.jpg)
It's a fantastic idea to repurpose old denim scraps into a functional and stylish zipper tote bag! This project is not only eco-friendly but also allows you to create a truly unique accessory from varied denim washes and textures.
This tutorial will guide you through sewing a medium-sized zippered tote bag from denim scraps, featuring a flat bottom and an interior pocket. We'll aim for a finished size of approximately 14 inches (35 cm) wide, 12 inches (30 cm) tall, and 4 inches (10 cm) deep.
How to Sew a DIY Denim Zipper Tote Bag from Scrap Old Jeans
This project is suitable for an intermediate sewer due to the piecing of denim scraps and zipper installation. However, detailed instructions will help guide you through each step.
I. Planning & Gathering Your Materials
Careful preparation is key, especially when working with scraps!
Old Jeans/Denim Scraps:
Quantity: You'll need a collection of denim scraps from various parts of old jeans (legs, pockets, waistbands, etc.). Aim for enough flat pieces to cut the required panels. Different washes (light, dark, faded) will create a cool patchwork effect.
Type: Sturdy, non-stretch or low-stretch denim works best for durability. Avoid very thin or heavily distressed/ripped areas unless you plan to heavily reinforce them.
Preparation: Wash and thoroughly dry all denim scraps. Press them flat, seam-ripping any existing seams to get the largest possible flat pieces.
Lining Fabric:
Type: A durable woven cotton, such as quilting cotton, broadcloth, or even a sturdy old cotton sheet. A contrasting color or pattern can add a fun pop.
Quantity: Approximately 1 yard (0.9 meters).
Preparation: Wash and iron.
Interfacing (Highly Recommended for Structure):
Type: Medium-weight fusible interfacing (e.g., Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex for a softer bag, or Pellon 809 Decor Bond for a stiffer bag).
This will give your denim and lining more stability and help the bag hold its shape. Quantity: Approximately 1 yard (0.9 meters).
Zipper:
Type: A sturdy, nylon coil zipper is generally easier to sew for bags than a metal one.
Length: At least 16 inches (40 cm) for the main top opening. Longer is fine, you'll trim it.
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 stronger, heavy-duty thread (like topstitching thread or upholstery thread) is highly recommended for sewing through multiple layers of denim and for topstitching.
Basic Sewing Tools:
Sewing machine (a denim needle or heavy-duty needle, size 16 or 18, is essential for sewing through thick denim).
Zipper foot: Essential for sewing close to zipper teeth.
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, Frixion Pen, or Mark-B-Gone Pen.
Plenty of Pins or Fabric Clips (clips are invaluable for holding 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. Create Your Denim "Fabric" from Scraps
This is the most creative part! Lay out your flattened denim scraps.
Piece together your scraps to form larger panels. You can sew them together in strips, squares, or whatever patchwork design you like. Stitch them with a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance, pressing seams open as you go to reduce bulk.
Once you have a large enough piece of pieced denim (or one large clean piece if you got lucky with your scraps!), you can cut your main bag panels.
2. Cut Main Bag Panels (Denim & Lining)
From your pieced Denim (Exterior Fabric):
Main Exterior Panels: Cut 2 rectangles, 15 inches wide x 13 inches tall (38 cm W x 33 cm H). (These will be your front and back).
Side/Bottom Band: Cut 1 long rectangle, 45 inches long x 5 inches tall (114 cm L x 12.7 cm H). This piece will form the continuous side and bottom of your tote.
From your Lining Fabric:
Main Lining Panels: Cut 2 rectangles, 15 inches wide x 13 inches tall (38 cm W x 33 cm H).
Side/Bottom Lining Band: Cut 1 long rectangle, 45 inches long x 5 inches tall (114 cm L x 12.7 cm H).
Interior Pocket Panel (Optional): Cut 1 rectangle, 14 inches tall x 10 inches wide (35.6 cm T x 25.4 cm W).
From your Interfacing:
Cut pieces slightly smaller (e.g., 1/2 inch smaller on each side) than all corresponding denim exterior panels (Main Exterior Panels and Side/Bottom Band). Also cut for the Interior Pocket.
Fuse Interfacing: Following the manufacturer's instructions, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of all the corresponding denim and interior pocket pieces. Center the interfacing so there's a 1/2-inch border of fabric exposed on all sides for the seam allowance.
3. Prepare Handles
Webbing Handles: Cut two pieces of webbing, each 26 inches (66 cm) long.
III. Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Use your denim needle and heavy-duty thread for all denim sections. A walking foot is highly recommended. Backstitch at the beginning and end of every seam for reinforcement.
