{"id":11115321,"date":"2026-03-15T12:10:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T06:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/?p=11115321"},"modified":"2026-05-01T12:59:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T07:29:50","slug":"turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/","title":{"rendered":"Turn an Old Jeans Pocket into a Bellows pocket in 10 minutes (Recycling tutorial)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A bellows pocket is a perfect storage pocket with a gusset on the side. But  how roomy can a jeans pocket be. Well, as roomy as it can be. There is a way, to turn it into an expandable bellows pocket. Yes, you make a little alteration to the jeans pocket and it turns into a roomy pocket perfect for storage. <\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#How_to_stitch_the_bellows_pocket_from_a_flat_pocket\" >How to stitch the bellows pocket from a flat pocket<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_1_Cut_out_the_pocket\" >Step 1. Cut out the pocket<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_2_Cut_the_Pocket_Open\" >Step 2. Cut the Pocket Open<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_3_Add_the_center_piece\" >Step 3. Add the center piece<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_4_Fold_the_pleat\" >Step 4. Fold the pleat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_5_Add_the_side_gussets\" >Step 5. Add the side gussets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_6_Mark_placement_on_your_clothing\" >Step 6. Mark placement on your clothing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_7_Attach_the_Pocket\" >Step 7. Attach the Pocket<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/#Step_8_Optional_Add_a_Flap\" >Step 8. Optional: Add a Flap<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>This pocket lies flat when it is empty and expands when you fill it. The gusset you sew on the side and add to the center of the pocket allows it to expand. You can sew it back on to your workwear jeans or you can attach a strap and have an instant bag. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"596\" height=\"817\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-63.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115340\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-accent-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_stitch_the_bellows_pocket_from_a_flat_pocket\"><\/span><strong>How to stitch the bellows pocket<\/strong> <strong>from a flat pocket<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>If you find you would rather watch a video of this post here it is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"adthrive-video-player in-post\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\" data-video-id=\"BilaElas\" data-player-type=\"default\" orientation=\"\" override-embed=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2026-03-15T06:20:21+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Recycle old jeans pocket.mp4\" \/>\n\t\t<meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t\t<meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/thumbs\/BilaElas-720.jpg\" \/>\n\t\t<meta itemprop=\"contentUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/videos\/BilaElas.mp4\" \/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Cut_out_the_pocket\"><\/span><strong>Step 1. Cut out the pocket<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut out an jeans pocket from an old pair of jeans. When I say cut out, I actually mean rip out. The bartack stitches on the pocket top corners are brutal &#8211; you will need more than your small seam ripper for <a href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/taking-apart-jeans-the-right-way\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11115095\">dismantling your jeans <\/a>pocket. The thing about jeans stitching is that once you rip it out some, the rest automatically comes off. But the bartack stitches will need a blade to cut them off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"626\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-pocket-112.jpg\" alt=\"Old jeans pocket cut out\" class=\"wp-image-11115326\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut out some extra Scrap denim or any other sturdy fabric for gussets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Cut_the_Pocket_Open\"><\/span><strong>Step 2. Cut the Pocket Open<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You have to add extra fabric in the middle of the jeans pocket and at the sides to add the expansion gussets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fold the pocket in half <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"583\" height=\"868\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-43.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115328\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut straight down the center of the pocket.Now you have two pocket halves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"588\" height=\"828\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocke1t3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115327\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This gap is where you will add some extra fabric to make the pocket expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I cut out the back of the pocket to cut this piece. Cut 3&#8243; wide fabric for this. Length should be the same as the pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Add_the_center_piece\"><\/span><strong>Step 3. Add the center piece<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sew this strip between the two pocket halves<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"910\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115329\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Place right sides together. Stitch the strip to one pocket half. Sew the other pocket half to the opposite side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Press the seams open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now the pocket has extra depth in the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Fold_the_pleat\"><\/span><strong>Step 4. Fold the pleat<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Fold the extra fabric at the center to the back and sew along the edge. This creates the edge stitching that is characteristic of these kinds of pockets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"605\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115330\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, the centre part has to be folded into an inverted pleat. Press the folded edge together to get this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"598\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115331\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stitch small stitches at the top and bottom of the edges to keep the pleats in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"885\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-7.jpg\" alt=\"the inverted pleat in the bellows pocket\" class=\"wp-image-11115332\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Add_the_side_gussets\"><\/span><strong>Step 5. Add the side gussets<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Measure around the sides and bottom of the pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut a long strip for the sides. I cut it 2 inches wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"599\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115333\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Fold one edge of the fabric strip to the back (1\/4&#8243;) and sew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you have to attach the gusset. Fold the other edge of the strip to the back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"588\" height=\"918\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115334\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Place it on the table. Keep the pocket right side up on the fabric strip and keep it aligned on the folded edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"975\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115335\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Start sewing from the top corner of the pocket. Fold the top edge before you start sewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue around the bottom. As you reach the corners of the jeans pocket remember to pivot with the needle down on the fabric<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"571\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115336\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sew up all along the pocket. When you reach the other top edge, fold the top edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"593\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115337\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now this gusset will allow the pocket to expand outward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Mark_placement_on_your_clothing\"><\/span><strong>Step 6. Mark placement on your clothing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Place the pocket on your workwear jeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"606\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-jeans-pocket-76.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115338\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Use chalk to trace the pocket edges onto the garment. This line shows where the pocket will be stitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Attach_the_Pocket\"><\/span><strong>Step 7. Attach the Pocket<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pin the pocket in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"604\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bellows-pocket.32.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11115339\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stitch along the marked stitching line.<br>After the whole thing is attached to the base fabric, you can sew the top edge of the pocket together with the pleats to keep it fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Backstitching like this at the top corners adds strength and structure to your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-background-color has-background\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_8_Optional_Add_a_Flap\"><\/span><strong>Step 8. Optional: Add a Flap<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut a rectangle for the pocket flap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sew, turn, and press. Attach above the pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>You now have a bellows-style expandable pocket made from an old jeans pocket. It sits flat but expands when you store things inside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-3-background-color has-background\">Related posts :<a href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/reuse-recycle-jeans\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6210\"> Make these things from recycled  old denim<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A bellows pocket is a perfect storage pocket with a gusset on the side. But how roomy can a jeans pocket be. Well, as roomy as it can be. There is a way, to turn it into an expandable bellows pocket. Yes, you make a little alteration to the jeans pocket and it turns into &#8230; <a title=\"Turn an Old Jeans Pocket into a Bellows pocket in 10 minutes (Recycling tutorial)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/turn-old-jeans-pocket-into-a-bellows-pocket\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Turn an Old Jeans Pocket into a Bellows pocket in 10 minutes (Recycling tutorial)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11115340,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[98,111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11115321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upcycled-denim-projects","category-pockets-plackets-fasteners"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11115321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11115321"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11115321\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11115340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11115321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11115321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sewguide.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11115321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}