How to Make a Jean Pocket Purse With Cute Fringe Detailing

Nina's Ideas
by Nina's Ideas
8 Materials
$5
20 Minutes
Easy

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a jean pocket purse. Top designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tom Ford showcase denim bags because they have effortless style and always look good. Though these aren’t designer, they are a perfect way to make a DIY denim purse!


This DIY purse from old jeans is perfect for your phone, credit cards, or anything small. You can totally customize the look by adding a few details. This is a no-sew project, but you can sew it if you have a sewing machine and use a heavy-weight denim needle. Let’s get started!

Tools and materials:

  • Jeans
  • Ruler
  • Marking chalk
  • Glue gun and glue
  • Cord, thin rope, or sturdy shoelace
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle (optional)
  • Optional for decorating: studs, denim flower, vintage brooch, or pins
Marking the jean pockets with marking chalk

1. Cut the jeans

Lay the jeans on a flat surface with the front of the jeans facing downward. Measure and mark the top area of the jeans just below the waistband, down the length of the leg inside of the outseam, and straight down in the inside of the crotch. 


Measure 2½ inches down from the center point of the pocket to be the bag’s center on the bottom and make a diagonal line on either side of the back pocket. The bottom of the bag should mirror the jeans pocket.

Cutting out the jean pockets

Measure both back pockets in this way. Cut both pieces out.

How to make a purse out of jeans

2. Assemble the bag

Lay the pieces with the right sides facing each other.

Gluing the seams of the DIY jean pocket bag

Apply glue on the inside to both sides, just up to the line where the pocket ends. Press the glued sides with your hand to make sure the glue is secure.

Making a DIY purse from old jeans

Leave the bottom open. 

Folding the top of the bag over

Fold just the top of the bag over. 

Ironing the jeans to press the fold

Iron on both sides so it is perfectly flat. 

Gluing the fold to hem the bag

Then, apply glue to the inside of the fold. Press the glued sides together with your hands.

No-sew DIY jean purse tutorial

Once the glue is dry, turn the bag right side out. Iron both sides of the bag.

Gluing the bottom of the DIY denim purse

Glue just the area on the inside following the line of the jeans pocket. Press with your hands to secure the glue.

Cutting the denim to make fringe

Using the scissor, cut small strips on the bottom of the bag up to the glue line to fringe the bag. Fluff the fringes.

Gluing the cord strap to the DIY purse from old jeans

Take a sturdy shoelace or cord and glue the edge of the cord to either side of the bag’s seams.

Adding embellishments to the bag

3. Customize your bag

You can embellish your bag with whatever you want to make it yours. I’ve added denim flowers, gold studs, and vintage jewelry.

How to make a jean pocket purse

How to make a jean pocket purse tutorial

You see how easy it is to make a jean pocket purse! Please let me know how you enjoyed this tutorial and if you made it! I love hearing from you and even better, seeing how you made your own DIY denim purse using old jeans glue, and your imagination!

Suggested materials:
  • Jeans
  • Ruler
  • Marking chalk
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 3 comments
  • Marie-Claude Vass Marie-Claude Vass on Nov 06, 2021

    I agree with Wendy Kileen Myers; if you cut a LARGER piece for backing and use the whole pocket section, you can make a bag with 2 compartments. Finish the top neatly and Sew a fancy button to the middle and make button holes so u can seal the main compartment.


    Now u have a bag with a little front pocket and a secure section too.

  • Wim15586109 Wim15586109 on Nov 20, 2021

    Yes! I will make this project. Thanks!

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