How to Make a large open wide tote bag

Table of Contents

I found this handbag on Wandee Sewing and loved it immediately. It is a large open wide tote bag up cycled from jeans. It is a great size and really looks high end even though it is made from jeans. This is a simple sewing project even though there is a zipper. The zipper is easy to install and the bag is stunning when it is complete. I really hope that you enjoy this handbag project. If you would like more handbag sewing projects head over to my handbag page for many more. 

What you will Need: How to Make a Large Open Wide Tot Bag

• 1 large pair of blue jeans
• 1 pair of white jeans
• 1/2 yd Pelolon SF 101 interfacing
• 1/2 yd thermolene
• 1 yd. cotton lining fabric
• 17 1/2″ zipper — I used a continuous zipper.

Step 1: Cut the Fabrics

• Cut 14 2″ x 7 1/2″ strips from the blue jeans and 12 2″ x 7 1/2″ strips from the white jeans.
• Cut 2 6 1/2″ x 18 1/8″ pieces from the blue jeans
• 2 blue jeans strips and 2 pieces of fusible interfacing that measure 3″ x 17 1/2″
• For the Zipper panel cut 2 pieces each of blue jeans, interfacing and lining that measure 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″
• 2 blue jean tabs that measure 3 1/2″ x 2″
• 1 lining piece that measures 8 1/2″ x 14″ for the inside slip pocket
• 2 linng pieces that measure 18 1/8″ x 12 3/4″
• 2 SF 101 pieces that measure 18 1/8″ x 13 1/4″
• 2 Thermolene pieces that measure 18 1/8″ x 13 1/4″

Step 2: Create the Stripes

Take seven blue and six white jeans pieces and stitch them together alternating colors using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat for a second panel. Press the seams.

Step 3: Stitch the Sides

Place the blue jeans pieces that measure 6 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ right sides together with the striped panels. Stitch together using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat for the second striped panel and blue jeans panel. Press the seams. Topstitch along the blue jeans half of the side panels.

Step 4: Fuse the Interfacing

Fuse the 18 1/2″ x 12 3/4″ pieces of interfacing to each of the side panels using a hot iron and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5: Add the Fleece

Place the fleece on top of the interfacing and side panel and stitch all around the edges to secure.

Step 6: Cut the Corners

Cut a 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ square from each of the bottom corners of the blue jeans half of the side panels.

Step 7: Create the Handles

Take the two 3″ x 17 1/2″ pieces of blue jeans fabric and fold the long raw edges to the center and press. Fold in half lengthwise and press again. Topstitch along both long edges. Repeat for the second handle.

Step 8: Add the Handles

Fold the side panels in half to find the widthwise center. Make a mark. Measure 2 1/2″ from the center on each side of the mark and make additional marks. Place the handles on the two marks matching the raw edges and clip. Repeat for the other panel. Stitch the handles to to the sides using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Step 9: Create the zipper panels

Take the 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ blue jeans, lining and SF 101. Fuse the interfacing to the blue jeans piece. Place the lining piece right sides together with the blue jeans and stitch along both short ends and one long edge using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Clip the corners and press the seams open. Turn right sides out and press. Repeat for the other panel. Fold in half and mark the widthwise center.

Step 10: Add the Zipper Tabs

Fold the tabs right sides toether widthwise. Place the zipper along the folded edge and draw along on the raw edge side along gthe zipper tape. Stitch along the line. Press the seams open. You have created a tube. Insert the ends of the zipper into each of the tabs so that the raw edges meet. Stitch the ends using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Turn the tabs right sides out. Fold in the raw edges and stitch across.

Step 11: Add the Zipper to the Zipper panel

Fold the zipper in half and mark the center. Place the seam side of the zipper panel onto each side of the zipper matching the center marks. Stitch along the sides and seam edge to attach.

Step 12: Add the Zipper Panel to the Bag Side

Place the center of the zipper panel right sides together with the bag side panel matching the raw edges. Stitch the raw edges using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat for the other side.

Step 13: Stitch the Bag

Open the zipper. Place the side panels right sides together and stitch along the sides and bottom using a 1/4″ seam Allowance.

Step 14: Box the Corners

Pinch the openings in the corners to create a straight line. Stitch along the straight line using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Box all four corners. Turn right sides out.

Step 15: Create the Slip Pocket

Fold the 8 1/2″ x 14″ lining piece in half. Stitch along the sides and bottom leaving an opening in the bottom. Clip the corners. Turn right sides out through the opening and press. Topstitch along the folded edge.

Step 15: Stitch the lining

Take the two lining pieces that measure 18 1/8″ x 12 3/4″. Cut out the 2 1/2″ squares from each corner. Fold one lining piece in half to find the center. Make a mark. Measure down 2 1/2″ from the mark and draw a line. Add the top of the slip pocket on the line. Stitch along the sides and bottom making sure to enclose the opening. Stitch down the center of the pocket to divide it. Place the two large lining pieces right sides together and stitch the sides and bottom but lieaving an opening in the bottom for turning. Box the corners as you did for the outer bag.

Step 16: Add the Lining to the Bag

Place the lining and the bag right sides together. Make sure that the zipper panel and the handles are facing in between the layers. Clip or pin. Stitch all the way around. Turn right sides out. Close the opening using your machine. Push the lining into the bag. Fold the zipper panel down into the bag and clip or pin all the way around the seam. Topstitch.

Step 17: Finish the Bag

Pinch the side seams and clip or pin. Stitch down the corners by 1″. You have now finished your large open wide tote bag.

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