Denim Jeans Tote Bag Tutorial

by Jimmie Lanley on June 30, 2011

Finished Denim Tote Bag

Tuesday of Sprite’s camp week turned out to be a very crafty day. One of my projects was turning a couple of pairs of jeans (plus a few other sewing notions) into a cute tote bag, based on the tutorial at Crafting a Green World.

Start with eight rectangles, each 13 x 5 inches. I used pinking shears to cut out the pieces and kept the side seam detail on some of the pieces.

Then layer the pieces and top stitch them together. The idea is that as I use and wash it, the bag will become a bit raveled along those raw edges. (I love the worn spot at the top where Sprite’s knee used to fit into those darker jeans.)

Here are my two side panels, sewn and embellished.

I have only a few decorative stitches on my machine, but they added quite a bit of interest to the project.

The daisy trim is something I found at a yard sale. I love having an assortment of laces, trims, and notions to choose from on a project like this.

The next step is to sew right sides together and iron open the seams. Then I added the bottom. This step is a bit tricky. Start with the center of the long sides of the bottom, pinning them to the centers of the side panels. Work outwards from the center, pinning as you go. Mine didn’t measure exactly at the ends, but I made it work. There are a few puckers. But for a repurposed bag, I think small imperfections add character.

This is the bottom, seen from the right side.

The directions at Crafting a Green World suggest leaving the top unfinished, but I felt that it just needed something. Hobby Lobby to the rescue. I found some fun bandanna inspired ribbon that I used like double fold bias tape to encase the top edge.

For the straps, I sewed on the waistbands from two pairs of pants. Simply trim the waistbands very close to the finished edge. There will be some fraying, but it should add to the relaxed look of the bag.

What do you think?

Tagged as: denim, how to, jeans, repurposing, sewing, tutorial

{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }

Diana June 30, 2011 at 11:09 pm

I LOVE this. I’m always looking for ways to repurpose stuff. This is perfect. Thanks for the idea and the tutorial!

Melissa July 1, 2011 at 2:07 am

This is a great tote! Might be just what I need to do with that pile of jeans in my sewing stash. Great job.

ChristyH July 1, 2011 at 5:58 am

Super cute and a great idea.

Deanne July 1, 2011 at 7:12 am

What do I think? I think I love it! It makes me smile to see your sewing projects. I can feel your pleasure as you explain and describe the process. {{{hugs}}}

Julie July 1, 2011 at 8:02 am

I want one too! I might be able to do this. I *think* I’m a crafty person and I sometimes “wing it” on craft projects. I love the handles with the buttons and button holes. I also love how the pink pops out from the denim. Beautiful Jimmie!

Cindy July 1, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Here’s my denim recycled jean bag:

http://love2learn2day.blogspot.com/2011/01/made-me-math-bag.html

I love the way you used trim on yours. It’s beautiful!

Cindy July 1, 2011 at 5:03 pm

Thanks. I think of myself as anything BUT crafty, so it was a major feat. I love, love how pretty yours is.

See Jamie blog July 1, 2011 at 7:18 pm

Jimmie, I adore this!

amy in peru July 1, 2011 at 11:32 pm

I miss you and wish we were neighbors. Micah was remembering your hubby today in conversation

oh, and I like your bag too

amy

amy in peru July 1, 2011 at 11:47 pm

oh and don’t you want to link up to this on the CM blog carnival – handicrafts?!

MarshaMarshaMarsha July 2, 2011 at 1:42 am

you are so brave with your contrasting decorative stitching! i usually go with thread that blends in bc i can’t seem to cut or sew straight.

Kendra July 2, 2011 at 5:33 am

I think I’m jealous you have access to Hobby Lobby! Your bag is very cute though.

Natasha July 2, 2011 at 10:41 am

That is so cute! I’m making a note of this one for a future handicrafts projects. My girls can never have too many bags (as far as they’re concerned – their father has his own opinion!).

Tracey July 4, 2011 at 11:25 am

This is awesome!

Sparklee July 8, 2011 at 3:30 pm

FUN! What a great project! I’m intimidated by sewing, but this seems simple enough for me. And I know I’ve got some old jeans that need to be repurposed!

Jo August 23, 2011 at 2:22 pm

Anna loves her Jimmie bag – thank you!

Jimmie August 23, 2011 at 2:42 pm: You know everything is fodder for the blog. Guess you’re not surprised to see my sewing projects here.

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