Make This Beautiful Tote Bag From Old Jeans! 👖✂️💙, by DK Sewing on YouTube. 2 min 48 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 48 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans, then cut them open along the inner leg seams so the fabric lies flat. Cut off the waistband, hems and any worn patches.
Cut two matching rectangles for the bag body, about 35 cm wide by 40 cm tall, using the back legs where the denim is cleanest.
Cut two strips about 8 cm wide and 60 cm long for the handles. Fold each strip in half lengthwise with right sides together and pin.
Sew along the long open edge of each handle with a straight stitch, then turn the tubes right side out and press them flat with the iron.
Place the two bag panels right sides together and pin the sides and bottom. Sew those three edges with a straight stitch and a 1.5 cm seam allowance.
Trim the seam allowances, then zigzag or overcast the raw edges so the denim does not fray. Turn the bag right side out and press the seams.
Pin one handle end to the top edge of the front panel, about 8 cm in from each side, and repeat on the back. Check that both handles are the same length.
Sew each handle end in place with a square and an X inside it for strength. Fold the top edge of the bag under 1 cm twice and topstitch all the way around.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and a longer stitch length so the machine does not skip stitches on thick seams.
Sew through the thick side seams slowly by hand-turning the wheel to avoid breaking the needle.
Add a lining from scrap cotton if you want a cleaner inside and a pocket for keys.
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam so the bag holds weight.
Questions
Do I need a sewing machine?
A machine makes it much faster and stronger, but you can hand sew the seams with a backstitch using heavy thread. Expect it to take several hours by hand.
How much weight can a denim tote hold?
Denim is strong, so the weak point is the handle attachment. The square with an X stitch spreads the load and keeps the handles from pulling out.
Can I use jeans with holes or stains?
Yes, just cut around damaged areas and use the clean sections for the bag panels and handles.
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.
