Here is a long, detailed, step-by-step article on how to sew a denim zipper hobo bag from jeans scraps and beautiful fabric—complete with tips, tools, pattern guidance, and sewing techniques. This tutorial is great for beginners and intermediate sewists looking to upcycle and create a stylish, functional bag.

How to Sew a Denim Zipper Hobo Bag from Jeans Scrap and Beautiful Fabric

| Full Sewing Tutorial with Pattern Guidance

Upcycling old jeans into stylish accessories is not only eco-friendly but also incredibly rewarding. A hobo bag is the perfect project—it’s casual, practical, and gives you a wide space to play with patchwork, color contrast, and texture. This tutorial will guide you through making a zippered denim hobo bag using jeans scraps and beautiful fabric for the lining or accents.

✂️ Supplies & Materials

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

Fabric and Interfacing:

Old denim jeans (various shades or just one pair depending on size)
Beautiful cotton fabric for lining (1/2 yard)
Fusible fleece or medium-weight interfacing (1/2 yard)
Fabric scraps for decoration (optional: floral, linen, canvas, or batik)

Hardware:

14” or longer zipper (nylon or metal)
Optional: magnetic snap or button for flap
Optional: bag hardware (D-rings, swivel hooks) if you want a detachable strap

Tools:

Sewing machine (with denim needle)
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Iron and ironing board
Seam ripper
Clips or pins
Chalk or fabric marker
Ruler or measuring tape

🧵 Pattern & Measurements

1. Bag Body Pattern

You can either:

Download a printable hobo bag pattern online (search “hobo bag printable sewing pattern PDF”), or
Draft your own simple hobo bag shape using these approximate dimensions:

Shape: Think of a crescent moon.

Width at widest point: 17”
Height: 12”
Handle opening: 5”–7” wide
Seam allowance: Add ½” all around

Tip: Fold a large piece of paper in half and sketch one side to get a symmetrical shape.

2. Strap

Length: 22”–30” (adjust based on preference)
Width: 3” (finished width 1.5” after folding)

👖 Step-by-Step Tutorial

STEP 1: Cut Out Your Pieces

🧵 From Denim:

Cut out 2 main body pieces using your pattern
- If using jeans scraps: patchwork small pieces together first into a large enough panel
Cut 2 strap pieces (or piece them together for a longer strap)
Optional: Pocket from the jeans back pocket

🧵 From Lining Fabric:

Cut 2 main body pieces (same pattern as denim)
Cut 2 strap lining pieces (same as strap size)
Optional: add interior pocket (rectangle 7” x 9”)

🧵 From Interfacing:

Cut 2 main body pieces
Cut strap interfacing if you want more structure

STEP 2: Prepare Your Patchwork Denim

If you're using jeans scraps:

Lay out the pieces like a puzzle, mixing light and dark denim.
Sew them together with ¼” seam allowance.
Press seams open or to one side.
Topstitch for strength and decoration.
Once you have a panel big enough, place your pattern on top and cut it out.

STEP 3: Add the Zipper

Place the zipper right-side down on the right side of one denim main piece, aligning top edges.
Place the lining piece right-side down on top of that, sandwiching the zipper.
Sew with zipper foot along the top edge.
Flip both fabrics away from zipper, press, and topstitch.

Repeat the same for the other side of the zipper with the second denim and lining pieces.

🪡 Tip: Make sure the zipper is opening/closing smoothly between layers.

STEP 4: Assemble the Bag Body

Open the zipper halfway. This is important!
Match right sides of denim pieces together and lining pieces together.
Pin or clip all around.
Sew all the way around, leaving a 4” gap at the bottom of the lining for turning.
Clip corners and curves, then turn the bag right-side out through the lining gap.
Stitch the gap closed with a straight or invisible ladder stitch.

STEP 5: Make and Attach the Strap

Option 1: Fixed Strap

Sew two strap pieces (denim and lining) right sides together along long edges.
Turn right side out and press.
Topstitch both edges for a professional look.
Insert each end into side of bag body between the layers before closing the seam (if you want a clean hidden finish), or sew ends to the bag body after turning right side out for a visible strap.

Option 2: Adjustable/Detachable Strap

Use D-rings and hooks.
Sew strap ends around the hardware.
Attach tabs to the sides of the bag with reinforced stitching.

STEP 6: Optional Pockets and Embellishments

Add a jeans back pocket to the front or back of the bag for a rustic, functional touch.
Add interior pockets to the lining before sewing it up.
Decorate with:
- Appliqué
- Embroidery
- Fabric flowers
- Leather tags or labels
- Contrast topstitching

✨ Finishing Touches

Give everything a good press with steam.
Add a label or tag if you have one.
Try wearing your bag and admire your upcycled creation!

🧼 Care Instructions

Spot-clean denim areas to preserve structure.
Hand wash gently or machine wash in cold water inside a mesh bag.
Air dry only.

👜 Customization Ideas

Use leather straps for a more polished look.
Make the bag reversible by choosing two beautiful fabrics.
Create a quilted version with batting between the denim and lining.
Use a contrast zipper color to make it pop.

📌 Final Thoughts

Creating a hobo bag from old jeans and beautiful fabric is a great way to combine sustainability and creativity. Every bag you make will be unique, with its own history sewn into the seams. With just some basic materials and sewing techniques, you’ll end up with a bag that’s not just practical—but full of personality and charm.

Whether you’re sewing for yourself, as a gift, or to sell at craft fairs, this project is sure to bring joy and purpose to your sewing room.

🧷 Want a Printable Pattern?

If you’d like, I can help you:

Draft a PDF pattern based on these dimensions
Create printable templates
Suggest links to free or paid hobo bag patterns online

Just let me know!

Sewing TV

Pages

Ads