How to Make a Purse From Old Jeans

Go boho and turn those old jeans into a handy purse that's nearly indestructible. Read on to learn how to make a purse from old jeans.

Things You'll Need

• Old jeans or cutoffs (size 7 or smaller work best)
• Glue gun or needle and thread
• Contents of your jewelry, scrapbooking or craft box for embellishments like buttons, fake fur, sequins, patches, bits of fabric and lace
• Skinny belt from an old dress (to use as handle)

Instructions

1. Wash jeans or cutoffs, and turn inside out. If jeans are long, cut off legs to about 2 inches below crotch, then use glue gun to hem legs together.

2. Turn jeans right-side out, and if you'd like a liner for the inside, cut out a piece of fabric and glue into the inside at this point.

3. Cover the bottom of purse "legs" with lace or fabric to disguise any glue-gun seams.

4. 

   Add embellishments, tassels, buttons, sequins, rhinestones or charms using a glue gun. Sew on buttons or patches if desired using a needle and thread. Leave front and back pockets free so that you can use them to tote your cell phone, pens, compact or whatever. Don't forget to decorate the backside.

5. Take a skinny belt (the one in the picture is from a vintage 70s knit shirtdress) and wrap it around the side belt loops and tie in a knot. Adjust to fit your size. Voila! Now you have a shoulder bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Lighter denim colors work best for this. Look for styles that have deep front pockets and good sized belt loops. You can also make a smaller purse using girls' size 10, 12 or 14 jeans. Check purse periodically for loose trim or embellishments and use a glue gun to add replacements.