DIY Denim Purse: Easy Upcycling Project

Jeans are a wardrobe staple, loved for their comfort, style, and versatility. But what happens when your favorite pair wears out? Instead of tossing them, why not transform them into a trendy and unique denim purse? This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own stylish bag, giving your old jeans a new life and adding a personal touch to your accessories. Let's dive into the world of upcycling and create something amazing!

Why Make a Denim Purse?

There are so many reasons why creating your own denim purse is a fantastic idea! For starters, you're giving your old jeans a new lease on life, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Upcycling like this reduces waste and helps the environment, making you a conscious consumer. Plus, you get a one-of-a-kind accessory that no one else will have.

Beyond the environmental benefits, making your own purse is a creative and rewarding project. You can customize the design to perfectly match your style and needs. Whether you want a small clutch, a spacious tote, or a crossbody bag, the possibilities are endless. You'll also save money compared to buying a new purse, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. It's a win-win situation!

Speaking of style, a denim purse is incredibly versatile. It goes with just about anything, from casual outfits to more dressed-up looks. The rugged texture of denim adds a cool, relaxed vibe, and you can easily dress it up with embellishments like patches, embroidery, or metal hardware. A denim purse is a fantastic way to express your personal style and make a statement.

Gathering Your Materials

Before you start cutting and sewing, you'll need to gather your materials. The star of the show is, of course, an old pair of jeans. Choose a pair that you love the look and feel of, even if they have rips or stains in certain areas. You can often work around these imperfections or even incorporate them into the design for a more distressed look. Consider the size and shape of the jeans as well, as this will influence the size and shape of your finished purse.

In addition to jeans, you'll need some basic sewing supplies. A sewing machine will make the project go faster and easier, but you can also sew by hand if you prefer. You'll need thread that matches your denim, a pair of sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, a measuring tape or ruler, pins, and a seam ripper (just in case!). Fabric chalk or a marker will be helpful for marking cutting lines on the denim. Consider purchasing a heavy-duty needle for your sewing machine, as denim can be thick and challenging to sew through.

To add structure and durability to your purse, you might want to use some interfacing or lining fabric. Interfacing is a fusible or sew-in material that adds stiffness to the fabric, helping the purse hold its shape. Lining fabric will give the inside of your purse a clean, finished look and protect your belongings. Choose materials that complement your denim and your overall design aesthetic. Think about the overall design that you are aiming for in this project.

Finally, you'll need to gather any embellishments or hardware you want to add to your purse. This could include buttons, zippers, snaps, buckles, D-rings, chain, leather scraps, patches, embroidery floss, beads, or anything else that sparks your creativity. Hardware stores and craft stores are great resources for these items. Embellishments and hardware are what will truly customize your purse and make it your own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Denim Purse

Now for the fun part: actually making your denim purse! Here's a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

1. Preparing Your Jeans

Start by washing and drying your jeans. This will help remove any dirt or stains and pre-shrink the fabric, ensuring that your finished purse won't shrink later. Once the jeans are clean and dry, lay them out on a flat surface and decide how you want to cut them. Consider the size and shape of your desired purse, as well as the placement of pockets, seams, and other details. If your jeans are heavily worn, you might want to focus on using the parts that are in the best condition.

Using fabric chalk or a marker, draw cutting lines on your jeans. It's always better to cut larger pieces initially, as you can trim them down later if needed. If you're using a pattern, pin it to the denim and cut around it. If you're designing your own purse, take careful measurements and mark your cutting lines accordingly. Pay attention to seam allowances, which are the extra fabric you'll need to sew the pieces together.

Once you've marked your cutting lines, carefully cut out the pieces. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for clean, precise cuts. If you're cutting through multiple layers of denim, take your time and be sure to keep the fabric aligned. After cutting, you should have all the pieces you need for the body of your purse, as well as any additional pieces for pockets, straps, or other details.

2. Cutting the Fabric

Decide what type of purse you would like to make, this can help you decide what to cut and how much fabric you would like to utilize. Lay your jeans flat and determine the areas you want to use for your purse's main body, pockets, and straps. The back pockets make great accents, while the legs can be used for the main fabric. Use fabric chalk or a marker to outline your pieces, adding extra for seam allowances (usually about 1/2 inch). For a simple tote bag, you might cut two large rectangles for the front and back panels and two strips for the straps.

Once you have your outlines, carefully cut out the denim pieces. Sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter work best for clean edges. Remember to cut slowly and accurately to ensure your pieces fit together correctly. If you're using a pattern, pin it to the denim and cut along the edges. Once the pieces are cut, set aside the lining fabric and prepare to sew the main body of the purse.

