It's fantastic you want to create a big handbag from old jeans! This is a super sustainable project that yields a sturdy, stylish, and incredibly unique accessory. Denim's natural durability, fades, and existing features like pockets and seams make each bag one-of-a-kind.
We'll focus on making a large, structured tote-style handbag that has a flat bottom and stands up well, complete with a clean lining and sturdy handles.
How to Sew a Big Handbag from Old Jeans
Making a large bag from repurposed denim requires a bit more planning and effort due to the fabric's thickness and the need to potentially piece together smaller sections of jeans. But the result is well worth it!
I. Planning Your Big Denim Handbag
Before you cut, think about the kind of big bag you want and how to best use your old jeans' unique qualities.
Size: How big do you need it to be? A common large tote size might be around 18 inches wide x 15 inches tall x 6 inches deep (45.7 cm x 38 cm x 15.2 cm). This will dictate how much denim you need.
Denim Quantity: For a large bag, you'll likely need at least 3-5 pairs of old jeans (depending on their size and how much usable fabric you can get from each leg). Look for non-stretch or low-stretch denim for the best structure.
Highlighting Jean Features: This is where the "unique" aspect comes in!
Back Pockets: Perfect for adding instant exterior storage and a signature denim look.
Waistband: Can be repurposed for a strong top edge, internal loops, or even part of a strap.
Side Seams/Hems: Keeping these intact can provide pre-finished, decorative edges.
Faded/Worn Areas: Don't shy away from these! They add authentic character and a cool, distressed style.
Handle Style: For a large bag, sturdy webbing handles are often the most practical and comfortable. You could also create thick denim handles.
II. Gather Your Materials
Having these ready will ensure a smooth sewing process for your substantial denim bag.
Old Jeans: 3-5 pairs (or more for a very large bag or if you want a lot of patchwork).
Lining Fabric: 1.5 to 2 yards (1.4 to 1.8 meters) of medium-weight cotton, canvas, or poly-cotton. Choose a durable fabric with a color or print that complements your denim.
Heavy-Duty Fusible Interfacing (ESSENTIAL for Structure!): 1.5 to 2 yards (1.4 to 1.8 meters) of heavyweight fusible interfacing (e.g., Pellon 809 Decor Bond, Pellon 71F Peltex II Ultra Firm). This is absolutely crucial for making your big bag stand up straight and hold its shape. Do not substitute with lighter interfacing.
Webbing for Handles: 2.5 to 3 yards (2.3 to 2.7 meters) of 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) wide cotton or polypropylene webbing. This will provide strong and comfortable handles for a large bag.
Thread: Strong, all-purpose polyester thread. Consider a color that matches your denim, or a contrasting color (like gold or orange) for a classic jean topstitch look.
Basic Sewing Supplies:
Sewing Machine: It must be able to handle thick layers. A walking foot is highly recommended for feeding thick denim evenly.
Heavy-Duty Needles: Denim needles (size 90/14 or 100/16) are essential. Have several spares, as denim can break or dull them quickly.
Fabric Shears (heavy-duty) or Rotary Cutter with a large mat (for efficient cutting).
Long Quilting Ruler or measuring tape.
Fabric Chalk or Mark-B-Gone pen.
Plenty of Wonder Clips (these are far superior to pins for holding thick denim).
Iron and Ironing Board (essential for fusing interfacing and pressing seams).
Seam Ripper (your most valuable tool for disassembling jeans!).
III. Plan Your Size & Prepare Your Denim Panels
This is the most time-consuming part, but careful preparation ensures a successful bag.
A. Determine Your Bag Dimensions (Example): Let's use our example: 18 inches wide x 15 inches tall x 6 inches deep. We'll use a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance throughout.
B. Disassemble Your Jeans:
Wash and Dry: Ensure all jeans are clean and fully shrunk before cutting.
Cut Off Legs: Cut off the legs of your jeans just below the crotch seam.
Open Leg Seams: Use your seam ripper to carefully open up both the inseam (inner leg seam) and the outseam (outer leg seam) of each leg. This will give you large, flat panels of denim. Iron these pieces flat.
Harvest Pockets/Waistbands (Optional): If you want to use original back pockets (for exterior pockets) or the waistband (for a top trim or internal loops), carefully cut them out, leaving enough denim around them to attach.
