Making a drawstring bucket bag from old jeans is a fantastic upcycling project! It results in a sturdy, stylish, and highly functional bag with a unique, relaxed vibe. The denim's durability makes it perfect for everyday use, and you can incorporate original jean features like pockets or seams for added character.
Let's dive into how to create a detailed, structured drawstring bucket bag from your old jeans.
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How to Sew a Drawstring Bucket Bag from Old Jeans
This guide will walk you through constructing a robust, cylindrical bucket bag with a flat, circular bottom, a secure drawstring closure, and a lining. We'll leverage the strength of denim and add some structure for a professional finish.
I. Planning Your Drawstring Bucket Bag
A little forethought goes a long way, especially when working with repurposed materials.
Size: How big do you want your bucket bag to be? A common medium size might be around 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in height. This will affect how much denim you need.
Denim Quantity: For a bag of this size, you'll likely need 1-2 pairs of old jeans (depending on their size). Non-stretch or low-stretch denim is ideal for better structure.
Design Elements:
Pockets: Will you incorporate original back pockets on the exterior for extra storage?
Waistband: Can be used for internal loops or a sturdy top trim.
Patchwork: Since you're working with jean legs, you'll likely need to piece denim together for the main body cylinder and the circular bottom. Embrace this as a design feature!
Handles/Strap:
A simple crossbody strap made from denim or webbing.
Two shorter shoulder straps made from denim or webbing.
II. Gather Your Materials
Accuracy in material selection is crucial for a structured bag, especially when using denim.
Old Jeans: 1-2 pairs of clean, ironed, non-stretch or low-stretch denim jeans.
Lining Fabric: 1 yard (0.9 meters) of medium-weight cotton, canvas, or poly-cotton. Choose a durable fabric that complements your denim.
Heavy-Duty Fusible Interfacing (ESSENTIAL for Structure!): 1 yard (0.9 meters) of heavyweight fusible interfacing (e.g., Pellon 809 Decor Bond, Pellon 71F Peltex II Ultra Firm). This is critical for making your bag stand up and hold its cylindrical shape.
Drawstring Material: 1.5-2 yards (1.4-1.8 meters) of sturdy cording, rope, or a denim strip.
Grommets/Eyelets (Optional but Recommended for Drawstring): 6-8 sets of 3/8-inch (1 cm) grommets and a grommet setting tool (or you can sew buttonholes).
Webbing or Denim for Strap/Handles: 1.5-2 yards (1.4-1.8 meters) of 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) wide cotton webbing, or enough denim to cut a similar strip.
Matching Thread: Strong, all-purpose polyester thread. Consider a contrasting color (like gold or orange) for a classic jean topstitch look.
Basic Sewing Supplies:
Sewing Machine: Must handle thick layers. A walking foot is highly recommended.
Heavy-Duty Needles: Denim needles (size 90/14 or 100/16) are essential. Have spares!
Sharp Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat
Quilting Ruler or Measuring Tape
Fabric Chalk or Mark-B-Gone pen
Plenty of Wonder Clips (superior to pins for thick denim).
Iron and Ironing Board (crucial for fusing interfacing and pressing seams).
Seam Ripper (your most valuable tool for disassembling jeans!).
Circle Template: A large bowl, plate, or compass for drawing your circle.
III. Plan Your Sizes & Prepare Your Denim Panels
This stage requires careful cutting and likely piecing your denim, as jean legs aren't typically wide enough for a continuous cylinder.
A. Determine Your Bag Dimensions (Example): Let's use an example: 9-inch (22.8 cm) diameter x 11-inch (27.9 cm) height. We'll use a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance throughout.
B. Calculate Panel Sizes:
Bag Bottom (Circle):
Finished Diameter: 9 inches (22.8 cm)
Cut Diameter: Finished Diameter + (2 * Seam Allowance) = 9" + 1" = 10 inches (25.4 cm) diameter
Bag Body (Rectangle/Cylinder):
Finished Circumference:
Cut Length (Circumference): Finished Circumference + (2 * Seam Allowance for the vertical seam) = 28.27" + 1" = 29.27 inches (approx. 29 1/4 inches / 74.3 cm)
Finished Height: 11 inches (27.9 cm)
Cut Height: Finished Height + (2 * Seam Allowance for top & bottom seams) = 11" + 1" = 12 inches (30.5 cm)
C. Disassemble Your Jeans:
Wash and Dry: Ensure all jeans are clean and fully shrunk.
