👖✨ You Won’t Believe How Easy This Denim Tote Bag Is to Make! 👜💙, by DK Sewing on YouTube. 2 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans, then cut along the inside leg seams to open the fabric flat. Cut two matching rectangles about 14 by 16 inches for the bag body.
Cut the back pocket off the jeans with a small border of fabric, or leave it attached to one body piece. Pin it in place and sew close to the pocket edge.
Cut two lining pieces the same size as the denim pieces. Cut two handle strips about 4 by 22 inches from the floral fabric.
Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the long edge and one short end, turn it right side out and press flat.
Place the two denim pieces right sides together and sew down both sides and across the bottom with a 1/2 inch seam. Repeat with the lining pieces, leaving a 4 inch gap in the lining bottom.
Pin the raw ends of each handle to the top edge of the denim bag, about 4 inches in from each side seam. Baste them in place.
Turn the denim bag right side out and drop it inside the lining, right sides together. Sew around the top edge with a 1/2 inch seam, catching both handles.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining. Sew the gap closed, then push the lining inside the bag and press the top edge.
Topstitch around the top edge of the bag, about 1/4 inch from the seam, to hold the lining down and strengthen the handles.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and go slowly over thick seams so the machine does not jam.
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam, especially where the handles attach.
Press each seam with an iron as you go for a neater, flatter finish.
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the needle.
Questions
Do I need a sewing machine for this bag?
A machine makes it much faster and stronger, but you can hand sew the seams with a backstitch if you use strong thread.
What fabric works best for the lining and handles?
Medium weight cotton or canvas holds up well. Very thin fabric will wear out quickly on the handles.
How big should the bag pieces be?
About 14 by 16 inches gives a roomy everyday tote. Measure your own jeans first and adjust the size to fit the fabric you have.
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.
