How to Upcycle Jeans to a Boho Bag

I still have a pair of my husbands old jeans and thought to upcycle them into this simple boho style bag that anyone with basic sewing skills can make. This is a fun upcycling project that only requires a pair of old jeans and some lining fabric to make. Of course the free pattern is included with this project. I love upcycling jeans so if you would like more of my jeans upcycling projects check out these.

I used old jeans and lining fabrics that I got from JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but you can use any fabric you like for this project. If you are using cotton I would recommend a medium weight interfacing otherwise use a cotton canvas or home decorator weight fabric for this project. If you don’t head to JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores try out fabric.com or onlinefabricstore.net for what you need for this project. This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What You will Need: Upcycle Jeans to a Boho Bag

• Pattern you can get by clicking on this link
• Pair of old jeans
• 1/2 yd of lining fabric
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1: Cut your Fabrics

Measure the legs of your jeans so that they measure 27 1/2″. Cut the legs. Cut one side of each leg and open them up. Fold the leg in half lengthwise and place the pattern on the fold. Cut out the pattern on both legs. Next, cut put two pattern pieces from the lining not he fold. Cut a piece of lining fabric that measures 16″ x 17″ for the interior pocket.

Step 2: Square up Your Jeans Fabrics

You will notice that the fold of your jeans not straight. Draw a line so that it is straight and stitch along this line. Cut off the excess.

Step 3: Create the Pocket Piece

Fold the pocket right sides together and stitch on the bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Turn right sides out and press. Stitch along the fold.

Step 4: Add your Pocket

Place the pocket piece on the right side of one of the lining pieces in the center and stitch two lines to divide the pocket in thirds. Trim off any excess pocket fabric.

Step 5: Stitch the Darts

Draw the darts on the wrong side of the lining and the jeans. Stitch the darts by placing the legs of the darts right sides together and stitching down the line. Do this for all of the darts.

Step 6: Stitch the Lining

Place the lining pieces right sides together. Stitch the sides and the bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance but leaving an opening in the bottom for turning.

Step 7: Stitch the Outer Bag

Stitch the outer bag along the sides and the bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Do not leave an opening here.

Step 8: Stitch the Outer Bag to Lining

Place the outer bag into the lining bag so that they are right sides together. Pin. Stitch along the edge of one side of the top from the top to top. Next, measure down 3″ from the top of the other side and stitch from there to 3″ below the top of the other side. Clip the curves. Turn right sides out through the opening in the lining.

Step 9: Stitch the Handles Together

Place the lining handle tops right sides together and the outer handle tops right sides together and stitch along the top using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Topstitch all the way around the top to enclose the opening in the handle and to secure the lining. Stitch the opening in the lining closed. You have finished your upcycled jeans boho bag.

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