3. Sewing the Main Body

With your denim pieces cut, it's time to start sewing the main body of your purse. This usually involves stitching the front and back panels together, along with any side or bottom panels. Pin the pieces together with the right sides facing each other. This means the sides of the fabric you want to be visible on the outside of the purse should be facing inward.

Using a sewing machine or hand-stitching, sew along the pinned edges with a straight stitch. A sturdy stitch is essential for denim, so consider using a longer stitch length and a heavy-duty needle if you're using a sewing machine. After stitching, trim any excess fabric from the seam allowances to reduce bulk. If desired, you can finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.

If your purse design includes a bottom panel, sew it to the front and back panels in the same manner. Pay close attention to the corners, ensuring they are neat and secure. Once the main body is sewn together, turn it right side out to see the basic shape of your purse. This is a good time to check for any mistakes and make adjustments before moving on to the lining and other details.

4. Adding Pockets and Embellishments

One of the best parts about making your own purse is the ability to customize it with pockets and embellishments. Pockets are both functional and stylish, providing extra storage for your belongings. You can use the existing pockets from your jeans or create new ones from scraps of denim or other fabrics.

To add a pocket, cut out a piece of fabric in the desired shape and size. Fold over the top edge and hem it to create a clean finish. Then, pin the pocket to the front or inside of your purse and sew it in place along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. You can add multiple pockets of different sizes and shapes to suit your needs.

Embellishments are a great way to add personality to your denim purse. Consider using patches, embroidery, beads, buttons, or metal hardware to decorate your bag. You can attach these embellishments by sewing, gluing, or using specialized tools. Let your creativity flow and create a design that reflects your unique style.

5. Creating the Lining

A lining adds a professional finish to your purse and protects the inside from wear and tear. To create a lining, use the same pattern pieces as the main body of your purse, but cut them from lining fabric instead of denim. Sew the lining pieces together in the same manner as the main body, but leave a small opening at the bottom for turning the purse right side out.

Once the lining is sewn, insert it into the main body of the purse with the wrong sides facing each other. Align the seams and edges, and pin the lining to the main body around the top opening. Sew the lining to the main body along the top edge, encasing the raw edges of the denim. Then, turn the purse right side out through the opening in the lining.

Finally, sew the opening in the lining closed with a blind stitch or machine stitch. This will create a seamless finish and prevent the lining from coming loose. With the lining in place, your purse will have a polished look and feel.

6. Attaching the Straps

The straps are an essential part of any purse, providing a way to carry it comfortably. You can make your straps from denim, leather, fabric, or chain, depending on your style and the weight you plan to carry in your purse. Denim straps are a great option for a cohesive look, while leather straps add a touch of sophistication.

To make denim straps, cut two strips of fabric in the desired length and width. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, and press with an iron. Then, fold the raw edges to the center and press again. This will create a neat, finished edge. Sew along the folded edges to secure the straps.

To attach the straps to your purse, position them evenly on the front and back panels. Pin the straps in place, and sew them securely to the purse using a strong stitch. You can reinforce the straps by sewing a square or X-shape at the attachment points. Consider adding metal D-rings or swivel hooks for extra durability and versatility.

7. Final Touches and Embellishments

Now that your denim purse is assembled, it's time for the final touches and embellishments. This is your chance to add any remaining details that will make your purse truly unique. Consider adding a closure, such as a zipper, button, snap, or magnetic clasp, to keep your belongings secure.

If you haven't already, add any desired embellishments, such as patches, embroidery, beads, or hardware. Experiment with different layouts and designs until you achieve the look you want. You can also add decorative stitching or topstitching to enhance the seams and edges of your purse.

Before you call your purse finished, give it a thorough inspection to ensure all seams are secure and there are no loose threads or raw edges. Trim any excess fabric and reinforce any weak spots. With a few final touches, your DIY denim purse will be ready to show off!

Tips for Success

• Use a heavy-duty needle for your sewing machine when working with denim.
• Press your seams as you go for a neater finish.
• Use a seam ripper to correct any mistakes.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different designs and embellishments.
• Have fun and enjoy the process!

Conclusion

Making a denim purse from old jeans is a fun, creative, and sustainable project. By following these steps, you can transform your worn-out jeans into a stylish and unique accessory that you'll be proud to carry. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start sewing! You'll have a one-of-a-kind purse in no time.

For more inspiration and ideas on upcycling denim, check out this helpful resource: https://www.upcyclemystuff.com/