Use an old pair of denim jeans to make a darling lined bag!
This pair of jeans is extra special because my friend Beth created the floral artwork. It is so fun to add artwork and design to clothing and you can get all the deets on that over on Creatively Beth. Whether your denim jeans are decorated or plain, the legs of them can make perfect bags for every season and every outfit.
Materials and Supplies
You will need an old pair of jeans. If you don’t have any that you want to cut up, Goodwill always has a huge supply. Sometimes I go there JUST to shop for items that I can upcycle.
- Leg from a Pair of Denim Jeans
- 1/2 yard Fabric
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine/Thread
- Straight Pins
- Ribbon for Handles
My Favorite Sewing Supply List
These are the sewing supplies that I keep on hand at all times. They get used over and over again and again in so many of my projects.
- Sewing Machine – This one has FIFTY built in stitches!
- Thread
- Ready Made Bobbins – I am not a fan of making my own bobbins so I LOVE these.
- Fabric Scissors – These are great because they cut through multiple layers of fabric.
- Pin Cushion and Pins – The cuter the better. I love this hedgehog.
- Poly-FIl Stuffing for Pillows
- Poly-Pellets for Bean Bags and Weighted Projects – The POUR bag makes all the difference.
- Rotary Cutter and Mat
Directions for Lined DIY Bag From Old Jeans
Step One
Start by cutting the leg of the jeans to the desired height of the bag. Keep in mind that it could be a short, tiny bag OR a tall one. This one is tall because I wanted to use the entire floral design.
Step Two
Create a lining for the denim bag from the upcycled jeans. Lay the cut piece on top of two pieces of fabric and cut around the edge leaving about an inch extra on the two sides and across the bottom. On the top, leave several inches of fabric beyond the jean leg top.
Place the two pieces of fabric together with the design sides facing each other then sew around the edges leaving about 1/2 inch inseam. Leave the top UNSEWN and OPEN. This will be the lining for the bag.
Step Three
Sew the bottom of the leg of jeans closed. This works best with an industrial sewing machine. If your sewing machine can’t do this, hand stitch it closed.
Step Four
Place the lining in the bag. There will be extra fabric at the top. Fold it over twice and pin in place. This will create the pretty top of the bag.
Using a Zig-Zag stitch, sew around the entire top of the bag to secure the lining and create a pretty finish for the top of the bag.
Step Five
Add handles to the bag. Cut two pieces of ribbon the same length (recommended 10 inch) and pin them to the two sides of the bag in the same places so they will line up. Zig Zag stitch around the entire top of the bag again securing the ribbon into place.
Step Six
Trim all loose threads. Add a fun tassel ring if desired. Grab the directions to make the tassel key ring here on the blog too!
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about this Adorable Lined DIY Bag From Old Jeans! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
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XO,
Laura
What a fabulous repurpose and so pretty. Perfect for Summer. Featuring when my link party opens!
I love making bags and this one is very unique looking adding Beth’s awesome stencil design! I’m featuring you tonight at the Home Matters Party. Hope to see you drop by to take a look. Thanks for sharing!
This is SO pretty, what a great find and such a lovely way to upcycle it.