How to Sew an Easy Autumn Denim Handbag | DIY Fall Pumpkin Tote Bag Tutorial 🍂, by StitchHacks on YouTube. 15 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Wash and press all your fabric first so the bag does not shrink or pucker after sewing. Cut two cotton panels for the bag body and two matching lining panels.
Cut two denim strips about 4 inches wide and 22 inches long for the handles. Fold each strip in half lengthwise with right sides together and press.
Sew along the long open edge of each handle with a 1/2 inch seam. Turn the tubes right side out, press flat, then topstitch close to both long edges.
Cut a denim piece for the bag base and sew it to the bottom of each cotton body panel with right sides together. Press the seams open.
Fuse fleece to the wrong side of the two outer body panels for structure. Keep the lining panels unfused so the bag stays flexible.
Pin each handle to the right side of an outer panel, raw ends lined up with the top edge, about 4 inches in from each side. Baste in place.
Place the two outer panels right sides together and sew down both sides and across the bottom with a 1/2 inch seam. Clip the bottom corners.
Sew the two lining panels the same way but leave a 4 inch gap in the bottom seam. Turn the outer bag right side out.
Slip the outer bag inside the lining with right sides facing. Pin and sew around the top edge, catching both handles in the seam.
Pull the bag through the lining gap, sew the gap closed, then press the top edge and topstitch around the opening to finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and a longer stitch length when sewing through thick handle seams.
Baste the handles before the final top seam so they stay straight and do not shift.
Clip the curves and corners of the denim base so the bag sits flat when turned.
Press every seam as you go, since neat pressing matters more than speed on a lined bag.
Questions
Do I need a special needle for denim?
Yes, a denim or heavy duty needle size 90/14 or 100/16 handles thick seams without breaking. A normal needle may bend or skip stitches.
How big will the finished bag be?
The size depends on your cut panels. A common tote uses panels about 14 by 16 inches, which gives a roomy everyday bag.
Can I skip the fleece?
You can, but the bag will be floppy. Fusible fleece or medium interfacing gives the cotton body enough structure to hold its shape.
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.
