How to Make a Purse Out of Your Kids' Jeans or Pants

It seems like kids grow out of their pants as fast as you can buy them! If you don't have anyone to give the hand-me-downs to, why not make some cute and clever purses that you can give away as gifts?! Not only will these bags be stylish, but you can make them in any color, with any decorative flare to match your taste. The pockets in the pants make great places to store your cell phone and you can hook your keys to the belt loops. This is a great project to do with your kids. The decorating possibilities are endless!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Old jeans or pants. Any size will work. The bigger the size, the bigger the purse!
• A sewing machine (though you could do this by hand if you have the skills)
• Thread in the color of your choice
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Decorative beads or buttons(optional)
• Fabric Markers (optional)

1. Using a pair of scissors, cut the legs off of the pants right above the crotch.
2. Turn the pants inside-out and sew across the line you just cut to make the bottom of the purse.
3. Turn the bag right side in. Cut a piece of ribbon the length you wish the strap or handle to be. Sew each end of the ribbon to the inside of the bag at the ouside hip seam.
4. Use some more ribbon to put through the belt loops of the pants and tie a bow. You may choose to tack the bow down with some thread.
5. Use fabric markers, decorative beads, buttons, or anything else you can think of to decorate the bag. The possibilities are endless! Get creative!

Tips & Warnings

• Because this bag will likely get used, it's a good idea to sew across the bottom twice to give extra strength.
• If you don't have ribbon, you can use decrative rope, leather, or braided fabric scraps to make the strap.