How to Make a Super fast upcycled jeans handbag

Table of Contents

I saw this project on YouTube at Diyideaswith Yana I loved how simple this project was to create. Using upcycled jeans for projects is a favorite of mine. I hope it is for you too. This super fast up cycled jeans handbag takes just minutes to make but is really cute ehe it is done. This is a beginner sewing project that anyone with basic sewing skills can make. I hope you take a few minutes to give this one a try. I you like making handbags as I do head over to my handbag page for many more.

What you will Need: How to Make a super fast up cycled jeans handbag

• Old pair of thin jeans
• 1/2 yd lining fabric
• 2 Kam Snaps
• 1/2 yd Pellon SF 101 Interfacing
• Large piece of paper
• Sewing machine
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1: Create the Pattern

Cut a rectangle that measures 13 3/4″ x 8 1/4″. Measure across the top 2″ and along the side 2″ from one long edge and mark. Using a plate or rounding ruler join the marks to create a curved edge. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and cut along the curves.

Step 2: Cut the Fabrics

Start with the jeans. Cut off the legs the length of the patter piece plus about an inch. Cut off the hem on the bottom of the legs. Then, cut down one side of each leg. Place the pattern piece so that the lengthwise seam is in the center. Cut one piece from each leg. Again, using the pattern piece cut two lining pieces. Cut around the back pockets and remove them. Cut four interfacing pieces using the pattern.

Step 3: Fuse the Interfacing

Place the glue side of the interfacing to the wrong side of the jeans pieces and the lining pieces and fuse using a hot iron and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 4: Add the Pockets

Measure 2 3/4″ down the center seam of both jeans pieces and make a mark. Fold the pockets in half lengthwise to find the center and make a mark. Line up the marks and stitch the pockets to the jeans pieces around the outer seam and the inner seam.

Step 5: Stitch the Bottoms

Place the jeans pieces right sides together and stitch along the bottom using 3/8″ seam allowance. Repeat for the lining pieces. Press the seams open.

Step 6: Create the Straps

Take the remnants of the jeans and cut two pieces that measure 14 1/5″ x 2 3/4″. Stitch the two pieces together at one short end using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Cut two squares of jeans fabric measuring 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ to create the tabs. Fold the squares and the long strap piece in half lengthwise and press. Fold down the short raw edges of the long strap piece. Open up the pieces with the short edges still folded and fold the long raw edges to the center and press. Fold in half to enclose the raw edges. Topstitch along the long edges to secure.

Step 7: Add the Tabs

Measure 3/4″ down the straight edge of one end of the jeans piece and make a mark on both sides. Fold the tabs in half and place them just below the marks on the right sides. Stitch in place.

Step 8: Stitch the Lining to the Jeans

Place the jeans piece right sides together with the lining piece with the tabs sandwiched in between. Stitch all the way around leaving an opening on one side for turning. Stitch using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Trim the curved edges. Turn right sides out and press.

Step 9: Create the Bottom

From the bottom seam on the jeans side measure up 2″ on each side and draw a line. Fold the Jeans on the lines and place the pieces lining sides together. Pin or clip. Stitch along the long edges ending where the top curves.

Step 10: Add the Strap

Push one ed of the strap through the tab and fold the ned over onto itself. Stitch to secure. Repeat for the other side.

Step 11: Add the Kam Snaps

Measure in 2″ from the top of the bag where the straight edge ends and make a mark. Measure Dows from the curved end 2″ and make a mark across the first one. Repeat for the other side. Poke holes through the center of the crosses you just marked and add one side of the Kam snaps on each side. Repeat for the other side of the bag.

Step 12: Topstitch

Topstitch around the curved edges. Once the topstitching is done so are you. Add your belongings and enjoy.

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