From Old Jeans to New Tote: The Ultimate Upcycling Guide

Watch tutorial below👇

 Why Upcycle Your Denim?

We all have them those pairs of jeans that no longer fit, have gone out of style, or have worn thin in certain areas but still have plenty of good denim left. Instead of letting them take up space in your closet (or worse, sending them to a landfill), why not transform them into something practical and stylish?

In this comprehensive tutorial, I'll walk you through the process of turning your old jeans into a durable, unique tote bag that's perfect for grocery shopping, trips to the beach, or everyday use. This project is beginner-friendly and requires only basic sewing skills, making it an ideal weekend project for anyone looking to dip their toes into upcycling.

Benefits of Upcycling Denim

Before we dive into the tutorial, let's talk about why upcycling denim is such a great idea:

• Environmental Impact: The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally. By upcycling, you're reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of your clothing.
• Unique Results: No two denim upcycling projects look exactly the same, giving you a one-of-a-kind item.
• Durability: Denim is incredibly sturdy, making it perfect for items that need to withstand repeated use, like tote bags.
• Cost-Effective: Creating something new from materials you already own saves money while giving you a creative outlet.

Materials You'll Need

Let's gather everything you'll need for this project:

• 1-2 pairs of old jeans (depending on size)
• Sewing machine (though hand-sewing is possible if you're patient)
• Thread (navy blue or matching your denim)
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Pins or clips
• Iron and ironing board
• Optional: decorative elements like patches, buttons, or embroidery floss

Measurements for Your Tote

We'll be creating a roomy tote with these dimensions:

• Exterior piece: 18" x 14"
• Lining piece: 18" x 14"
• Bottom piece: 14" x 9"
• 2 Handles: Made from the jeans waistband
• Closure: Also repurposed from the jeans waistband (with button/buttonhole intact)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prep Your Jeans

1. Wash and dry your jeans thoroughly before starting.
2. Lay them flat and assess which areas are in the best condition.
3. Use chalk or a fabric marker to outline the pieces you'll need according to the measurements above.
4. For the main exterior piece (18" x 14"), you might need to piece together sections from the legs.

Step 2: Cut Out Your Pieces

1. Carefully cut along your marked lines to create:

   • Main exterior piece (18" x 14")
   • Lining piece (18" x 14") - This can be from another pair of jeans or a complementary fabric
   • Bottom piece (14" x 9")
   • Cut around the entire waistband, preserving the button closure for later use

2. Don't discard the remaining denim yet—you might want it for decorative elements or future projects!

Step 3: Prepare the Handles

1. Cut the waistband into two equal lengths for handles.

2. If the waistband isn't long enough for comfortable handles, you can:

   • Extend them with strips cut from the legs
   • Use belt loops sewn together
   • Create fabric tubes from leg pieces

3. Aim for handles that are approximately 20-22" long to allow for comfortable shoulder carrying.

Step 4: Assemble the Exterior

1. If you need to piece together denim to achieve the 18" x 14" exterior, place right sides together and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance.
2. Press seams open to reduce bulk.
3. Consider adding a decorative topstitch along these seams for both strength and visual interest.

Step 5: Create the Bag Structure

1. Fold the exterior piece in half, right sides together, so it measures 9" x 14".
2. Sew along the sides with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving the top open.
3. Repeat this process with the lining fabric.
4. For the bottom piece:
   • Pin it to the bottom edge of the exterior, right sides together
   • Sew around all four sides, taking care at the corners
   • This creates a flat-bottom bag that can stand on its own

Step 6: Attach the Handles

1. Position your handles on the exterior of the bag, about 4-5" apart.
2. Ensure they're evenly placed on both sides of the bag.
3. Pin in place, then secure with a sturdy box stitch or X-pattern for extra strength.

Step 7: Add the Closure

1. Position the waistband section with the button/buttonhole at the center top of the bag.
2. Fold it over the edge, creating a facing that extends to both the inside and outside.
3. Pin in place and sew securely around all edges.
4. This creates a functional closure that adds character to your bag.

Step 8: Attach the Lining

1. Turn the lining right side out and insert it into the exterior bag (which should be wrong side out).
2. Align the top edges and pin all the way around.
3. Sew around the top edge, leaving a 4" opening for turning.
4. Turn the bag right side out through the opening.
5. Press the top edge neatly and topstitch around the entire top of the bag, closing the opening in the process.

Step 9: Final Touches

1. Press your bag thoroughly for a professional finish.
2. Add any decorative elements:
   • Pockets from the original jeans
   • Embroidery or patches
   • Contrasting topstitching
   • Rivets or buttons for embellishment

Learn how to make a zipper pouch

Tips for Success

• Use a denim needle in your sewing machine to handle the thick fabric.
• Take it slow when sewing through multiple layers of denim.
• Consider reinforcing stress points like handle attachments with extra stitching.
• Press thoroughly between steps for a cleaner, more professional look.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic tote, consider these creative variations:

• Patchwork style: Use various denim shades pieced together
• Lined with colorful fabric instead of more denim
• Add interior pockets for organization
• Create a zippered top for added security
• Use contrasting denim washes for visual interest

Sustainability Impact

By creating this tote bag, you've diverted approximately 1-2 pounds of textile waste from landfills. Considering that the average American disposes of about 81 pounds of clothing annually, your project makes a meaningful difference!

Conclusion

Upcycling old jeans into a tote bag is not just a creative project—it's a small but significant step toward more sustainable living. Your new bag carries not only your belongings but also a story of transformation and mindful consumption.

I'd love to see what you create! Share your finished tote bags in the comments below or tag your creation with #DenimUpcycleTote on social media.

Additional Resources

• How to Care for Your Denim Tote
• More Denim Upcycling Projects
• Sustainable Fashion Resources

Happy sewing and upcycling!

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About the Author: Jo is passionate about sustainable crafting and has been transforming "trash" into treasure for over a decade. Follow more upcycling adventures on YouTube.