DIY Handmade Denim Tote Bag

 

A fun way to recycle your favorite pair of blue jeans is by making a tote bag. There are so many ways to make your denim tote bag such as adding pockets, buttons, or sequins. But, if you want a small basic tote bag, then you will like today’s sewing tutorial. This simple tote bag is embellished with sheer ribbon and with a removable denim strap. Here are the instructions for making this denim tote bag.  

Materials:

1 Old Pair of Denim

Thread

Needles

Scissors

5/8 in X 18 ft Sheer Ribbon Ruban Transparent

An old tote bag (for measurement purposes)

Swivel Claw Clasps or Metal Lobster Clasps

First, cut an old pair of denim jeans. For this small tote bag, I only used one side of the denim pants which was the bottom portion of one pant leg. Second, use an old tote bag to trace or to estimate the size of fabric that you will need for your denim tote bag. After you have the measurements that you want for your tote bag, use a pair of scissors to cut the fabric in a rectangle shape. Sew every side of the fabric and leave the top part of the fabric open.

Third, sew sheer ribbon on the horizontal side of the bag. Sew the ribbon on both sides of the bag. Fourth, use leftover fabric to make the handbag handcuff. This will make it easier to put the swivel claw clasps and the strap onto the bag. Using leftover strips of fabric, sew the edges of the fabric and make it into a long rectangular shape. Once that is done, sew the small piece of fabric on the corners of the tote bag. 

After that you can begin making the denim strap for the tote bag. Using several pieces of denim fabric, sew the edges of the fabric into long rectangular strips. Connect each rectangular strip together. Using an old purse strap can help you find the right length for your tote bag. After the denim strap is put together with the swivel claw clasps, sew sheer ribbon on the sides of the strap or on the areas that you want to cover with ribbon. Last, insert the denim strap on the corners of the handbag handcuff to create the tote bag. This sewing project can take several hours or two days if you are sewing this by hand. Here are more resources about making your own denim tote bag. 

DIY Denim Bags from Old Jeans:

https://sewguide.com/diy-denim-jeans-bag/

Earth Day Reusable Tote Bag:

http://blog.brothersews.com/sewing/earth-day-reusable-tote-bag/

Recycled Bags-Denim Tote Bag Pattern:

https://vickymyerscreations.co.uk/recycled-bags/denim-tote-bag-pattern/

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