.jpg)
That's a clever idea! The hem of old jeans is a fantastic resource for upcycling because it's already finished, strong, and often has interesting topstitching. This tutorial will show you how to leverage those existing hems to create a sturdy and stylish DIY denim tote bag. This method is particularly good for using up those otherwise tricky-to-utilize jean legs.
We'll aim for a simple, yet functional tote, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) wide x 14 inches (35 cm) tall, with a flat bottom.
How to Sew a Denim Tote Bag from the Hem of Old Jeans
This project is suitable for a beginner to intermediate sewer. The main challenge will be sewing through the thick denim hems, so a good needle and proper machine settings are key!
I. Planning & Gathering Your Materials
Careful preparation makes all the difference!
Old Jeans:
Quantity: 1-2 pairs of adult-sized jeans. Look for straight-leg or bootcut jeans; they have wider hems and more usable fabric.
Type: Sturdy, non-stretch or low-stretch denim works best.
Preparation: Wash and dry your jeans thoroughly before cutting. This prevents any future shrinkage and makes the fabric easier to handle.
Lining Fabric (Recommended):
Type: A durable woven cotton, like quilting cotton, broadcloth, or an old cotton sheet. A contrasting color or pattern can add a fun touch.
Quantity: Approximately 2/3 yard (0.6 meters).
Preparation: Wash and iron.
Interfacing (Optional, but Recommended for Structure):
Type: Medium-weight fusible interfacing. This will give your bag more body and help it hold its shape.
Quantity: Approximately 2/3 yard (0.6 meters).
Webbing for Handles:
Type: Cotton or polypropylene webbing, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
Quantity: Approximately 1.5 yards (1.4 meters) total (two 26-inch / 66 cm pieces).
Matching Thread: All-purpose polyester thread. A heavy-duty thread (like topstitching thread) is highly recommended for sewing through the thick denim hems and for a more professional finish.
Basic Sewing Tools:
Sewing machine (a denim needle or heavy-duty needle, size 16 or 18, is essential).
Walking foot (optional but highly recommended): This attachment helps feed multiple thick layers of fabric evenly through your machine.
Sharp Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat.
Measuring Tape or Long Ruler.
Fabric Chalk or Mark-B-Gone Pen.
Plenty of Pins or Fabric Clips (clips are invaluable for thick denim!).
Iron and Ironing Board.
Seam Ripper (your ever-present friend!).
II. Prepare & Cut Your Fabric Pieces
Accuracy in cutting is crucial for a well-shaped bag. We'll use a consistent 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise specified.
1. Deconstruct Your Jeans & Harvest Hems
Lay your washed and ironed jeans flat.
Cut off the legs just above the existing hem. You want to keep the full, original hem intact. Cut a few inches above the hem to give yourself plenty of fabric to work with.
Carefully unpick (seam rip) the inseam (the inner leg seam) and the outer leg seam of both legs. This will give you large, flat pieces of denim with the original hems still attached. Press them flat.
Harvest Pockets (Optional): If you want to use the back pockets of the jeans as exterior pockets on your tote, carefully cut them off, leaving about a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance around the existing stitched edges of the pocket.
2. Cut Main Bag Panels (Denim & Lining)
From your Denim (Exterior Fabric):
From your flattened denim pieces, cut 2 rectangles, 13 inches wide x 15 inches tall (33 cm W x 38 cm H).
Crucially: Ensure the original jean hem is at the bottom of your 15-inch height on both panels. This will become the top opening of your tote bag. The raw edges will be at the bottom and sides.
From your Lining Fabric:
Cut 2 rectangles, 13 inches wide x 15 inches tall (33 cm W x 38 cm H).
From your Interfacing (If using):
Cut 2 rectangles, 12 inches wide x 14 inches tall (30.5 cm W x 35.6 cm H). These are slightly smaller than the fabric to reduce bulk in the seam allowances.
Fuse Interfacing: Following the manufacturer's instructions, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of your two denim exterior panels. Center the interfacing so there's a 1/2-inch border of denim exposed on all sides for the seam allowance.
3. Prepare Handles
Webbing Handles: Cut two pieces of webbing, each 26 inches (66 cm) long.
.jpg)
III. Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Use your denim needle and heavy-duty thread for all denim sections. A walking foot is highly recommended for sewing through the thick denim hems. Backstitch at the beginning and end of every seam for reinforcement.
Step 1: Add Exterior Pockets (Optional)
If using jean back pockets:
Take one of your denim exterior panels (with interfacing fused). Lay it right side up.
Decide where you want to place the pocket (e.g., centered on the lower half of the bag).
