From Old Jeans to a Beautiful Autumn Bag | Easy DIY Sewing Project🍂, by Made Beautiful on YouTube. 18 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 18 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the jeans, then cut along the inner and outer leg seams to open the fabric flat. Cut away the waistband, pockets and any worn patches.
Draw two rectangles about 40 cm wide by 45 cm tall on the denim for the bag body. Cut them out, keeping the strongest areas of fabric.
Cut two matching lining rectangles the same size. If you want an inside pocket, cut an extra denim square about 15 cm by 15 cm.
Pin the two denim rectangles with right sides together. Sew down both sides and across the bottom with a 1 cm seam allowance, then zigzag or overlock the raw edges.
Sew the lining the same way but leave a 10 cm gap in the bottom seam. Press the side seams open on both pieces.
Turn the denim bag right side out and push the lining inside it, wrong sides facing. Line up the top edges and pin all the way around.
Cut two straps about 60 cm long from webbing or denim. Pin each end inside the top edge, about 10 cm in from the side seams, and check the strap length over your shoulder.
Sew around the top edge with a 1 cm seam allowance, catching the straps as you go. Sew a second row 5 mm below for strength.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining, then hand sew or machine stitch the gap closed. Push the lining down inside the bag.
Press the top edge and straps, then topstitch around the opening and along each strap for a neat finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim needle and go slowly over thick seams so the machine does not skip stitches.
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam and sew an X box over each strap end so it holds weight.
Wash the finished bag by hand or on a gentle cycle and let it air dry to keep the denim shape.
Questions
Do I need a sewing machine for this bag?
No, you can sew the denim by hand with a strong needle and doubled thread. It takes longer and the seams will be less even, but it works.
What fabric works best for the lining?
A medium weight cotton or canvas holds up well and is easy to sew. Avoid slippery fabrics like satin for a first bag.
How much weight can a denim tote hold?
A bag with reinforced strap ends and a double topstitched opening handles everyday items like books and groceries. Keep very heavy loads out of it.
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.
