.jpg)
A patchwork tote bag from ripped jeans is a fantastic project that combines sustainable crafting with unique style! It's an excellent way to use up denim scraps and jeans that are too torn for other projects, transforming them into a durable and one-of-a-kind accessory. This process celebrates the imperfections of denim, allowing you to create a bag with character and a story.
This detailed guide will walk you through making a sturdy medium-sized patchwork denim tote bag with a flat, boxed bottom, a full lining, and comfortable fabric handles. We'll aim for a finished size of approximately 14 inches wide x 15 inches tall x 4 inches deep (35.5 cm W x 38 cm H x 10 cm D).
How to Sew a Beautiful Patchwork Tote Bag from Ripped Jeans
I. Planning Your Patchwork Tote
Careful planning is crucial for a successful patchwork project, especially when using salvaged materials.
Gather Your Denim Scraps: You'll need a good collection of denim pieces from various jeans – different washes, textures, and levels of distressing can add to the beauty of your patchwork. Aim for larger scraps initially, as smaller pieces can be challenging to work with.
Design Your Patchwork (Optional, but Recommended):
Random: Simply sew pieces together as they fit for a truly organic look.
Stripes: Cut long strips of denim (e.g., 2-3 inches wide) and sew them together horizontally or vertically.
Squares/Rectangles: Cut uniform or varied squares/rectangles and arrange them.
Existing Features: Think about how you can incorporate original jean seams, distressed areas, or even small remnants of pockets into your patchwork.
Lining Fabric: Essential! A lining gives your tote a professional, clean finish, hides all raw seams (including your patchwork seams!), and adds an extra layer of durability. Choose a medium-weight cotton fabric (like quilting cotton or broadcloth) that complements your denim palette.
Structure:
Heavyweight Fusible Interfacing: This is critical for giving your patchwork tote body and preventing it from being floppy. Options like Pellon 809 Decor Bond or Pellon 71F Peltex II Ultra Firm work well for a sturdy bag. Given the patchwork, this also helps stabilize all those seams.
II. Gather Your Materials
Having all your supplies ready before you start sewing will make your project run smoothly.
Old Ripped Jeans/Denim Scraps: A good collection of clean, ironed denim pieces. (Aim for enough to create two 17" x 18" panels once pieced together).
Lining Fabric: 1 yard (0.9 meters) of medium-weight quilting cotton or broadcloth.
Heavyweight Fusible Interfacing: 1 yard (0.9 meters).
Matching Thread: Strong, all-purpose polyester thread in a neutral color (like grey, navy, or black) that blends with most denim washes. Consider topstitching thread (gold, orange, or beige) for classic denim accents on handles or exterior seams.
Basic Sewing Supplies:
Sewing Machine: Your machine should be capable of sewing through multiple layers of fabric. A denim needle (size 90/14 or 100/16) is essential for piercing tough denim. Keep spares on hand, as they can break or dull quickly. A walking foot is highly recommended for feeding multiple layers of denim and patchwork evenly.
Sharp Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat.
Long Quilting Ruler or Measuring Tape.
Fabric Chalk or Mark-B-Gone Pen.
Plenty of Fabric Clips (excellent for holding thick denim layers!).
Iron and Ironing Board (crucial for pressing patchwork seams and fusing interfacing).
Seam Ripper (your ever-present friend!).
.jpg)
III. Prepare Your Denim & Cut Fabric Pieces
Accuracy in cutting and piecing is important for a well-structured bag. We'll use a consistent 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance throughout this tutorial.
Target Finished Tote Size: 14" W x 15" H x 4" D (35.5 cm W x 38 cm H x 10 cm D).
A. Prep Your Denim Scraps:
Wash and Dry: Ensure all your denim scraps are clean and free of loose threads.
Iron Flat: Press every piece of denim thoroughly to remove creases.
Trim Rough Edges: Trim away heavily frayed or damaged edges, or any sections with zippers/buttons that you don't plan to incorporate. You want manageable, relatively flat pieces.
B. Calculate Your Panel Sizes:
Main Body Panel Width: Finished Width + Finished Depth + (2 * Seam Allowance) = 14" + 4" + 1" = 19 inches (48.3 cm)
Main Body Panel Height: Finished Height + Finished Depth + (2 * Seam Allowance) = 15" + 4" + 1" = 20 inches (51 cm)
C. Cut Your Fabric Pieces:
Exterior Patchwork Denim Pieces:
You need to create 2 rectangles, each measuring 19 inches wide x 20 inches high, from your denim scraps.
