Ever wonder what to do with those old jeans gathering dust in your closet? Here’s a fun and easy project to give them a second life! I took a pair of jeans I no longer wore, cut them up, and transformed them into a chic tote bag. It even comes with handy pockets from the original jeans, plus some added side pockets for extra storage.
The finished measurements of this bag are approximately 11⅞″(30㎝) W × 13¾″(35㎝) H × 4¾″(12㎝) D.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
Share this video with a lot of people who need it.
Seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise specified.
Let's get started!!
To make this you will need:
◆ Front / Back Panel
② 12⅝″ × 12½″ (32㎝ × 31.5㎝) Outer layer
② 12⅝″ × 12½″ (32㎝ × 31.5㎝) Lining
◆ Gusset Panel
② 5⅝″ × 18″ (14㎝ × 45.5㎝) Outer layer
① 5⅝″ × 35¼″ (14㎝ × 89㎝) Lining
◆ Side Pocket
② 8″ × 10¼″ (20㎝ × 26㎝) Outer layer
② 8″ × 8¾″ (20㎝ × 22㎝) Lining
◆ Handle
② 2¾″ × 29¾″ (7㎝ × 75㎝) Outer layer
◆ Top Panel
① 34″ × 3⅝″ (86㎝ × 9㎝) Outer layer
Cut round the bottom corners of the front and back panels
Place and sew the handles 5⅝″ interval.
Sew the two gusset pieces together with the right sides facing each other to make one piece.
Place the right sides together of the outer and lining of the side pocket and sew the top and bottom with an allowance of about 3/8″.
Turn it right side out. Stitch the top.
Place the pocket on the right side of the gusset and sew the 3 sides.
Pin the Gusset to the Main Panel, pinning first at the center. Then pin the ends in place. With sharp scissors make small snips on the gusset at the round shape of the main panel. The small snips will help the curved edge of the bag. Sew with an allowance of about 3/8″.
The lining is made in the same way as the outer layer. Place the wrong sides together of the outer and lining and sew the bag entrance.
Place the waist piece taken from the jeans on the top of the bag and sew them.
YOU ARE FINISHED!
Happy sewing!
