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I love this project idea! A balloon bag is a great way to use denim because the fabric's sturdiness helps it hold its unique, rounded shape. It's a fun and cute accessory, perfect for carrying just the essentials.
This guide will show you how to make a simple, yet cute balloon bag from an old pair of jeans. This design is easy to sew and perfect for beginners. We'll use the jean's waistband as the top of the bag, which saves time and gives it a finished, professional look right away.
How to Sew an Easy and Cute Denim Balloon Bag from Jeans
This project is a great choice for beginners, as it involves simple seams and a creative way to use the existing parts of old jeans.
I. Planning & Gathering Your Materials
One Pair of Jeans: Look for a pair that fits you well at the waist, as the waistband will be the top of your bag. Non-stretch or low-stretch denim works best for a firm shape.
Lining Fabric: A quarter yard of sturdy cotton fabric (like quilting cotton). A fun print is a great way to add a hidden pop of color!
Interfacing: A quarter yard of medium-weight fusible interfacing to give the bag body and structure.
Matching Thread: All-purpose thread for sewing and a heavier topstitching thread (e.g., gold or cream) for a classic denim look.
Drawstring: About 1 yard of drawstring cord or a long shoelace.
Tools: Sewing machine, fabric scissors or rotary cutter, ruler, fabric marker, pins or clips, a safety pin, and an iron.
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II. Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Prepare the Jeans
Cut the legs: Lay the jeans flat and cut off both legs right below the crotch seam.
Open the inseam: Using a seam ripper, carefully undo the inseam (the seam that runs up the inside of the legs) of the remaining pant's body.
Create the bag's body: Open up the jeans and lay them flat. You'll see the waistband, the zipper or button fly, and the back pockets. Use your ruler and fabric marker to measure and cut out a large rectangle of denim. Cut through both the front and back layers of the jeans, making a single, large piece. This should include the waistband and be about 16 inches tall and 20 inches wide.
2. Cut the Lining and Interfacing
Lining: Cut one rectangle from your lining fabric that measures 16 inches tall and 20 inches wide.
Interfacing: Cut one rectangle from your interfacing that measures 16 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of your denim rectangle.
3. Assemble the Bag
Sew the side seam: Fold your large denim rectangle in half, with the right sides facing each other. Sew down the side seam with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. You now have a tube of denim with the waistband at the top.
Create the bottom seam: With the tube still inside out, pinch the bottom corners of the denim together so the side seam aligns with the bottom center. Mark a line straight across the corner, about 2 inches from the tip. Sew along this line and trim the excess fabric. Do this for both bottom corners. This creates a flat bottom for your bag.
Repeat for the lining: Follow the same steps to sew the side seam and create the bottom corners for your lining fabric.
4. Attach the Lining
Prepare the lining and exterior: Turn the denim bag exterior right side out. Turn the lining bag inside out.
Insert the lining: Carefully place the denim bag inside the lining bag so that the right sides are facing each other. Align the top raw edges of the denim and lining. Pin or clip them together around the entire waistband.
Stitch the top: Sew a seam all the way around the top with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Make sure you sew just below the waistband's existing stitching.
5. Create the Drawstring Channel
Turn the bag right-side out: Find the opening in the waistband where the button or zipper is. Push the entire bag right-side out through this opening.
Sew the channel: Press the top edge of the bag flat. About 1 inch below the top seam, sew a line of stitches all the way around the bag, creating a channel for your drawstring.
Insert the drawstring: Use a safety pin to thread your drawstring through the channel. Once it's all the way through, tie the ends of the drawstring together in a secure knot.
Give your new balloon bag a good press and a final inspection. Now it's ready to use!
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