How to Make Blue Jean Purses

Don't throw out your old blue jeans; make them into purses. Use toddlers' jeans to make cute, wallet-size purses just big enough for cell phones and essential items. Large men's or women's jeans are wide and deep enough to carry loads of things or tote around schoolbooks. The waistbands, pockets and side seams of the jeans are not altered, so the purses are more than just bags made of denim; they retain an authentic jeans look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors Seam ripper Pins Tape measure Sewing machine Thread Velcro fastener Turning tool

1. Cut the legs off a pair of jeans 1 inch below the crotch. Use a seam ripper to open what remains of the seams on the inside of the legs.

2. Turn the jeans inside out and smooth them to lie flat. Pin the front and back together at the bottom, and then sew a straight seam across. Trim off excess material. Zig-zag to finish raw edges and add durability. Turn the material right-side out.

3. Make a strap for the purse by cutting a 3-inch-wide strip of material from a leg section that was cut off. Fold it in half lengthwise; pin and sew along the long edge and one short edge. Use a long, thin object such as a dowel or knitting needle to push on the short, sewn edge to turn the strap right-side out. Turn under the remaining short edge 1/2 inch and sew it closed.

4. Sew ends of the strap to the jeans waistband at each side seam.

5. With the jeans zipper up and button closed, sew one section of a Velcro fastener directly behind the button. Sew the other section to the inside of the back waistband, directly across from the button. Press sections together to keep the purse closed.

Tips & Warnings

• For a different look or if you don't have enough length to create a strap that's long enough, use a belt for a strap.
• Keep sharp objects like scissors and pins away from children and pets.