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 (Optional): If you want to use original back pockets on the exterior, carefully cut them out, leaving enough denim around them to attach.
D. Create Large Denim Panels (Piecing is Common):
For the bag body cylinder, you'll almost certainly need to piece denim together to achieve the 29.27-inch length.
Plan Your Layout: Lay out your opened denim pieces. Arrange them to maximize cuts. Consider combining different washes for a patchwork look.
Piecing Technique:
Place two denim pieces right sides together, aligning a long raw edge.
Stitch them together using 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 and adds strength.
Continue piecing until you have denim panels large enough for your final cuts.
E. Cut Your Fabric Pieces:
Exterior Denim Pieces:
Bag Bottom: Cut 1 circle, 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter. (Draw with a compass or trace a plate/bowl).
Bag Body: Cut 1 rectangle, 29 1/4 inches (74.3 cm) long x 12 inches (30.5 cm) high.
Lining Fabric Pieces:
Bag Bottom: Cut 1 circle, 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter.
Bag Body: Cut 1 rectangle, 29 1/4 inches (74.3 cm) long x 12 inches (30.5 cm) high.
Heavy-Duty Fusible Interfacing:
Bag Bottom: Cut 1 circle, 9 inches (22.8 cm) in diameter (1" smaller).
Bag Body: Cut 1 rectangle, 28 1/4 inches (71.7 cm) long x 11 inches (27.9 cm) high (1" smaller on all sides).
Webbing or Denim for Strap/Handles:
For a crossbody strap: Cut 1 piece, 45-55 inches (114-140 cm) long (adjust to desired length).
For two shoulder handles: Cut 2 pieces, each 20-25 inches (50.8-63.5 cm) long.
Drawstring Material: 1.5-2 yards (1.4-1.8 meters) of cording or a thin denim strip.
IV. Let's Start Sewing Your Drawstring Bucket Bag!
General Tips for Sewing Thick Denim:
Denim Needle: Always use a fresh, sharp denim needle (90/14 or 100/16).
Walking Foot: If you have one, use it! It helps feed thick layers evenly and prevents skipped stitches.
Go Slow: Stitch slowly, especially over bulky seams. You may need to hand-crank your machine over particularly 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 for a more professional and authentic jean look.
Step 1: Prepare Exterior Panels (Fuse Interfacing & Add Optional Pockets/Strap Attachment)
Fuse Interfacing: Take the exterior denim bottom circle and body rectangle. Lay each one wrong side up on your ironing board. Center and fuse the corresponding interfacing piece to each, following manufacturer's instructions. Press firmly and allow to cool.
Add Exterior Pockets (Optional): If using, position and topstitch jean back pockets onto the exterior denim body rectangle now, before sewing it into a cylinder.
Prepare Strap/Handles:
If making a fabric strap: Take your denim strap piece (e.g., 2.5" wide x 50" long). Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Open. Fold raw edges to the center crease, press. Fold in half again, press. Topstitch along both long edges.
If using webbing: No prep needed for the strap itself.
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We'll use a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance for all seams.
Form the Cylinder: Take the exterior denim body rectangle. Fold it in half, right sides together, aligning the two 12-inch (30.5 cm) short edges. Clip securely along this seam. Stitch this vertical seam to form a cylinder. Press the seam open. Optional: Topstitch this vertical seam on the outside for a neat finish.
Attach the Bottom:
With the denim cylinder still wrong side out, place the exterior denim bottom circle inside the cylinder at the bottom, right sides together.
Align the raw edge of the circle with the bottom raw edge of the cylinder. This is the trickiest seam. Start by clipping the four "quarters" (aligning the bottom circle's edges with the cylinder's vertical seam and the direct opposite point). Then, clip generously all around the circle, easing the straight edge of the cylinder to fit the curve of the circle.
Carefully stitch all the way around the circle. Go slowly, lifting your presser foot and pivoting often to keep the curve smooth.
Clip curves: Make small snips into the seam allowance of the cylinder (without cutting into your stitches) all around the curve. This helps the fabric lay flat.
Press the seam towards the body of the bag.
Result: Your exterior denim bucket bag is now fully formed. Keep it wrong side out.
Step 3: Construct the Lining Bag Body
This is almost identical to the exterior bag, but with a crucial opening.
