and any metal pieces must be completely removed from the jeans before making the toy. These can be choking hazards.
  • Securely sew all seams: Ensure all seams are double-stitched and tightly closed to prevent your dog from ingesting fabric pieces. Use strong thread appropriate for denim.
  • Supervise playtime: Always supervise your dog while playing with any homemade toy. Inspect the toy regularly for wear and tear and replace it if damaged.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Denim

    • Print and cut out the pattern (provided in video description).
    • Pin the pattern to the back of denim and trace around it with chalk.
    • Cut out five identical pieces of denim.
    Cut out five identical pieces of denim.Cut out five identical pieces of denim.Cut out five identical pieces of denim.
    Prepare the Denim

  2. Sew the Denim Pieces

    • Sew two pieces together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving one edge open.
    • Repeat step 4 until four pieces are sewn together, leaving one seam open.
    • Pin the last two pieces together, leaving a 3/4 to 1 inch opening.
    • Sew the last seam, leaving the opening.
    Sew the last seam, leaving the opening.Sew the last seam, leaving the opening.Sew the last seam, leaving the opening.Sew the last seam, leaving the opening.
    Sew the Denim Pieces

  3. Turn and Close the Ball

    • Turn the fabric inside out through the opening.
    • Flatten the open ends, line them up, and sew across both ends about 1/2 inch from the edge.
    • Turn the fabric right side out.
    Turn the fabric right side out.Turn the fabric right side out.Turn the fabric right side out.
    Turn and Close the Ball

  4. Stuff and Finish

    • Stuff the ball with filling material.
    • Stitch the opening closed.
    Stitch the opening closed.Stitch the opening closed.Stitch the opening closed.Stitch the opening closed.
    Stuff and Finish

Read more: How to Make a Tiny Loom Band Animal Toy (Rainbow Dog Tutorial)

Tips

  • For a smaller ball, cut inside the pattern line.
  • Use a back stitch at the beginning and end of each seam for durability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Stuffing the Jeans Ball Too Loosely

Reason: A loosely stuffed ball will be less durable and may lose its shape quickly during play.
Solution: Ensure the stuffing is tightly packed to create a firm, resilient ball.

2. Using Deteriorated or Weak Denim

Reason: Old, faded, or very thin denim will tear easily, rendering the toy ineffective.
Solution: Select sturdy, thick denim pieces for a longer-lasting dog toy.

FAQs

How can I make the denim ball even more durable?
For extra durability, consider adding a layer of heavy-duty fabric, like canvas, inside the denim before sewing it closed. You can also use stronger thread, such as nylon or polyester, for stitching.