Don't Throw Away Denim Scraps | Make a DIY Bag That Looks Expensive, by Sew Sweet on YouTube. 21 min 22 s.
- Video length
- 21 min 22 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans, then cut along the side seams to open the legs into flat panels of denim.
Cut two matching rectangles for the bag body, about 35 by 40 cm, and two strips about 10 by 60 cm for the handles.
Cut pocket pieces from the back pockets or leftover denim and pin them onto the right side of the front body panel.
Sew around each pocket, leaving the top edge open, and backstitch at the start and end to lock the seams.
Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise with right sides together, sew the long edge, turn it right side out and press flat.
Pin the handles to the top edge of both body panels, matching the raw edges, and baste them in place.
Place the two body panels right sides together and sew down both sides and across the bottom with a 1 cm seam.
Trim the corners, turn the bag right side out through the open top and press the seams flat.
Fold the top edge under twice, pin, and topstitch around the opening to finish the bag and secure the handles.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and a longer stitch length so the machine can push through thick layers.
Sew slowly over bulky seams and turn the handwheel by hand if the needle struggles.
Backstitch at the top of each handle because that is where the bag takes the most strain.
Questions
Do I need a pattern?
No. You measure and cut simple rectangles straight from the flat denim panels, so the bag size is up to you.
Can I make this without a sewing machine?
Yes, but hand sewing denim takes much longer. Use a strong needle and a backstitch for durable seams.
How do I stop the bag from fraying?
Use a zigzag stitch or overlock the raw inside seams, or add a lining to hide and protect them.
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.
