How to sew denim tote bag from hem of old jeans | Recycle Tutorial

Creating a tote bag from the hem of old jeans is a fantastic way to recycle and create a beautiful, durable accessory. The finished, stitched hem of the jeans becomes the top opening of your bag, giving it a professional, no-frills look without any extra sewing. This project is a great way to use up a part of the jeans that often gets discarded.

This detailed guide will walk you through sewing a simple and sturdy tote bag using the hems from old jeans, complete with a flat bottom and a simple lining.

I. Planning & Gathering Your Materials

Careful preparation is key for a well-made bag.

• Old Jeans:
  • Quantity: You will need one pair of adult-sized jeans. Look for jeans with a clean, intact hem.
  • Preparation: Wash and dry the jeans before you start to prevent any future shrinkage.
• Lining Fabric:
  • Type: A durable woven cotton, like quilting cotton or broadcloth.
  • Quantity: Approximately 1/2 yard.
  • Preparation: Wash and iron.
• Webbing for Handles:
  • Type: Cotton or polypropylene webbing, 1 inch wide.
  • Quantity: Two pieces, each 26 inches long.
• Matching Thread:
  • All-Purpose Polyester Thread: For all seams.
  • Heavy-Duty/Topstitching Thread: In a contrasting or matching color for all visible topstitching and for securing the handles.
• Basic Sewing Tools:
  • Sewing machine (a new denim needle, size 16 or 18, is essential).
  • Sharp Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat.
  • Measuring Tape or Long Ruler.
  • Fabric Chalk, Frixion Pen, or Mark-B-Gone Pen.
  • Plenty of Fabric Clips or extra-long pins.
  • Iron and Ironing Board.
  • Seam Ripper (your best friend!).

II. Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

We will use a consistent 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout this tutorial.

1. Cut the Bag Body from the Jeans

1. Lay the jeans flat on your work surface.
2. Cut across both pant legs, about 16 inches up from the finished hem. The finished hem of the jeans will be the top of your tote bag.
3. Cut open the inner leg seam of each pant leg to create two separate, flat panels. You now have two panels with a finished hem on one end.

2. Prepare the Exterior Panels

1. Take your two denim panels and lay them flat.
2. If you want a perfectly symmetrical bag, trim them to be the same size, approximately 15 inches wide and 16 inches tall, ensuring the finished hem remains at the top.

3. Attach the Handles

1. On one of your denim panels, measure 4 inches in from each side edge along the top finished hem. Mark these points.
2. Place the raw ends of one webbing handle onto these marks.
3. Stitch the handle in place with a strong reinforcing stitch (e.g., a box stitch with an “X” inside it), about 1 inch down from the top edge.
4. Repeat for the second handle on the second denim panel.

4. Assemble the Exterior Bag

1. Place the two denim panels right sides together. Align the side seams and the bottom raw edges.
2. Pin the side seams and the bottom seam. Sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
3. Create boxed corners: At each bottom corner, pinch the bottom seam and side seam together. Align them so the raw edges of the corner meet, forming a triangle. Measure 2 inches down from the corner and sew straight across. Repeat for the other corner. Trim the excess triangle fabric. This creates a flat, structured bottom for your bag.

5. Assemble the Lining Bag

1. Cut two pieces of lining fabric to match the size of your denim panels, approximately 15 inches wide by 16 inches tall.
2. Place the two lining panels right sides together.
3. Pin and sew the side seams and the bottom seam, just like you did for the denim bag.
4. Create boxed corners for the lining in the same way as you did for the denim bag.
5. Crucially, leave a 5-6 inch opening in the middle of the bottom seam. This is for turning the bag right-side out later.

6. Combine and Finish the Bag

1. Turn the denim exterior bag right side out.
2. Turn the lining bag inside out.
3. Carefully insert the denim bag into the lining bag, so that their right sides are facing each other. Align the side seams and the top raw edges. Pin all the way around the top.
4. Stitch all the way around the top with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
5. 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 in the lining under and stitch it closed by hand or machine.
6. Push the lining into the bag and give the entire bag a final press, paying special attention to the top edge to make it lie flat.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully sewn a durable and unique denim tote bag using the hems of old jeans. This clever recycling method not only saves time but also gives you a beautifully finished product.

Video Tutorial