How to Make a Blue-Jean Book Bag

Give new life to an old pair of blue jeans. Use them to create a fashionable book bag. The process is easy enough to do with children if you're looking for an afternoon craft project. No advanced sewing skills are needed. Say goodbye to the pants and hello to your own book bag in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Old jeans
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Belt

Instructions

1. Choose a larger pair of jeans for a larger bag. Use a pair of children's blue jeans for a smaller tote.

2. Turn the jeans inside out. Measure 3 inches down the pant legs from the crotch. Draw a line across each pant leg at the 3-inch mark. Cut along the lines to remove both pant legs. Dispose of the pant legs or save them for another craft project.

3. Close each of the leg openings. Stitch straight across each opening about 1/2 inch above the cut edge. Stitch across the fabric 1/4 inch from the cut edge. These seams make up the bag's base and must be sturdy. By double-stitching, you strengthen the seam.

4. Turn the jeans right-side out. Test the strength of the seams by pulling at the fabric. This checks that the seams hold when loaded down with books or anything else you or your child loads into the blue-jean bag.

5. Thread a belt through the belt loops around the waist of the jeans. Fasten or tie the ends of the belt to make a handle or shoulder strap. Adjust the length to fit you or your child's needs.

Resources

• Find patterns and designs for various sewing projects.
• Be creative with various craft exercises and more patterns.