Step 1: Prepare the Interior Pocket (Optional)
Take your Interior Pocket Panel (14" x 10"). Fold it in half (wrong sides together) to measure 7" x 10". Press.
Hem the top raw edge (what will be the top of the pocket) by folding 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) down towards the wrong side, pressing, then folding another 1/2 inch and pressing. Stitch this hem in place, close to the inner fold.
Place this pocket onto one of your Main Lining Panels, centering it horizontally about 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) down from what will be the top edge of the lining. Pin in place.
Stitch around the sides and bottom of the pocket, very close to the edge. Reinforce the top corners with a small triangle or bar tack for durability. You can add vertical stitching to create compartments if desired.
Step 2: Attach Handles to Exterior Panels
Take one Main Exterior Panel (15" x 13") and lay it right side up.
Measure 4 inches (10 cm) in from each of the 15-inch (width) side edges, along the top raw 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 raw top 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 Main Exterior Panel.
Step 3: Attach Side/Bottom Band to Main Exterior Panels
Take your Side/Bottom Band (45" x 5"). Lay it flat, right side up.
Place one Main Exterior Panel (with handles attached) right sides together with the Side/Bottom Band. Align the bottom corner of the exterior panel with one end of the band.
Pin the exterior panel to the band, working your way around the bottom and sides. You'll need to clip into the seam allowance of the band slightly at the corners of the main panel to help it curve smoothly.
Tip: Think of this as sewing a "box" where the band forms the four sides and bottom.
Stitch all the way around this connection, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Go slowly around the corners.
Repeat this process to attach the second Main Exterior Panel to the remaining end of the Side/Bottom Band.
Once both panels are attached, bring the two short ends of the Side/Bottom Band together (right sides facing) to form a complete loop, enclosing the main panels. Stitch this seam. Press all seams open.
Step 4: Install the Main Zipper
Lay out the assembled exterior bag. It should be a denim "box" with an open top.
Take your zipper. Place it right side down along the top raw edge of the exterior bag's opening. Center the zipper horizontally. The zipper tape should align with the raw edge of the bag. Pin in place.
Using your zipper foot, stitch along this pinned edge, as close to the zipper teeth as possible. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Crucially: Open the zipper halfway at this point! This is essential for turning the bag right side out later.
Repeat for the Lining Bag: Take your assembled lining bag (from Step 5 below). Place its open top raw edge right side down on the other side of the zipper tape, aligning raw edges. Pin and stitch.
.jpg)
Step 5: Assemble the Lining Bag
Take your Side/Bottom Lining Band (45" x 5"). Stitch its short ends together (right sides facing) to form a loop. Press seam open.
Follow the same steps as in Step 3 to attach the two Main Lining Panels (one with pocket) to the Side/Bottom Lining Band.
Crucial: Leave a 5-6 inch (12.7-15 cm) opening in the center of the bottom seam of your Side/Bottom Lining Band. This opening is essential for turning the bag right side out later. Backstitch securely at the beginning and end of this opening.
Do NOT turn the lining bag right side out. Keep it inside out.
Step 6: Combine Exterior and Lining
Keep the exterior denim bag turned right side out.
Keep the lining bag turned inside out.
Carefully insert the exterior denim bag into the lining bag, so that the right sides of both bags are facing each other.
Align the top raw edge of the denim bag's opening (where the zipper is sewn to the denim) with the top raw edge of the lining bag's opening (where the zipper is sewn to the lining). Make sure all seams match up (side seams of exterior to side seams of lining). All handles and webbing of the exterior bag should be tucked down between the exterior and lining layers.
Pin securely all around the top raw edge of the bag.
Step 7: Final Top Seam
Stitch all the way around the top opening of the bag, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end. You'll be sewing through the zipper tape, exterior denim, and lining fabric.
Clip curves/trim bulk: Clip into the seam allowance around any curves (without cutting stitches) to help the seam lie flat when turned. Trim any excess bulk from the seam allowance, especially near the zipper ends and handles.
Step 8: Turn Bag Right Side Out & Close 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. This can be a tight squeeze due to the denim and interfacing, so be patient and gentle.
Gently push out all the corners and seams with a point turner or a blunt object (like a chopstick) 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.
Give your finished tote a good final press, paying special attention to the zipper area to make it lie flat and neat.
Congratulations! You've successfully sewn a durable and unique DIY Denim Zipper Tote Bag from Scraps of Old Jeans! It's ready for your daily errands, shopping, or as a stylish everyday carry-all, all while showcasing your creative upcycling skills.
What kind of unique denim washes or details did you incorporate into your patchwork design?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment