How to Sew a Handbag with Recycled Jeans Tutorial

How to sew a handbag. Welcome to this creative sewing project where I’ll guide you through how to sew a unique and stylish handbag using quilting patchwork pieces and recycled jeans. This upcycling project not only helps reduce waste but also results in a charming and eco-friendly accessory. So, gather your materials and let’s get started!

In a world that’s becoming increasingly conscious of environmental issues, recycling and upcycling have taken center stage. One creative and practical way to contribute to sustainability is by repurposing old jeans into a trendy denim handbag. Not only does this allow you to showcase your personal style, but it also reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly living. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through the process of sewing your very own denim handbag from recycled jeans.

I’m recreating my first bag from a video tutorial on YouTube by Thuy Crafts. Thuy Crafts is a YouTube channel that makes items out of scrap fabrics. If you want to try sewing bags, this is a great channel to watch. It’s also a great way to use up some scraps and try something new.

Handbag Tutorial

Now this tutorial does not contain a free sewing pattern or pattern pieces but there are measurements for all the handbag pieces. If you are looking for bag sewing patterns then just Google free bag patterns or purse sewing patterns. This search will generate patterns for the following: messenger bag, shoulder bag, duffle bag, crossbody bags, shopping bag, market bags, tote bag pattern include a large tote.

This denim handbag does not require much fabric, it uses about a yard of fabric total. The outer fabric of the bag is denim and scrap 2.5″ squares. The lining for all can be interfacing but I used a scrap piece of fabric (muslin fabric) for the backing. The backing fabric won’t show anyway, the bag will have a lining. The lining contains a zipper pouch and has a flat bottom. The main fabric for this handbag is really the recycled denim jeans. It’s a durable bag and there are so many different ways you could do the sides of the bag and test out different sizes. Sewing a handbag is really a lot of fun!

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Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine for a little while and already I am jotting down ideas as I see them and reminders about websites where I have seen some ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.

How to Sew a Handbag – Materials and Instructions

Materials

• Assorted quilting cotton fabric scraps – The fabric used in this bag was a variety of Lori Holt Prim fabrics from Riley Blake Designs and other lines by Lori Holt.
• Recycled denim from old jeans or denim fabric scraps (1 to 2 pairs depending on their condition)
• Backing fabric (cotton, muslin, or a fabric of your choice) this fabric won’t be visible when bag is done
• Lining fabric for inside of bag
• Interfacing (medium weight) or quilt batting
• Domestic Sewing machine
• Soft tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins or clips
• Iron and ironing board
• Coordinating thread
• Magnetic snap or button for closure
• Leather or fabric straps (optional)
• Basic sewing tools (see beginner quilting supply list near the bottom of this post).

How to Sew a Handbag – Instructions

1: Patchwork Preparation

• First step is to gather your quilting cotton scraps and cut them into 2 3/4″ squares. You will need 24 total. Each side of the bag will have 3 rows with 4 squares each. Arrange them to your liking. Play with different combinations until you’re satisfied with the look.
• Sew the patches together using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Make 3 rows with 4 – 2 3/4″ squares. There will be 12 squares total for each panel. Press the seams open.

• Don’t square these two units up.
• Baste each unit with batting or interfacing. You can use self adhesive batting or regular quilt batting, it doesn’t matter. Batting measurements should be 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″. Cut backing fabric or muslin 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ as well.

• Spray baste each patchwork unit with all three layers to make a quilt sandwich. The batting is larger than the patchwork and that’s for the denim strip we will add later. Attach the patchwork at the bottom of the quilt sandwich, leaving the extra batting above the first row.
• Quilt each patchwork unit with your domestic sewing machine using any quilting design you prefer. The handbag in this tutorial is machine quilted using stitch in the ditch.

• Prepare the jeans next.

2: Prepare the Jeans

• Lay out the jeans and decide which parts you want to use for the bag’s exterior. Consider the pockets, seams, and any interesting features. Also pick sections that don’t have stains or holes unless you want the holes in your handbag.

• Cut out the following denim pieces. Two denim strips for the bag handles (2 – 15 3/4″ x 5″). Two denim strips for the sides of the bag above the first row of patchwork (2 – 8 1/2″ x 6.7″). One long denim strip or two strips sewn together for the bottom/sides of handbag (25 1/4″ x 5″) total.
• If desired, distress the denim pieces by fraying the edges (optional).
• Prepare bag handles next.

3. Bag Handles

• Take the two denim strip for the bag handles (2 – 15 3/4″ x 5″). Sew one strip at a time, right sides together using 1/4″ seam allowance.

• Turn the strips inside out. Mark 4″ on both sides of handle starting at the end and marking it 4″ into the middle of the strip. Do this mark on both sides.
• Sew from mark to mark the middle section along one side of the strip. Handles will be sewn in the middle and flair out at both ends.

• Attach handles to patchwork units that have been quilted. Go to the top of the first patchwork row on both units and mark off 1 1/2″ on both sides.
• Attach handles to each patchwork unit. The handles will be placed at the top of the first patchwork row and the outside of the handle will touch the 1 1/2″ line you marked.
• Sew handles onto units using 1/4″ seam allowance, back stitching when you start and finish.

