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Combining patchwork and denim is a fantastic way to create unique and durable bags while upcycling old jeans. This detailed tutorial will guide you through making two distinct bags: a sturdy patchwork tote bag for everyday use and a smaller, stylish travel bag perfect for cosmetics or essentials.
The beauty of this project is that you can use even small scraps from different denim washes to create a truly one-of-a-kind look.
I. Planning & Gathering Your Materials
Careful preparation and the right materials are essential for a beautiful and functional result.
Old Jeans/Denim Scraps:
Quantity: 1-2 pairs of adult-sized jeans should provide enough fabric for both bags. Look for a variety of different washes (light, medium, dark, faded) to create visual interest.
Preparation: Wash and thoroughly dry all jeans. Carefully deconstruct them by unpicking seams to get the largest, flattest pieces of denim. Press them impeccably flat.
Lining Fabric:
Quantity: Approximately 1 yard of a durable woven cotton. A fun print can add a nice touch.
Interfacing/Stabilizer (Crucial for Structure):
Type: Medium-weight fusible interfacing (e.g., Pellon SF101) for the lining and a heavy-weight fusible stabilizer (e.g., Pellon 809 Decor Bond) for the exterior. This will give your bags a firm, structured shape.
Quantity: About 1 yard of each type.
Zippers:
Tote Bag: A sturdy nylon zipper, at least 16 inches long.
Travel Bag: A nylon zipper, at least 10 inches long.
Webbing for Handles:
Type: Cotton or polypropylene webbing, 1 inch wide.
Quantity: Two pieces, each 26 inches long.
Matching Thread:
All-purpose thread: For piecing patchwork and general seams.
Heavy-duty/Topstitching thread: In a contrasting color (e.g., gold) for all visible topstitching and handle attachments.
Basic Sewing Tools:
Sewing machine (a new denim needle, size 16 or 18, is a must!).
Zipper foot.
Walking foot (optional but highly recommended).
Sharp Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat.
Measuring Tape or Long Ruler.
Plenty of Fabric Clips.
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II. Step-by-Step Instructions: Patchwork Tote Bag
We'll use a 1/4-inch seam allowance for piecing the patchwork and a 1/2-inch seam allowance for assembling the bag.
1. Create the Patchwork Panels
Design and piece: Lay out your denim scraps and decide on a design (random, stripes, or squares). Stitch the scraps together, right sides facing, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Press seams open: After each seam, press it open to reduce bulk.
Form the panels: Continue piecing until you have two panels, each at least 15 inches wide by 13 inches tall. Trim them neatly to this size.
2. Cut Remaining Fabric & Fuse Interfacing
Lining: Cut two pieces of lining fabric at 15 x 13 inches.
Interfacing: Cut and fuse the heavy-weight stabilizer to the back of your two patchwork panels. Fuse the medium-weight interfacing to the back of your two lining panels.
3. Attach Handles and Assemble Exterior
Attach handles: On one patchwork panel, mark spots 4 inches in from each side along the top edge. Place the ends of one webbing handle on these marks, aligned with the raw edge. Stitch securely with a box stitch (a square with an "X" inside it). Repeat for the second handle on the second patchwork panel.
Sew the body: Place the two patchwork panels right sides together. Sew the side seams and the bottom seam.
Create boxed corners: At each bottom corner, measure a 2-inch square. Cut it out. Then, pinch the bottom and side seams together and sew them with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
4. Assemble the Lining
Follow the same steps as for the exterior bag to assemble the two lining panels, but leave a 5-6 inch opening in the bottom seam. This is for turning the bag right side out.
5. Combine and Finish
Insert the lining: Place the denim exterior bag (right side out) inside the lining bag (inside out), so their right sides are facing each other. Align the top raw edges and all seams. Pin or clip securely.
Stitch the top: Sew all the way around the top edge with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Turn and close: Pull the entire bag right side out through the opening in the lining's bottom. Push out the corners, press the seam allowances of the opening, and stitch it closed by hand or machine.
Topstitch: For a professional finish, topstitch around the entire top opening, about 1/4 inch from the edge.
III. Step-by-Step Instructions: Small Travel Bag
This bag uses a simple pouch design with a zippered top, perfect for a beginner-friendly project.
1. Create Patchwork Panels for Travel Bag
Piece and form panels: Using your remaining scraps, create two new patchwork panels, each at least 11 inches wide by 8 inches tall. Trim them to this size.
Cut lining: Cut two lining panels to match the size of the patchwork panels.
Fuse interfacing: Fuse the heavy-weight stabilizer to the back of the patchwork panels and the medium-weight interfacing to the back of the lining panels.
2. Install the Zipper
Pin the zipper: Lay one patchwork panel right side up. Place the zipper right side down along the top edge, aligning the raw edges. Pin in place.
Add the lining: Place one lining panel right side down on top of the zipper/patchwork sandwich. Pin all layers.
Sew the zipper: Using your zipper foot, stitch along the pinned edge. Open out the fabric and press.
Repeat on the other side: Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper, attaching it to the second patchwork panel and the second lining panel. Open the zipper halfway before the next step.
3. Assemble the Bag and Finish
Pin the bag: Fold the bag so the two denim panels are right sides facing and the two lining panels are right sides facing. Align the seams. Pin all the way around, leaving a 4-inch opening at the bottom of the lining.
Sew the sides and bottom: Stitch all the way around the perimeter with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
Turn and close: Pull the entire bag right-side out through the opening in the lining's bottom. Push out the corners and seams. Press the seam allowances of the opening and stitch it closed.
Push lining inside: Push the lining into the bag and give the entire bag a final press, paying special attention to the zipper area.
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