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Apron Pockets Made from Old Jeans

by: Chica
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Apron Pockets Made from Old Jeans
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I can't get enough of recycling my old jeans! Every time I see a scrap of it, I try to think of ways I can re-use it into something fun. I used a bunch of old jeans to create a denim patchwork quilt, and that project left my scrap box piled high with back pockets that needed a home. My inspiration finally came — sew them onto an apron!

I have a tool belt I use in the garage or when doing handy work around the house, but when it comes to crafting, I need something a little softer and cleaner, and an apron with lots of pockets was just the ticket.

I started with a plain denim apron that I picked up in Hobby Lobby for about four bucks I wanted a waist apron, not one that went around my neck, so the first thing I did was to cut the top half off, just above the ties. I then folded the edge over and sewed it down about 1/2" from the edge.

Apron pockets made from old jeans

Then I cut some pockets out of some old jeans, trimming as close as possible around the sides and across the top.

Apron pockets made from old jeans

I arranged three trimmed pockets on the apron and pinned them in place. I decided to overlap them, which I thought made a nice effect. I then took some belt loops and pinned them along the top edge of the apron.

Apron pockets made from old jeans

With everything in place, I turned to the trusty sewing machine, which can manage to sew together a few layers of denim as long as I properly equip it with super-strong blue jean top-stitching thread and a special denim needle. I sewed the two underlying pockets in place first, stitching around the sides and bottom. Then I put the third pocket on top and sewed it down.

The only problem with overlapping the pockets like this is that when you sew the top one down, you end up sewing through the pocket underneath, dividing the pocket area in two with your row of stitches. I realized pretty quickly that this was a benefit, though. The giant pockets were now divided into a medium-sized section and a narrow strip that turned out to be great for holding pencils or paintbrushes securely.

For the belt loops, I just ran a short row of stitches on either end of the loop (Fig 3). Boy, was that a tricky part to sew, because the denim was so thick there! But I stuck with it and in just a few minutes, I was all done.

Apron pockets made from old jeans

I love the finished result so much that I ended up making one for Jo, too. The pockets are great for holding all sorts of things and the belt loops are perfect for clipping on pens or carabiners.

Apron Pockets Made from Old Jeans
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6 comments so far:

  • 1
    Crystal 02/27/2012 at 4:50 pm

    This is flippin-fantastic!! I've been needing an apron so bad for crafting. But I've refused to buy one, because I know I can make it!! This is just the idea I was looking for!! Thanks again!!!!

  • 2
    Chica 02/27/2012 at 9:21 pm

    Crystal, so glad we had the idea you were looking for. Hope you enjoy your custom apron. :)

  • 3
    ROSARIO G. MENDOZA 03/27/2018 at 8:13 pm

    Todo muy lindo y fácil, gracias

  • 4
    Barbara 01/12/2021 at 8:03 pm

    Thanks for the idea. I have pockets from my grandkids. Now I know what to do for my daughter

  • 5
    Lynn Felicia 05/02/2021 at 11:20 pm

    Can I do this with fabric glue?
    I don’t have a sewing machine.

  • 6
    Chica 05/03/2021 at 8:09 am

    Lynn, you can try using fabric glue but keep in mind that the pockets won't hold as much weight or stand up to as much tugging/pulling over time as regular stitching would. If you try it out, let us know how it goes!

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