Patchwork Method: This is the heart of the project!
Start by laying out your denim scraps on a flat surface, arranging them until you have a pleasing design that is larger than your target 19"x20" panel size.
Begin sewing pieces together, right sides together, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance.
After each seam, press the seam open to reduce bulk. You can also topstitch along each side of the seam on the right side of the fabric for a decorative and durable finish (like typical jean seams).
Continue adding pieces, trimming as you go, until you have a patchwork "canvas" that's at least 20" wide x 21" high (allowing for some wiggle room).
Once your patchwork is complete for one panel, lay it flat and use your ruler and rotary cutter (or scissors) to precisely cut out one 19 inches wide x 20 inches high rectangle.
Repeat this process to create your second 19" x 20" patchwork panel.
Handle Pieces: Cut 2 rectangles, each 4 inches wide x 25 inches long. (Adjust length for your preferred handle drop). You can cut these from larger solid denim pieces or piece them from scraps.
Lining Fabric Pieces:
Main Body (Front & Back): Cut 2 rectangles, each 19 inches wide x 20 inches high.
Interior Slip Pocket (Optional): Cut 1 rectangle, 8 inches wide x 10 inches high.
Heavyweight Fusible Interfacing:
Main Body Panels: Cut 2 rectangles, each 18 inches wide x 19 inches high (1 inch smaller on all sides than your main fabric panels to keep bulk out of the seam allowances and reduce stiffness at the seams).
.jpg)
IV. Let's Start Sewing Your Patchwork Tote Bag!
General Sewing Tips for Patchwork & Denim:
Press, Press, Press: This is even more crucial with patchwork. Press seams open after each stitching step to reduce bulk and ensure your bag lies flat.
Backstitch: Always backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure your stitches.
Walking Foot: Absolutely use it! It helps feed the multiple layers and varying thicknesses of patchwork and interfacing evenly, preventing shifting and puckering.
Clips: These are excellent for holding thick layers of denim and patchwork in place, far better than pins which can bend or distort the fabric.
Go Slow: Take your time, especially when sewing through bulky seams where multiple denim layers meet. Don't force your machine.
Topstitching: Use a slightly longer stitch length (3.0-3.5mm) for all topstitching for a more professional, intentional look, especially on denim.
Step 1: Fuse Interfacing to Exterior Patchwork Panels
Take your two Exterior Patchwork Denim Main Body Panels. Lay each one wrong side up on your ironing board.
Center one Interfacing piece on each patchwork panel (it should be 1 inch smaller on all sides).
Following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fusible interfacing, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the patchwork fabric. Press firmly and allow to cool completely. This step is vital for stabilizing all your patchwork seams and giving your tote strong body and structure.
Step 2: Prepare Interior Slip Pocket (Optional)
Take your 8" x 10" pocket piece (lining fabric).
Fold one long 8-inch edge down by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) towards the wrong side and press. Fold it down again by another 1/2 inch and press. Stitch this double-folded hem in place, close to the inner fold. This is the neat top edge of your pocket.
Fold the remaining three raw edges (the two short 10-inch sides and the bottom 8-inch side) in by 1/2 inch and press.
Position this prepared pocket onto the right side of one of your Lining Fabric Main Body Panels. Center it horizontally, about 4-5 inches (10-12.7 cm) down from the top raw edge.
Topstitch the pocket in place along its two sides and bottom edge, close to the folded edges. Backstitch at the beginning and end, and reinforce the top corners with a small triangle stitch or extra back-and-forth stitches for durability.
Step 3: Prepare and Attach Denim Handles
Take one Handle Piece (4" x 25"). Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press firmly along the fold.
Open up the strip. Now, fold each long raw edge in towards the center crease you just made, and press again.
Fold the entire strip in half again along the original center crease. You should now have a long, flat handle that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide with no raw edges visible. Press firmly along the entire length to set the folds.
Topstitch down both long sides of the prepared handle, sewing about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) from each edge. Use topstitching thread if you want that classic jean accent. This secures all the folds and makes a neat, strong handle.
