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23 Best Jean Pocket Crafts; How To Repurpose Denim Pockets

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.

Recycled jeans projects ready to be upcycled

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.

Cutting out a back pocket from jeans

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.

Jeans pockets for upcycling

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.

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.

upcycled denim pockets and jean pocket craft ideas

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.