4. Upcycled Denim Pocket Storage Cube
What This Idea Means
The Upcycled Denim Pocket Storage Cube gives worn-out jeans a second life. By piecing together denim panels that incorporate back jeans pockets, this sturdy square storage cube features exterior quick-grab slots for pens, remote controls, scissors, or small tools.
What You Need
- 2–3 pairs of old denim jeans (incorporating back pockets)
- 1/2 yard heavy cotton duck canvas for lining
- Heavyweight peltex or ultra-firm sew-in stabilizer
- Denim sewing machine needles (size 100/16) and heavy jean thread
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
How to Make It
- Cut five 10×10-inch squares from denim legs for the exterior sides and base. Ensure at least two side panels feature intact denim back pockets.
- Cut five 10×10-inch squares from heavy stabilizer and five from lining fabric.
- Baste stabilizer squares to the back of each denim panel.
- Join the four side panels along vertical edges to form a cube ring. Attach the base square to bottom edges, carefully turning corners.
- Assemble the lining cube in identical fashion, leaving a 5-inch opening in the bottom panel.
- Slip denim outer cube inside lining cube with right sides together. Stitch around the top rim.
- Turn cube right-side out through lining gap. Hand-stitch or machine-stitch gap closed.
- Push lining inward and topstitch top perimeter 1/4 inch from edge using contrasting golden-yellow denim thread.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Press denim seams open with a hot iron and steam before joining corners to reduce bulk under the machine foot.
- Variation: Mix light wash, medium wash, and dark indigo denim panels in a checkerboard layout for a patchwork look.