Place the pocket onto the panel, ensuring it's straight. Pin securely in place (clips work really well here).
Stitch the pocket onto the bag panel close to the existing stitched edges of the pocket. Reinforce the top corners with a small triangle or bar tack stitch for extra durability, as pockets get a lot of use.
Step 2: Attach Handles to Exterior Panels
Take one denim exterior panel (with any pockets attached) and lay it right side up. The existing jean hem should be at the top.
Measure 3.5 inches (9 cm) in from each side edge, along the top (hemmed) edge of the panel. Mark these points.
Place the raw ends of one webbing handle onto these marks, aligning the raw edges of the webbing with the top (hemmed) edge of the bag panel. The handle loop should face downwards onto the bag panel.
Pin securely. Stitch the handles in place with a strong reinforcing stitch (e.g., stitch a square with an "X" inside it), within the 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. This is crucial for handle strength.
Repeat for the second handle on the second denim exterior panel.
Step 3: Assemble the Exterior Bag
Place your two assembled denim exterior panels (with handles attached) right sides together, aligning the side raw edges and the bottom raw edges. Ensure your handle loops are tucked neatly inside so they don't get caught in the seams.
Pin securely along the side raw edges and the bottom raw edge.
Stitch down both side seams and across the bottom seam, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.
Finish Raw Edges (Recommended): Use a zigzag stitch or serger along all raw seam allowances of the exterior bag to prevent fraying and add durability. Press seams open.
Step 4: Create Boxed Corners for Exterior Bag (Optional, but gives a flat bottom)
This step gives your bag a flat, defined bottom.
At one of the bottom corners of the exterior bag (still inside out), gently pinch the corner so the previously sewn side seam aligns perfectly with the newly sewn bottom seam. This will naturally form a triangular shape at the corner.
Measure from the point of this triangle inward along the seam line a distance equal to half of your desired bag depth (e.g., for a 2-inch deep bag, you'll measure 1 inch / 2.5 cm).
Draw a straight line perpendicular to the seam at this measured point. This line should be equal to your desired bag depth (e.g., 2 inches / 5 cm).
Stitch precisely along the drawn line, backstitching securely at both ends.
Trim the excess fabric triangle 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 the exterior bag.
Turn the exterior bag right side out. Push out the boxed corners with your fingers or a blunt tool to make them crisp.
.jpg)
Step 5: Assemble the Lining Bag (Repeat Steps 3 & 4, with one crucial modification)
Place your two lining fabric panels right sides together.
Stitch down both side seams and across the bottom seam, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance.
IMPORTANT: Leave a 4-5 inch (10-12.7 cm) opening along the center of the bottom seam of the lining. This opening is absolutely crucial for turning the bag right side out later. Backstitch well at the beginning and end of your stitching around this gap.
Create boxed corners on the lining bag just like you did for the exterior bag (Step 4), ensuring they are the same depth.
Do NOT turn the lining bag right side out. Keep it inside out.
Step 6: Combine Exterior and Lining
Keep the exterior bag turned right side out.
Keep the lining bag turned inside out.
Carefully insert the exterior bag into the lining bag, so that the right sides of both bags are facing each other.
Align the top (hemmed) edge of the exterior bag with the top raw edge of the lining bag. Make sure the side seams of the exterior match up with the side seams of the lining. The handles of the exterior bag should be tucked down between the exterior and lining layers.
Pin securely all around the top raw edge of the lining to the hemmed edge of the denim exterior.
Step 7: Sew Top Edge and Finish
Stitch all the way around the top opening of the bag, approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) from the top hemmed edge of the denim. This will secure the lining to the denim, and you'll be sewing through the thick denim hem. Go slowly and carefully.
Topstitch (Optional but Recommended): For an even neater finish, topstitch again about 1/4 inch from your first line of stitching, closer to the raw edge of the lining (which is now inside the bag). This creates a durable and professional-looking top edge.
Step 8: Close Lining Opening
Reach into the opening you left in the bottom seam of the lining (from Step 5).
Slowly and carefully pull the entire bag (exterior, lining, handles – everything!) through this opening until it is completely right side out.
Gently push out all the boxed corners of the main bag and the lining to make them crisp and well-defined.
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.
Finally, push the lining down into the main bag, ensuring it sits smoothly inside and the corners align.
Give your finished tote a good final press.
Congratulations! You've successfully sewn a unique and eco-friendly DIY Denim Tote Bag from the Hem of Old Jeans! This sturdy tote is perfect for everyday use, shopping, or carrying your essentials, all while showcasing your clever upcycling skills.
What kind of unique details did your old jean hems have?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment