Want to know how to make a tote bag from jeans? Do you have an old pair of jeans you don’t know what to do with? Don’t throw them away just yet!
You can transform those jeans into a stylish and practical tote bag with creativity and basic sewing skills.
Not only will you be giving new life to old denim, but you’ll also have a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s perfect for carrying your essentials on the go.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn how to turn your jeans into a fabulous tote bag!
How to Make a Tote Bag from Jeans – Step-by-Step Guide
Making a tote bag from an old pair of jeans is surprisingly easy and requires minimal sewing skills. Here are some of the steps you need to follow.
- Materials needed: old jeans, fabric scissors, sewing machine or needle and thread, fabric pins, ruler or measuring tape, iron
Cutting the Jeans
Before you can make a tote bag from your jeans. Here’s how to do it the right way.
1. Lay the Jeans Out Flat and Cut off the Legs at the Crotch:
- First, lay the jeans out flat on a cutting surface or table.
- Next, cut off the legs at the crotch area using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.
- Cut as straight as possible to ensure that the final product looks neat.
2. Cut off Any Excess Fabric From the Sides and Bottom to Make a Rectangular Shape:
- After cutting off the legs, cut off any excess fabric from the sides and bottom of the jeans.
- Make sure to measure and mark the area cut with a ruler or measuring tape to ensure accuracy.
- You can use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter for this step.
3. Cut Out the Pockets and Belt Loops, if Desired:
- If you want to include the pockets and belt loops in your tote bag, you can cut them out now.
- Use fabric scissors to cut around the edges of the pockets or belt loops, leaving enough fabric around them to sew them onto the tote bag later.
- You can skip this step if you do not want to include these features.
Preparing the Tote Bag Pieces
To ensure that the tote bag looks neat and professional, it’s important to properly prepare the pieces before sewing them together.
1. Cut Two Rectangles from the Jeans Fabric to Form the Body of the Tote Bag:
- Take the jeans you have already cut into a rectangular shape and cut two more rectangles of equal size from them.
- The size of the rectangles will depend on how big you want your tote bag to be.
- Use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the rectangles, ensuring they are the same size and shape.
2. Cut Two Long Strips from the Jeans Fabric for the Handles:
- Cut two long strips from the jeans fabric to create the handles of the tote bag.
- The length and width of the strips will depend on how long and wide you want the handles to be.
- Measuring and marking the fabric with a ruler or measuring tape before cutting is a good idea.
- Use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the strips.
3. Cut Two Rectangles from a Coordinating Fabric for the Lining:
- Cut two rectangles from a coordinating fabric for the lining of the tote bag.
- The size of the rectangles should be the same as the jeans rectangles you cut in step 1.
- Use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the rectangles, ensuring they are the same size and shape.
Sewing the Tote Bag
To finalize the tote bag, you must sew together all the pieces. Here are some tips for doing it properly.
- Pin and sew the two jeans rectangles along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
- Pin and sew the two lining rectangles along the sides and bottom, leaving a 5-inch gap in the bottom seam.
- Box the corners of the jeans and lining pieces by sewing across the corner and trimming off the excess fabric.
- Turn the jeans bag right-side out and slip it into the lining, right sides together.
- Pin and sew the top of the jeans bag to the top of the lining, catching the handles in the seam.
- Turn the bag right-side out through the gap in the lining and sew the gap closed
Finishing Touches
- Press the bag with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and give it a more finished look.
- Add any desired embellishments or decorations, such as buttons or patches.
READ ALSO: How to Make a Tote Bag from a Pillowcase
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a tote bag from jeans can be a fun and sustainable DIY project. It’s a great way to repurpose old jeans and turn them into a functional and stylish accessories.
Remember to take your time, measure accurately, and sew carefully to ensure your final product looks neat and professional. With creativity and effort, you can create a unique and personalized tote bag you’ll be proud to use and show off.