How to embroider jeans back pockets

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I have a big stack of jeans waiting for a new look, and I’m starting small by showing how to embroider jeans back pockets! This is a quick way to jazz up old jeans; I went with text for this version but have visions of floral pockets in my future. You can download the free hand embroidery pattern and try it yourself, or just use the same technique and a different pattern.

I started this project as a part of a larger refashion, and realized that the weight I’ve gained during quarantine made the jeans not such a great fit. So, my stitching is definitely not the prettiest, because I knew this wasn’t going to be a long-term keeper project! Who has ideas for reusing the jeans pocket all by itself?

While you’re here, check out these posts too!

• 13+ modern books on refashioning clothing & upcycle sewing
• 10 refashioning tips for successful sewing
• Five Tips for Thrift Shopping to Upcycle & Refashion
• 24+ Men’s button down shirt refashion ideas

Pin this tutorial for how to embroider jeans back pocket with this image or link.

how to embroider jeans back pocket

Supplies

• Sulky Stick N Stitch aka Fabri-Solvy – shop on the Sulky website or Amazon
• Optional – lightweight, wash-away stabilizer
• Embroidery needle – my personal favorites
• Floss; I used DMC but also love Sulky Cotton Petite Thread
• seam ripper
• pins
• coordinating thread
• Free PDF pattern-sign up for my newsletter and get the free download once you confirm your subscription! If you’re already a subscriber, you can access the pattern with the password in each newsletter, in the resource library.

Steps

Step 1- Seam rip off that pocket! With a smaller pattern or one along the edge, you could probably get away with leaving it on, but it would’ve caused a lot of stretching to try and stitch something this big without taking it off.

I did not use a hoop because of my transfer method. You could also use additionally or alternatively, a wash-away stabilizer on the back of the pocket to keep it from stretching, and/or a small hoop that you shift around.

Step 2- Transfer the pattern! I used Stick n Stitch, which helped stabilize it and made transferring easily.

Step 3- If you’re using stick n stitch, wash it away, let dry.

Step 3- Pin your pocket back on and sew carefully along the same lines. Use an iron to lightly press and you’re done!

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