Making new items from old jeans is a fantastic way to be creative and sustainable. Using denim scraps is particularly satisfying, as even small pieces can be repurposed into beautiful and functional accessories. This detailed tutorial will guide you through sewing two distinct bags: a zipper tote bag and a pouch bag, both made from scrap denim.
The beauty of this project is that you can use a mix of different denim washes and textures to create a unique, patchwork design for each bag.
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: You’ll need both 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.
- Pouch Bag: A nylon zipper, at least 10 inches long.
- Webbing for Handles (Tote Bag):
- 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 with a denim needle (size 16 or 18), zipper foot, sharp scissors, ruler, fabric marker, and plenty of fabric clips.
II. Step-by-Step Instructions: Zipper Tote Bag
This tote is a classic design with a secure zippered top, perfect for everyday use. 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.
- Cut remaining fabric: Cut two pieces of lining fabric at 15 x 13 inches and two pieces of zipper top fabric at 15 x 2 inches.
2. Fuse Interfacing
- 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 and two zipper top panels.
3. Attach Handles and Zipper
- Attach handles: On one patchwork panel, measure 4 inches in from each side along the top edge. Place the ends of one webbing handle on these marks. Stitch securely with a box stitch (a square with an “X” inside it). Repeat on the other patchwork panel.
- Install the zipper: Lay a patchwork panel right side up. Place the zipper right side down along the top edge, aligning the raw edges. Pin in place.
- Now, place a zipper top panel (lining fabric) right side down on top of the zipper/patchwork sandwich. Pin all layers. Using your zipper foot, sew along the pinned edge. Open out the fabric and press. Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper, attaching it to the second patchwork panel and the second zipper top panel. Open the zipper halfway before the next step.
4. Assemble the Bag
- Sew the exterior: Fold the bag so the two patchwork panels are right sides together. Sew the side seams and the bottom seam. Create boxed corners by measuring a 2-inch square at each bottom corner, cutting it out, and then sewing the raw edges of the cutout square together.
- Sew the lining: Follow the same steps 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. 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.
- Topstitch: For a professional finish, topstitch around the entire top opening, about 1/4 inch from the edge.
III. Step-by-Step Instructions: Patchwork Pouch Bag
This bag uses a simple pouch design with a zippered top, perfect for holding small essentials or for a beginner-friendly project.
1. Create Patchwork Panels for Pouch 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.