Repeat this entire process for the second handle piece.
Attach to Exterior Bag Panels:
Lay one Exterior Patchwork Denim Main Body Panel (with interfacing fused) right side up.
Measure in from each side edge about 4-5 inches (10-12.7 cm) along the top raw edge of the panel. Mark these points with fabric chalk. These marks indicate where your handle ends will be placed.
Position the raw ends of one prepared handle on the top raw edge of the panel at your marks. Ensure the handle itself is flat and not twisted. The handle should be pointing downwards into the panel. Clip the ends securely in place.
Stitch the handle ends in place. For a strong hold, sew a small square (about 1x1 inch) with an "X" inside it (an X-box stitch) for maximum reinforcement, as these handles will bear the weight of the bag's contents. Perform this stitching within the 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance, close to the raw edge.
Repeat for the second exterior patchwork panel with the second handle.
Step 4: Sew the Bag Body (Exterior and Lining)
Exterior Bag: Place your two Exterior Patchwork Denim Main Body Panels right sides together. The handles should be tucked inside the bag. Clip or pin along both side edges and the entire bottom edge.
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 all seams open thoroughly to reduce bulk.
Lining Bag: Now, prepare your Lining Fabric Main Body Panels. Place them right sides together. Clip or pin along both side edges.
CRUCIAL STEP: For the bottom seam of the lining, you must leave an opening! Stitch down one side seam. Then, for the bottom seam, stitch approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) from one side, then leave a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) unstitched gap in the middle of the bottom seam. This opening is absolutely essential for turning the entire bag right side out later. 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 your stitching around the gap.
Stitch up the second side seam of the lining.
Press all lining seams open.
.jpg)
Step 5: Box the Corners (Exterior and Lining)
This step creates the flat, defined bottom of your tote bag, giving it shape and stability.
At one of the bottom corners of the exterior patchwork denim bag, carefully bring the side seam and the bottom seam together, aligning them perfectly. This action 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 4-inch deep bag, you'll measure 2 inches / 5 cm).
Draw a straight line perpendicular to the seam at this measured point. (This line will be 4 inches long if your desired depth is 4 inches).
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 all three remaining corners: the other exterior corner and both lining corners.
Result: Both your exterior patchwork denim bag and your lining bag now have structured, flat bottoms. Keep the exterior bag right side out and the lining bag wrong side out.
Step 6: Final Assembly (The "Bag-in-a-Bag" Method)
This clever technique encloses all raw edges at the top of your bag, resulting in a very clean and professional finish.
Carefully insert the exterior patchwork denim bag (which is right side out, with handles pointing down inside) into the lining bag (which is wrong side out and has the turning opening).
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 fabric and the lining fabric all around the entire opening of the bag. The handles should be tucked well inside between the layers.
Clip very securely all the way around this top opening, matching up seams precisely.
Stitch all the way around the entire top opening of the bag, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Go slowly and carefully, especially over the thick areas where the handles are attached. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam.
Trim Bulk: Carefully trim the seam allowance at the top down to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) to reduce bulk inside the top edge for a smoother finish.
Step 7: Turn Your Bag Right Side Out & Finish!
This is the incredibly satisfying moment your handmade patchwork tote takes its final, beautiful shape!
Remember that opening you left in the bottom seam of the lining in Step 4? Reach through it.
Slowly and carefully pull the entire bag (exterior, lining, handles – everything!) through this opening until it is completely right side out. Take your time, gently pushing out all the corners and seams 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 pin or 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, gently push the lining down into the exterior bag, ensuring it sits smoothly inside and the top edges are even.
Final Press & Topstitch: Carefully press the entire top edge of the bag, ensuring the lining is fully tucked inside and isn't peeking out over the top edge of the exterior fabric.
For a super polished and durable finish, topstitch all around the entire top opening of the tote, sewing about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) from the edge. This final topstitching marries the lining to the exterior, helps the bag hold its shape, and creates a crisp, professional 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.
Congratulations! Your unique, handmade Beautiful Patchwork Tote Bag from Ripped Jeans is now complete. You've transformed old denim into a functional, stylish, and truly personalized accessory with its own rich character. Enjoy using your sustainable and artistic creation!
What kind of denim washes and textures did you include in your patchwork design?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment