From stylish accessories to handy home organizers, transform those old denim pockets into sustainable, chic, and functional creations. Get inspired and make these wonderful jean pocket crafts perfect for all skill levels.
Denim pockets are one of my favourite parts of a pair of old jeans to upcycle. Along with the waistband and the denim seams, they often give a humble pair of jeans character.
The larger back jeans pockets are often decorated with simple machine embroidery or have a maker tag attached.
On an average pair of jeans, there are typically five denim pockets. Two large back pockets and two front pockets. The fifth pocket is a pocket within a pocket. It is the tiny pocket inside the front right pocket.
This pocket was initially designed for pocket watches but is now called the coin pocket.
How To Upcycle A Denim Pocket
The best way to remove pockets from a pair of jeans is by using a pair of scissors. However, check the project you will use before cutting out the pockets.
Some of the jeans pockets DIYs below use just the pocket others also use some of the denim fabric surrounding the pocket. That is why it’s good to check before getting too scissor-happy.
The back pockets on a pair of jeans have a distinct outer seam. It is straightforward to cut them out right next to the seam. The great thing about these cut-out jeans pockets as they already have a seam and will not fray.
There is no distinct seam With the front pockets, so the denim around the pockets will fray. Also, with the front pockets, you must ensure you don’t accidentally cut the inside cotton pocket.
Top tip: Brushing fabric glue on raw denim edges will stop them from fraying.
The Best Upcycled Denim Pocket Ideas
Unlock the potential of old denim pockets with our exciting upcycling ideas. Whether a DIY beginner or a seasoned crafter, find inspiration to create unique, eco-friendly treasures from your beloved jeans.
Rainbow Hanging Pockets From Old Jeans
This is a very simple but effective repurpose of denim pockets. Add a leather strap and some colourful embroidery, and use them as hanging pen storage in your craft room.
How To Make A Denim DIY Sunglasses Case
This is a convenient use of an old jeans pocket. Turn it into a sunglasses case with a handy pocket feature. So not only can it store your eyewear, but your phone and money too—a great alternative to a handbag and suitable for everyone.
Tutorial for a Great Denim Pocket Organizer
This has to be one of my favourite uses of old jeans pockets. Both the front and back denim pockets were used to make this handy but stunning wall storage. It's all the different shades of indigo denim that make this project. I also love how it is hung from an old branch to complete the rustic look.
How to make a handy iPhone Denim Pocket Pillow
This great use of an old denim pocket as an iPhone pillow. My son loves to listen to music whilst lying in bed and this pocket keeps his iPhone safe. The denim pillow would also work well on a sofa, and the pocket could store the TV remote.
Simple To Make Jeans Handmade Advent Calendar
You will need 24 pockets to make this fabulous no-sew denim advent calendar. However, you can use both the front and back jeans pockets, so you will only need six old pairs of jeans. I know it is an advent calendar, but you could quickly get away with using it for wall storage all year long.
Embroidered Jeans Pockets; Free Halloween Embroidery Patterns
Stitching together Halloween spirit and sustainability, turn your jeans pockets into embroidered hanging treat holders with our expert crafting guide. Includes free Halloween embroidery patterns.
Recycled Jeans Potholders
Use jeans pockets to make some handy potholders for your kitchen. I think these would make a lovely gift especially if you used the recipient's old jeans pockets.
How To Make Cool Denim Applique Heart Pockets
These cute repurposed denim pockets from old jeans are decorated with a reverse applique heart. They can be used as gift bags for Valentine's or Mother's Day and birthdays. Very easy and affordable to make.
How to make a doormat using old jeans
Use a collection of odd jeans pockets to make a fun-looking but hard-wearing doormat. Go a bit larger and make a living room denim rug.
Painted Pocket Mushroom Tutorial
Revamp your kitchen space with creativity and sustainability! Check out how to make painted hanging denim pockets with a whimsical touch for extra storage.
