How to Turn Old Jeans into a Cute Handbag, by Hobby Crafting on YouTube. 3 min.
- Video length
- 3 min
- Time to do it
- 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans, then cut them open along the inner leg seams so the fabric lies flat. Cut away the waistband, zipper and thick side seams.
Draw your bag shape on paper first. A simple rectangle about 30 cm wide and 35 cm tall works well. Cut two denim pieces and two lining pieces to that size.
Pin the two denim pieces right sides together. Sew around the sides and bottom with a straight stitch, leaving the top open. Use a 1 cm seam allowance.
Sew the floral lining the same way, but leave a 10 cm gap in the bottom seam. Clip the corners of both bags so they sit flat when turned.
Turn the denim bag right side out and press the seams. Cut two denim strips about 8 cm wide and 60 cm long for the handles, fold them in half lengthwise and sew along the long edge.
Turn the handle tubes right side out and press them flat. Pin one handle end to the front top edge and one to the back, about 8 cm in from each side.
Put the lining inside the denim bag with right sides facing. Pin the top edges together, sandwiching the handles between the layers, and sew all the way around the top.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining, then hand sew the gap closed. Push the lining inside and press the top edge.
Cut two rectangles of floral fabric, gather them in the middle and wrap a small strip around the centre to form the bow. Hand sew it to the front of the bag.
Cut a few denim circles, stack them and sew a running stitch around the edge. Pull the thread to gather them into a flower and stitch it over the bow centre.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and go slowly over thick seams so the machine does not skip stitches.
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam and at the handle joins, since these take the most strain.
Press each seam as you go. Flat seams make the finished bag look neat and store-bought.
Keep your fingers away from the needle and unplug the machine before changing the needle.
Questions
Do I need a sewing machine for this?
A machine makes it much faster and stronger, especially on denim. You can hand sew with a backstitch, but it will take several hours longer.
What fabric works best for the lining and bow?
Medium weight cotton or cotton blend is easiest to sew and press. Avoid slippery satin for your first bag.
How do I stop the handles from ripping off?
Sew each handle end twice in a box shape with an X through the middle. This spreads the strain over a larger area.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