C. Create Large Denim Panels (You Will Likely Piece!):
For a bag this large, individual jean pieces are rarely big enough for a single panel. You'll need to piece smaller denim sections together.
Plan Your Layout: Lay out your opened denim pieces. Arrange them to maximize cuts and minimize seams, but don't be afraid to create a patchwork look by combining different washes.
Piecing Technique:
Place two denim pieces right sides together, aligning a long raw edge.
Stitch them together using a a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance.
Press the seam open thoroughly to reduce bulk.
Topstitch (Highly Recommended): On the right side of the fabric, sew two lines of stitching, one on each side of the seam line, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) away. This mimics the look of jean seams, adds strength, and creates a great visual effect.
Continue piecing until you have denim panels large enough for your final cuts. Aim to make your pieced panels about 1 inch larger on all sides than your final cut dimensions to allow for squaring up.
D. Calculate & Cut Your Fabric Pieces:
You'll cut 2 main body pieces for the exterior and 2 matching pieces for the lining.
Panel Width: Finished Width + Finished Depth + (2 * Seam Allowance) = 18" + 6" + 1" = 25 inches
Panel Height: Finished Height + Finished Depth + (2 * Seam Allowance) = 15" + 6" + 1" = 22 inches
Your Cut Pieces:
Exterior Denim Panels: Cut 2 rectangles, each 25 inches wide x 22 inches high (63.5 cm x 55.9 cm).
Lining Fabric Panels: Cut 2 rectangles, each 25 inches wide x 22 inches high.
Heavy-Duty Fusible Interfacing: Cut 2 rectangles, each 24 inches wide x 21 inches high (1 inch smaller on all sides than your exterior panels to keep bulk out of the seams).
Webbing for Handles: Cut 2 pieces, each 28 inches (71 cm) long. (Adjust length for your preferred handle drop, 25-30 inches is a good range for shoulder bags).
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IV. Let's Start Sewing Your Big Denim Bag!
General Tips for Sewing Thick Denim:
Denim Needle: Use a fresh, sharp denim needle (90/14 or 100/16).
Walking Foot: Use it if you have one. It helps feed thick layers evenly.
Go Slow: Stitch slowly, especially over bulky seams. You may need to hand-crank your machine over super thick areas.
Wonder Clips: Use these generously instead of pins.
Pressing: Press all seams open thoroughly to reduce bulk. Use a good, hot iron.
Topstitching: Use a slightly longer stitch length (3.0-3.5mm) for all topstitching.
Step 1: Prepare Exterior Panels (Fuse Interfacing & Attach Handles)
Take both Exterior Denim Panels. Lay each one wrong side up on your ironing board.
Place one interfacing piece on top, centered (it's 1" smaller on all sides). Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of each denim panel following the manufacturer's instructions. Press firmly and allow to cool completely. This is what gives your bag its rigid structure.
Attach Handles & Exterior Pockets (Optional): Take one Exterior Denim Panel (right side up, with interfacing fused).
Exterior Pockets: If you're adding original jean back pockets, position them now and topstitch them securely in place on the right side of your panel.
Handles: Measure in about 5-6 inches (12.7-15.2 cm) from each side edge along the top (25-inch) raw edge. Mark these points.
Take one webbing handle. Align one end of the webbing with each mark on the top raw edge. Ensure the webbing lies flat and is not twisted. Clip securely.
Stitch the handle ends in place within the 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Sew a square with an "X" inside it (an X-box stitch) for maximum reinforcement, as these handles will bear the weight of your large bag.
Repeat for the second Exterior Denim Panel.
Step 2: Construct the Main Bag Body (Exterior)
We'll use a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance for all seams.
Place the two Exterior Denim Panels right sides together, carefully aligning all raw edges. The attached handles (and any exterior pockets) should be tucked neatly inside.
Clip securely along both side edges and the entire bottom edge. Leave the top edge (where the handles are) open.
Using your 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance, stitch from one top corner down that side, pivot sharply at the bottom corner, stitch straight across the bottom, pivot again, and stitch up the other side to the top corner. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam.
Press your seams open thoroughly to reduce bulk.
Step 3: Box the Corners of the Main Bag
This step creates the flat, structured bottom of your big tote bag.
Lay the main bag body flat. The side and bottom seams should be pressed open.
At one of the bottom corners, carefully bring the side seam and the bottom seam together, aligning them perfectly. This will naturally form a triangular shape at the corner.
