Every bit of old jeans can be cut up and repurposed, refashioned, and recycled into a dizzying array of sewing projects. The zippers can be cut out and saved as replacements when a favorite pair of jeans needs a new zipper; the legs of jeans can be cut into strips and woven into placemats and baskets or large pieces can be sewn together for a patchwork quilt, made into purses, skirts, throw pillow covers, totes, toys and so much more.

It is the old jeans pockets though that are so eye catching in their newly upcycled forms.

Removing the back pockets from old jeans is simple with a seam ripper. Slip the seam ripper or use sharp pointed scissors to cut the stitching under the pocket sides and release the pocket from the jeans back.

These sturdy pockets can be crafted into so many useful and unique items:

Wall Hanging Pocket Organizer: Depending on the number of pockets available, simply sew multiple pockets in a pleasing pattern to a square or rectangle of sturdy fabric and then staple to a foam core board for hanging. A modern style update to the still charming crisscross ribbon bulletin board. Great for a sewing room or college student to hang near their study desk.

Placemat with Pocket for Silverware: To any placemat, whether home sewn or purchased, attach the jeans pocket to one side to hold silverware or picnic plastic ware. Use a bleach pen to draw a design onto the pocket front if desired.

Armchair or Bedside Caddy: To keep remote control devices or cell phone within easy reach. Decide on the length and width that the fabric caddy should be. Usually a rectangular size is best so that there is enough room to go over the armchair and hang evenly down each side or long enough to tuck under the mattress leaving enough room for the pockets to be sewn to one end side. Sew two rectangular pieces right sides together leaving room to turn, press and top stitch the edges. Sew jeans pockets to one end.

Market Tote Bag with Jeans Pockets: Sew a simple tote with boxed corners. Add jeans pocket or two to one side of the tote as a handy way to hold a grocery list, grocery coupons, car keys or cell phone.

E-Reader or Tablet Cover: A jeans pocket sewn to the outside of a DIY fabric cover. The jeans pocket becomes a handy place for holding onto a cell phone or ear buds.

Tiny Jeans Pocket Purse: Sew two jeans pockets on three sides, wrong sides together. Embellish with satin ribbon, fabric flower or a lacy motif and add cording for a strap for a cute little girl’s purse.

Cobbler’s Apron with Jeans Pockets: Add several jeans pockets in a horizontal row to the front of any simple cobbler’s style apron. The jeans pockets on the apron are great to hold money and cell phone when hosting a garage or yard sale.

Jeans Pocket Coin Carry with Velcro Closure: Use two back pockets cut from the same jeans. Stitch a Velcro closure to the top of the pockets, then stitch the two pockets together on the three remaining sides.

Cell Phone Charging Pouch Holder: Use denim or fabric to cut out a similar shape as the jeans pocket. Sew on three sides to make a backing to form a pouch of the jeans pocket. The jeans belt loops can be stitched together to form a hanging strap that goes over the wall plug. Cell phone placed in the pocket charges safely as it hangs off counters or floors.

Tooth Fairy Pillow with Jeans Pocket Holder: Add a jeans pocket to a small throw pillow. The pocket is a perfect place to hold the tooth till the Tooth Fairy arrives!

Mug Mat: Line the back of the pocket with flannel for a soft furniture protector and give a resting place to hold a mug of coffee or tea.

Sewing Machine Jeans Pocket Mat: This can double as a sewing machine dust cover as well. Just two half-yard pieces of fabric, one half yard cut of batting, enough double fold binding to go around the perimeter and about three jeans pockets to attach to the front of the mat. Place batting between the fabrics pin and sew several straight parallel lines or free motion sew a simple pattern over all to quilt the pieces together. Trim edges, attach binding all around. Attach jeans pockets to one lower edge. The sewing machine will sit on top of the mat and the jeans pockets hang down the front. The pockets then can hold sewing notions. As a machine cover, fold in half, add side fabric ties to each middle side to tie and secure as a dust cover-up for when the machine is not in use.


Denim Projects found on Pinterest.com

Sew happy, sew inspired.