How to Make a Denim Tote Bag from an Old Shirt Miarti Sewing Tips, by Miarti - Sewing Tips on YouTube. 4 min 20 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 20 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Draw a paper template 29 x 19.5 cm and pin it to the denim. Cut two panels for the front and back, plus matching batting and lining pieces.
Layer each denim panel with batting and lining, pin them flat, and sew around the edges to hold the layers together.
Cut a brand patch from the old shirt and stitch it onto the front panel where you want it.
Cut two fabric strips for the handles, fold and press the long edges under, then topstitch along both sides.
Pin each handle end to the top of a panel, check the spacing is even, and stitch them in place with a box and cross stitch.
Cut pockets from the shirt sleeves and sew them onto the lining or front panel before the bag is closed.
Work out the gusset size from the bag depth, cut side strips, and fuse interfacing to the wrong side with a hot iron.
Sew the gusset strips to the short edges of the panels, then join the main body with right sides together.
Wrap bias tape around the open inner raw edges and stitch it down to hide them.
Turn the bag right side out, push out the corners with a blunt tool, and press the seams flat.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and a slightly longer stitch length so the machine handles thick layers.
Clip rather than pin the bulky seams where the gusset meets the panels to keep the layers flat.
Press each seam as you go, since denim holds creases and the bag will look much neater.
Keep fingers clear of the needle and unplug the iron when you finish pressing.
Questions
Do I need a special sewing machine for denim?
A standard machine works if you fit a denim needle and sew slowly. Thin the seam allowances where layers stack up.
Can I make the bag bigger than 21 x 15 x 9 cm?
Yes. Scale the paper template up and recalculate the gusset depth to match the new width and height.
What if I do not have bias tape?
You can cut narrow strips from the leftover lining fabric, fold them, and use them to bind the raw edges.
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.