Measure from the tip of this triangle inward along the seam line a distance equal to half of your desired bag depth (e.g., for a 6-inch deep bag, you'll measure 3 inches / 7.6 cm).
Draw a straight line perpendicular to the seam at this measured point. This is your new stitching line.
Clip firmly along this drawn line.
Stitch precisely along the drawn line, backstitching securely at both ends.
Trim the excess fabric from the corner, leaving about a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance beyond your new stitching line.
Repeat this exact process for the other bottom corner of your main bag body. Result: Your main bag now has a defined, flat bottom. Keep it wrong side out.
Step 4: Sew the Lining Bag Body
The lining is constructed almost identically to the main bag, with one crucial difference for turning the bag later.
Place the two Lining Fabric panels right sides together, aligning all raw edges.
Clip along both side edges and the entire bottom edge.
Using your 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance, stitch down one side seam.
CRUCIAL STEP: For the bottom seam, you must leave a substantial opening! Stitch approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) from one side, then leave an 8-10 inch (20-25 cm) unstitched gap in the middle of the bottom seam. This opening is essential for turning a large bag right side out. After the gap, stitch for another 3 inches (7.6 cm) to reach the other side seam. Backstitch well at the start and end of the stitched sections around your opening.
Stitch up the second side seam.
Press your seams open.
Box the Corners of the Lining Bag: Box the corners of your lining bag using the exact same method you used for the main bag (refer back to Step 3). Result: Your lining bag is now fully constructed, with that important turning opening at the bottom. Keep it wrong side out.
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Step 5: Join the Exterior Bag and the Lining Bag (The "Bag-in-a-Bag" Method)
This clever technique encloses all raw edges at the top of your bag, giving it a super clean and professional finish.
Ensure your exterior denim bag is right side out.
Ensure your lining bag is wrong side out (and still has that turning opening).
Carefully insert the exterior denim bag into the lining bag.
The right sides of both bags should now be facing each other.
Align the side seams of the exterior bag with the side seams of the lining bag.
Align the top raw edges of the exterior denim and the lining fabric all around the entire opening of the bag.
Clip very securely all the way around this top edge, matching up seams precisely.
Using your 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance, stitch all the way around the entire top opening of the bag. Go slowly and carefully, especially when you go over the bulky handle attachment points. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam.
Trim & Clip: To reduce bulk, carefully trim the seam allowance at the top down to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Clip any curves if necessary (though for a box bag, trimming bulk is usually sufficient).
Step 6: Turn Your Bag Right Side Out & Finish
This is the satisfying moment your big denim bag takes its final shape!
Reach through the opening you left in the bottom seam of the lining.
Slowly and carefully pull the entire bag (denim exterior, lining, handles – everything!) through this opening until it is completely right side out. Take your time, gently pushing out all the corners for a crisp, well-defined shape.
Close the Lining Opening: Go to your ironing board. Press the raw edges of the opening in the bottom of the lining under by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) so they meet neatly. Align these pressed edges and clip them together. Stitch this opening closed by machine (sewing very close to the folded edge for a neat finish) or by hand using an invisible ladder stitch for a truly seamless look.
Now, push the lining down into the denim bag.
Final Press & Topstitch: Carefully press the entire top edge of the bag. Make sure the lining is fully tucked inside and isn't peeking out over the top of the denim.
For a super polished and durable finish, topstitch all around the entire top edge of the bag, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) from the edge. This final topstitching secures the lining, helps the bag hold its shape, and adds that professional, crisp look. You can also sew a second row of topstitching about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) from the top edge for added detail and stability.
VII. Styling Your Big Denim Bag
Embrace the Character: The unique fades, whiskering, and original pocket details from the jeans are what make your bag truly special. Let them show!
Patchwork Patterns: Strategically piece denim from different washes (light, medium, dark) to create eye-catching patchwork designs on your panels.
Add More Pockets: You can add simple slip pockets or a zipper pocket to your lining panels before assembling the lining (Step 4).
Contrast Stitching: Use a bold, contrasting thread color (like gold or orange) for all your topstitching to highlight the denim's texture and mimic traditional jean construction.
Internal Organizers: Sew simple fabric dividers inside the lining to create compartments for specific items (like a laptop sleeve or water bottle holder).
You've now created a fantastic, sturdy, and unique big handbag from old jeans! What will you fill it with for your next adventure?
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