Jeans have a lot of character and style, even if they are worn out and won't fit you anymore. You can turn them into a unique handbag. The only thing you need is a pair of jeans that you can cut.
Steps
Step 1. Get a pair of jeans that you are allowed to cut
Jeans come in all shapes and sizes, so if the one in your closet isn't your favorite size to make your bag, take a look around thrift stores and garage sales to find a pair of jeans that are right for you. Don't forget kids' jeans if you want a smaller bag.
Step 2. Wash your jeans before you begin
Step 3. Cut the trouser legs at the beginning of the leg
Set them aside (you'll need them later). Cut at least 2 cm below the back pockets and the zipper for the selvedge. Line up the waistband front and back before cutting. You can cut straight at the bottom, as shown, or around the corners, depending on how you want the bag to be finished.
Step 4. Make an internal divider (optional)
- Cut a piece from one of the legs to use for this purpose. Use the bottom and sides of the one you cut out of the jeans as a pattern.
- Turn one side of the divider down and sew it. This will be the top of the divider panel.
Step 5. Choose the color of the thread
Most blue jeans are sewn with some brown or tan thread, you can find something that goes well with that. Or you can use blue or white or, if you prefer, choose a contrasting color.
Step 6. Turn the jeans inside out
Pin the panel in place if you have decided to use it. Sew along the bottom to close the leg openings. Also sew along the side edges to secure the panel.
- Folding the seams in the center helps make sure they aren't right on top of each other.
- Make the stitches 1.5 cm from the edge of the fabric. This part is called the selvedge.
- If the fabric tends to come undone, sew a zigzag line between the seam and the edge of the fabric on the selvedge. You will probably notice that the seams already present on the jeans have the same reinforcements.
Step 7. Cut a strip at least 5cm wide for the leg length to make the shoulder strap
Usually the outside of the pant leg is a bit straighter. Cut the strip to the size you want. Leave the strip a little wider so that there is a selvedge for the next step.
Step 8. Turn the strip inside out, so you can see the opposite side of the fabric
Sew it along one side to close it, trying to keep the seam as straight as possible and parallel to the seam you already have.
Step 9. Turn the strip over
This step will be easier if you have cut the strip to a generous width. It might help to use a wooden pin or other long, narrow object to slide through the fabric as you fold it up.
Step 10. Sew the strip into the inside of the bag, near where the hips should be
Sew sturdy at this point, as this is where the full weight of the bag rests. A square or criss-cross seam will help keep the sides from sagging
Step 11. Edit and add your favorite accessories
- Attach a zipper or other type of closure at the top.
- Sew on buttons, beads, sequins, bows, or patches for decoration.
- Tear off SMALL holes and fringes on the flap, shoulder strap or former thighs of the bag for a skateboarder look.
- Paint or draw on the fabric.
- Add pins.
- Glue some glitter.
- Hang a bandana over one of the pockets for a pop of color.
- Decorate your bag with appliques or embroidery.
Step 12. Put your belongings in the bag, making sure nothing falls off the bottom
Don't forget you have an inside pocket.
Step 13. Wear the bag around the house to see that the seams fit
If something comes off it reinforces the stitches.
Advice
- Sew the bag upside down so that when you're done, you can turn it right over and the stitches won't show.
- Instead of using a strip of denim for the shoulder strap, you could use an old belt. You can also cut the belt in the middle and leave the buckle as decoration and to adjust the length. Just make sure it doesn't land right on your shoulder.
- Make the stitches on the bottom (near the crotch) tight and close.
- It may be helpful to add some fabric as a lining to the inside of the bag. This can be easily patched or replaced when it wears or tears and the bag remains intact.
- Put some Velcro or a zipper on the pockets for a unique look.
- Use a skirt if you prefer. Using skirts helps to enlarge the measure.
- There is nothing special about using jeans for this project. Most other pants or shorts will do just as well, as long as the fabric is strong enough.
Warnings
- Sewing through different thicknesses of heavy fabric can cause your sewing machine to get stuck. Fold the seams, go slow and use the hand wheel to help you.
- There is a tool known as a jean-a-ma-jig that helps you sew over thick seams easily.
- If you don't do the tight and close stitches, things will fall off the bottom of your bag!
- Use only jeans that you are allowed to cut.
- Use the thickest needle that you find fits your sewing machine. There are specific needles made just for jeans, they have a wider base and a sharper tip. The seams in heavy denim break thin needles.
