If you’re like me you might have a pile of denim leftover from making jean shorts, skirts, or just plain worn-out jeans. During a recent cleaning session I came across this pile of denim and was brainstorming what to create from them. Btw…Thanks for all the great suggestions on FB & IG. :)
The back pockets of the jeans struck inspiration to create these diy coasters.
The results are better than I could have imagined and have now sorted through more jeans to create more of these denim coasters.
You can easily create these DIY coasters with your worn out jeans too.
How to make DIY Coasters from Jean Pockets
One pair of worn out jeans makes two denim coasters. The unique stitching designs on the back pockets of jeans create fun designs on the DIY drink coasters.
Materials & Tools
- denim jeans with back pockets
- quilt batting or other stabilizer (I use byAnnie’s Soft & Stable)
- paper or cardboard to create a circle template
- thread
- sewing machine
- seam ripper
To make the pockets easier to work with, cut out the back pockets including both layers of denim.
Create two circle templates from a piece of paper or cardboard. One circle template should be 4″ and the other 3.5″.
Trace the larger circle template onto the pocket. It’s okay if the circle goes into the outer stitching of the pocket because it will be in the frayed edge.
Cut the circle from both layers of the pocket.
Trace the small circle template onto the batting or stabilizer and cut out.
Place the batting or stabilizer circle in between the two denim layers and pin or clip to hold.
Sew around the perimeter of the circle with a 1/4″ seam allowance or just outside the stabilizer layer.
Using a seam ripper, begin ripping slits to create the frayed edge. I also used a soft bristle brush on the frays to soften the edges.
That’s it! Now you have beautiful denim drink coasters to save your table tops from drink rings.
Upcycled Denim Luggage Tags
Create denim luggage tags for all of your bags from denim jeans scraps.
Bonus! These diy coasters are machine washable. I recommend tossing them into a garment bag in the washing machine. Washing will only add character to the frayed edges and worn denim look.
A set of these denim diy coasters would make a great gift for a hostess or your mom.
Upcycled Denim Backpack
Learn how you can turn an old pair of jeans and a dress shirt into a stylish backpack. It’s the perfect size for kids.
The unique back pocket decoration on jeans makes each set of denim coasters a one-of-a-kind.
Did you make my diy coasters from your jeans back pockets? Send a link in the comments below so I can see them and feature on Scratch and Stitch.
I look forward to making these!
They’re so much fun! Send me pics of yours.
Eine tolle Idee von dir muss ich auch mal machen ..
Mach weiter so Gruß Simone….
Interesting
perfect place to use the circle attachment on your sewing machine.
Yes! Adding that to my Christmas list now. :)
I put a piece of plastic (shower curtain liner is what I use) between the jean pieces. That way condensation will not defeat the purpose of the coaster – keeping rings off your furniture.
Good thinking! Thanks for sharing :)
Are there any alternatives instead of quilt batting?, like toy stuffing or fleece or anything else that can be used?
Hi Stephanie – Great question! Yes, I think fleece (maybe even double-layered) or felt would work great. I wouldn’t use toy stuffing for this one as you want it to stay flat.
I love these! I have jeans saved up to make quilts out of. This is the perfect project for the pockets. I was wondering…what is the purpose of the batting between the 2 layers of denim?
Yes! Great idea :)
The batting gives it a bit of stiffness, plus will absorb moisture if needed. You could probably skip the batting though and the results would still be beautiful. Send pics :)
I would love to see how your quilt turns out too.
How does the batting stay in place in washer since it’s not sewn?
Hi! Great question. :) I haven’t had much of a problem with washing, with the small size and washing in a garment bag, the batting has kept in place.
This is so cute! What a fun craft to start kids on sewing!
Thanks for sharing! What a fun crafty gift to make for the holidays!
Love this idea!! Thank you for sharing 🌻
I love these and have thought about doing something similar in the past. BUT if you have a glass that has a lot of moisture on the outside, how to you keep the denim from absorbing it all and still leaving a mark on your furniture. Every cork coaster I’ve ever had eventually curls and becomes unusable due to this excessive moisture.
Hi Louise –
Great question. For these I used ByAnnie.com’s Soft & Stable. I know what you mean. I have never had an issue with them soaking through from sweating glasses and we use them daily. For extra protection I would add cork or a waterproof layer in between the layers.
Instead of the batting, cut out HeatNBond….the paper you use for appliques. Make sure it is Heat N Bond lite so you can sew through it. Iron onto the denim circles then iron together and then sew edges. The bondingin provides stiffness as well as a barrier to keep moisture off table.
This is a great alternative to using batting or foam between the layers. Thanks for the idea!