4. Finish Side Units

• With bag handles attached, add the denim strips to the top of each side unit. Lay right side facing down over the top of the bag handle. Attach using 1/4″ seam allowance. Top stitch when done. Sew the top of the denim strip securely to the batting at the top of the batting square. Use 1/4 seam to secure.

• Square up the units with rotary cutter and quilting ruler or sewing scissors. Make sure each panel is the same size.
• Prepare denim panel for bottom/sides next.

5. Denim Panel for Bottom/Sides

• Baste the denim panel (25 1/4″ x 5″) with the same batting or interfacing and fabric or muslin to form a quilt sandwich. Quilt decorative stitches to add decoration to the panel. See picture for quilting design used in this handbag. Design is just straight lines going back and forth.

• Take the denim panel for bottom/sides and do a fit check with one of the side panels you completed. If the panel is too short, you will need to do another panel that is the correct length.
• You could also complete the side panels before measuring and cutting the bottom/side panel. I recommend this.
• If it’s too long then trim before attaching with sewing machine.

• Attach the denim panel to one side unit, right sides facing and using 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat this for the second panel, leaving the top open of course.

• Prepare lining next.

6. Make Zippered Pocket Lining

• Cut you lining fabric into two pieces. One piece should be 13″ x 21″. Second piece for pocket should be 6 3/4″ x 13″.
• Fold the pocket fabric in half widthwise (right sides together) to create a rectangle.
• Measure and mark a rectangle on the folded fabric that represents the opening for the zipper. Ensure it’s centered and the size you desire. Mark 1 1/2″ from top and 1 1/2″ from the sides. Then mark 1 1/2″ after the top zipper line and draw a line across the width of the fabric.
• Stitch along the marked rectangle, leaving the top edge open. Reinforce the stitching at the beginning and end with backstitches or knots.
• Carefully cut along the inside of the stitched rectangle, creating an opening for the zipper.
• Lay your zipper face up on the wrong side of the pocket fabric, aligning it with the opening. The zipper pull should be inside the rectangle.
• Pin or clip the zipper in place.
• Stitch close to the edge of the fabric around the rectangle, securing the zipper in place. Sew all around the rectangle.
• Secure the stitching at the beginning and end by backstitching or knotting the thread.
• Unzip the zipper halfway to ensure you can turn the pocket right side out.
• Fold the pocket in half, right sides together, aligning the sides and bottom.
• Sew along the sides and bottom of the pocket, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Reinforce the beginning and end with backstitching or knots.

7. Completing the Zippered Pocket Lining

• Position the zipper pocket on the liner fabric centered on one side panel. Make sure the zipper is concealed under the fabric.
• Pin or clip the pocket in place, ensuring it’s evenly centered and aligned.
• Stitch around the sides and bottom of the pocket, securing it to the liner fabric. Use a 1/4″ seam allowance, and reinforce the beginning and end with backstitching or knots.
• Fold the liner fabric in half, right sides together, with the zipper pocket on the inside.
• Sew along the sides and bottom of the liner, leaving the top open. Use a 1/4″ seam allowance.
• Before turning the liner right side out, trim excess fabric from the seam allowances to reduce bulk. Be careful not to cut into your stitching.
• Turn the liner right side out through the open top.
• Press the liner to flatten the seams and give it a clean finish.

8: Box Corners

• To create depth for the bag, pinch each bottom corner of both the exterior and lining, aligning the side seam with the bottom seam. This will form a triangle.
• Measure 2″ from the tip of the triangle and mark a line perpendicular to the seam. Stitch along this line and trim the excess fabric. Repeat for all four corners.

9: Assembly

• Turn the exterior of the bag inside out, wrong side facing out.
• Place the lining, right side out, into the bag over the exterior with right sides facing each other. Align the top edges and seams. Pin or clip in place.

• Stitch around the top edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

• Top stitch 1/4″ from the edge of the bag.

• Through the opening in the lining, turn the bag right side out. Sew the lining opening closed.

9: Finishing Touches

1. Press the bag to ensure all seams are neat and crisp.
2. Give your bag a final inspection, trimming any loose threads.
3. Add buttons to secure bag handles to sides of bag for a finished look.

Congrats! You’ve successfully created a one-of-a-kind patchwork denim handbag that’s not only stylish but also environmentally friendly. This cute handmade accessory will surely turn heads wherever you go. Feel free to customize your bag further by adding embellishments, embroidery, or additional pockets.

Check out Thuy Crafts YouTube channel for more amazing tutorials using scrap fabrics. This is a great item to keep for yourself or gift to someone. This was a fun sewing project using recycled jeans. Please tag me on Instagram @SewNikki6 if you make this.

How to Sew a Handbag – Beginner Quilting Supplies

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

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About Sew Nikki

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

How to sew a handbag, well it’s easy once you give it a try! It’s also a rewarding and sustainable DIY project that lets you express your creativity while making a positive impact on the environment. By upcycling old denim, you’re not only reducing waste but also carrying a unique accessory that reflects your style and values. So, gather your materials, unleash your inner designer, and craft a fashionable denim handbag that’s as eco-friendly as it is chic.

This is a great project for learning basic bag construction on a domestic sewing machine. Bag making is a way to make a beautiful bag that’s one of a kind, it also makes a great gift. Skill level is not a beginner sewer but advanced beginner to intermediate skill level. You need to know how to add a zipper and construct a bag inside out.

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Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!