23 Best Jean Pocket Crafts; How To Repurpose Denim Pockets
Before you throw away an old pair of jeans, take a closer look at the pockets! Denim pockets are surprisingly versatile and can be transformed into everything from organisers and gift holders to wall décor, bunting and seasonal decorations. This collection of creative DIY jeans pocket ideas is packed with clever ways to upcycle one of the most useful parts of old denim. Whether you love sewing, recycling or unique handmade projects, these denim pocket crafts are full of inspiration.
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 pockets on jeans are often decorated with simple machine embroidery or have a maker tag attached.
An average pair of jeans typically has 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 pocket DIYs below use only the pocket; others also use some of the denim fabric surrounding it. 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 is that they already have a seam and will not fray.
There is no distinct seam at the front pockets, so the denim around them will fray. Also, with the front pockets, make sure you don't accidentally cut the inner 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 in my comprehensive 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 fun about a denim pocket. I often recognise pockets from my favourite jeans in my upcycled projects. Denim is great for upholstery, even the pockets.
Not only do upcycling and repurposing your old jeans keep them out of landfills, but the act of upcycling also offers many other benefits and can be therapeutic.
All these wonderful ideas to try out! So, which one do I start with?!!!❤️
Thank you, yes you can have fun upcycling jeans pockets.
I made gift bags out of the back pockets. They are big enough for small items.
Thank you, yes pockets make great little gift bags.
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.
Wow! I'd love to see a photo of that it sounds fabulous and handy too.
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.
Those both sounds like great ideas. Pockets do make handy little carriers I use one for my phone and sunglasses.
I used blocks of jean legs to make a car blanket for my son's car. Used plaid flannel for the other side.
That sounds lovely, especially with the cozy flannel side.
@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.
That sounds like a fabulous quilt. Thank you.
Inspiring ideas, thank you
Thank you, glad you enjoyed them.
Great ideas!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your clever jean repurposes at Vintage Charm!
You’re welcome thank you for hosting.
This is fantastic, and my mom just gave me a pair of old jeans she wants me to do something with the pockets. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I hope you found something that inspired you.
Super cute ideas and I have several pockets already cut out! Looking forward to making one or two of these. Saw this on TTA link party. Thanks for sharing. Pinned!
Thank you so much and thanks for sharing. Good luck with your pocket upcycles I'd love to see them.
I seriously thought I'd seen all the ways to use jean pockets, but it looks like a missed a few. Such a great round up. I'm going to have to see if there are any other jeans hiding away in some cupboard I could cut up 😉
Thank you, Michelle. I have plenty of more denim ideas to come. Now that it looks like we will be stuck inside for a few months I will be diving into my denim stash and creating.
These are such cute ideas all in one spot! Denim is so versatile and classic!
Yes, I agree it's a great fabric to upcycle. Thank you.