Fuse Interfacing: Take the lining bottom circle and body rectangle. Fuse the corresponding heavyweight interfacing to each.
Form the Cylinder: Take the lining body rectangle. Fold it in half, right sides together, aligning the two short edges. Clip and stitch this vertical seam. Press the seam open.
Attach the Bottom (with opening!):
With the lining cylinder still wrong side out, place the lining bottom circle inside, right sides together.
Align and clip all around, just like with the exterior.
IMPORTANT: When you stitch this seam, you must leave a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) unstitched opening in the middle of the bottom seam. This opening is absolutely essential for turning the entire bag right side out later. Stitch securely before and after your opening.
Stitch all the way around the circle. Clip curves.
Press the seam towards the body of the bag.
Result: Your lining bucket bag is now fully formed, with the turning opening. Keep it wrong side out.
Step 4: Create the Drawstring Casing
This forms the channel for your drawstring at the top of the bag.
Take the exterior denim bag. Fold the top raw edge down by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) towards the wrong side and press firmly.
Fold it down again by 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) towards the wrong side and press firmly. This creates your casing.
Stitch the bottom edge of this casing down all the way around the top of the bag. Stitch close to the folded edge (about 1/8 inch / 0.3 cm from the fold).
Mark Grommet/Buttonhole Placement:
Find the exact center of the front panel and the back panel of your bag.
Measure down about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) from the top folded edge of the casing. This is where your grommets/buttonholes will be.
You'll need 2 holes on the front and 2 on the back (or 4 on the front, 4 on the back, if you want two drawstrings that pull from opposite sides). For a single drawstring, two holes centered on the front (or side) are easiest.
Space them evenly. For example, if you want two holes on the front, place them 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Install Grommets or Sew Buttonholes:
Grommets: Follow your grommet kit instructions. Punch the hole first, then set the grommet.
Buttonholes: Sew two horizontal buttonholes at your marked points. Use a sharp craft knife or seam ripper to carefully open them.
Result: Your casing is ready for the drawstring.
Step 5: Join the Exterior Bag and the Lining Bag
This encloses all raw edges at the top for a 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 vertical seams of the exterior bag with the vertical seams of the lining bag.
Align the top raw edges of the exterior denim (just above your casing) and the lining fabric all around the entire opening of the bag.
Clip very securely all the way around this top edge.
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. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Trim Bulk: Carefully trim the seam allowance at the top down to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
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Step 6: Turn Your Bag Right Side Out & Finish
The final steps bring your bag to life!
Reach through the opening you left in the bottom seam of the lining.
Slowly and carefully pull the entire bag through this opening until it is completely right side out. Take your time, gently pushing out all the seams and the circular bottom 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.
For a super polished finish, topstitch all around the entire top edge of the bag, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) from the edge. This secures the lining, helps the bag hold its shape, and gives a crisp finish.
Step 7: Attach Strap/Handles & Thread Drawstring
Attach Strap/Handles:
Crossbody Strap: Determine where you want your strap to attach (e.g., just below the drawstring casing, aligned with side seams). Fold in the raw ends of your strap by 1/2 inch, then fold again by 1/2 inch. Topstitch the folded end securely to the bag, using a box with an "X" for reinforcement. Repeat for the other end of the strap on the opposite side of the bag.
Shoulder Handles: Position two handles on opposite sides of the bag, just below the drawstring casing (like you would for a tote bag). Securely topstitch them with an X-box stitch.
Thread Drawstring: Attach a large safety pin to one end of your drawstring cord/rope. Thread it through one of the grommets/buttonholes, all the way around the casing, and out the other grommet/buttonhole on the same side.
Secure Drawstring Ends: Tie the ends of the drawstring in sturdy knots, or add a cord stop for easy adjustment.
V. Styling Your Denim Drawstring Bucket Bag
Embrace the Patina: Let the unique fades, whiskering, and original pocket details from the jeans be part of the bag's charm.
Patchwork Patterns: Use denim from different washes (light, medium, dark) to create interesting patchwork designs on your body cylinder or bottom circle.
Add More Pockets: Before assembling the lining (Step 3), sew slip pockets or a zipper pocket to your lining panels for internal organization.
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.
Distressed Look: You can lightly distress finished seams with sandpaper for a more worn-in look.
You've now created a fantastic, sturdy, and stylish drawstring bucket bag from old jeans! Enjoy carrying your unique creation.
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