DIY Tablet Case – Quick DIY Gift
The handy denim tablet case will keep your iPad safe; there is a pocket for your stylus. It would make a lovely handmade gift for men.
Sweet Salvation: Upcycled Denim Placemat
Not only do these placemats look fantastic, but they have a handy pocket for the cutlery. They would look great at a BBQ or picnic.
Hanging Phone Charger
I simple but brilliant idea for using a repurposed jeans pocket as a phone charger holder.
Jeans Pocket Turtle
You can even recycle the back pockets into a cute toy, with this denim turtle.
Denim Pocket Organizers (Trend Alert)
I love this idea; these embroidery hoop pocket storage would look great in a sewing room.
Denim Pocket Purse. DIY Tutorial
This idea is simple with a great step-by-step tutorial for a handy denim pocket purse.
No-Sew Jeans Pocket Garland
What a great way to store your picnic items. It would be great for BBQs and July 4th picnics.
Apron pockets made from old jeans
Those old denim pockets would be handy on an apron.
DIY Octopus Dog Toy Out Of Old Jeans
How about using your old pockets to make your beloved pooch an octopus dog toy?
Create a Handy Wall Organizer from Old Jeans
Another jeans pocket organizer idea. This one is handy in that it hangs from a clothes hanger so is easy to move around.
How To Make A Fabric Pin Board With Denim
One of the unique things about this upcycled denim pin board is the use of jeans pockets for a fun extra feature.
Recycled Jeans Mason Jar and Napkin Rings
Decorate Mason jars with denim pockets to make cute cutlery holders.
DIY Christmas Applique Denim Pockets
Unleash your creativity and sustainability with our fun DIY guide on making Christmas Applique Denim Pockets! Perfect for using up fabric scraps, these charming pockets add a unique and eco-friendly touch to your holiday decor.
These denim pocket ideas were featured under P for my comprehensive list of A to Z of denim crafts.
There are many other ways to upcycle fabrics and denim than just using the pockets. But there is something about a denim pocket that is fun. I often recognize pockets from my favourite jeans in my upcycled projects. Denim is great for upholstery, even the pockets.
Not only does upcycling and repurposing your old jeans save them from adding to landfills, but the act of upcycling also has many other benefits and can be therapeutic.
Post updated June 2023
D. Lynette Leplat
Tuesday 19th of September 2023
All these wonderful ideas to try out! So, which one do I start with?!!!❤️
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 20th of September 2023
Thank you, yes you can have fun upcycling jeans pockets.
Mary Jane Partchey
Saturday 29th of January 2022
I made gift bags out of the back pockets. They are big enough for small items.
Claire Armstrong
Sunday 30th of January 2022
Thank you, yes pockets make great little gift bags.
Jo Wall
Saturday 17th of July 2021
Actually, I made a cover for my two KitchenAid mixers using the top portion of a large size denim jean leg then sewing a pocket on the side front. I store recipe cards in the pocket just for decoration.
Claire Armstrong
Sunday 18th of July 2021
Wow! I'd love to see a photo of that it sounds fabulous and handy too.
Kelley
Wednesday 23rd of June 2021
I use old pockets and use them as patches on my jeans. It's great when you only need a few things and don't want to carry a purse. I also made a wrist bag from a front pocket added a zipper on top and sewed in a wrist strap.
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 23rd of June 2021
Those both sounds like great ideas. Pockets do make handy little carriers I use one for my phone and sunglasses.
Heidi
Sunday 24th of January 2021
I used blocks of jean legs to make a car blanket for my son's car. Used plaid flannel for the other side.
Sandy
Sunday 23rd of May 2021
@Heidi, Good Idea. I made a wide crazy quilt style cover for the foot of my bed to use when I’m using that space laying out things. Top from jeans backed by print fabric.
Claire Armstrong
Sunday 24th of January 2021
That sounds lovely, especially with the cozy flannel side.