How to Make a Denim Tote Bag

Decorated denim

Sew a versatile and durable tote bag with denim fabric that will last through much use. Make several in different sizes from little treat bags, to baby's diaper bag to large, overnight travel carryalls. Part of a denim tote's charm is it's faded features which add to its character as time goes by. Create them with themes such as Christmas or Valentine's Day. Add embellishments or decorations to make them special.

Things You'll Need

• Denim fabric, 1/2-yard, 60-inches wide, solid color or printed
• Scissors
• Rotary cutting mat
• Rotary cutter
• Clear craft mat
• Sew machine
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Rick rack trim, wide, contrasting color
• Double-fold binding tape, 1/2-inch wide, contrasting color
• Buttons, 4, decorative
• Iron
• Ironing board
• needle, sharp

Instructions

1. Hold the right side of the 18-inch width side of the denim fabric and fold it in 18 inches to make a square with two layers. Smooth the fabric so the edges align neatly. Cut the excess fabric off with scissors along the top edge (18-inches by 24-inches). Put these aside.

2. Cut two 24-inch by 4-inch lengths of denim from the excess piece. Use the measurement guides on the rotary cutting mat and clear craft mat to align the fabric and cut the pieces with the rotary cutter.

3. Create the denim straps for the tote bag with the two long fabric strips. Holding the end of one piece, right side down, fold in the edge on the 24-inch side one-third in. Fold the other side on top of the first fold. Place the end under the sewing machine needle and begin sewing with a zig-zag stitch along the edge, securing the folds together. Continuing zig-zagging, working slowly to fold in first one side and then the other on top to make the strap. Proceed the same way with the second denim strip to make the other strap. Iron the straps with a iron (steam) to make a neat finish.

4. Cut two 8-inch by 8-inch pieces of denim from the leftover fabric with the rotary cutter and the rotary cutting mats. These are the pockets for the tote bag. Straight stitch a strip of double-sided binding tape over the side that will be the pocket opening, stitching through the tape on both sides. Put them aside.

5. Lay the tote bag fabric (36-inches by 18-inches) on the work table, right side up. Arrange each of the two 8-inch by 8-inch denim squares (pockets) at either end, centered, 4-inches down from the edge that is the top (and opening of the tote), folding the fabric in 1/2-inch on three sides. Pin the tucked-in pocket edges with straight pins.

6. Straight stitch each pocket inside the edges, first 1/2-inch in, then 1/4-inch in to make them sturdy. Turn the tote fabric right side in and straight stitch a seam 1/2-inch on three sides (including the folded side), then 1/4-inch for sturdiness.

7. Pin the ends of each tote strap just inside a pocket on both sides. Straight stitch them securely in place back and forth the width of the strap several times (on top of the pockets).

8. Straight stitch the contrasting double-fold binding tape onto the opening edges of the tote, tucking the edging inside the tape, sewing through it on both sides. Just before reaching the beginning, after going around, cut an extra 1/2-inch off. Tuck it inside and stitch a neat finish to the the tote.

9. Hand sew the decorative buttons on where the tote straps have been sewn, two on each side.

Tips & Warnings

• Although denim is available mainly in shades of blue, it is also available at fabric stores or on the Internet (such as Fashion Fabrics Club) in a variety of colors (other than blue) and prints. It may be sold in different widths (53-inches and up).

• Add lining such as bandana or calico prints to the denim bag while sewing. Use the same size fabric as the denim material. Sew 1/2-inch seams on three sides of the lining fabric, right side in. Just before sewing the double-fold binding tape to the top edges of the tote, insert the lining piece and sew its edges into the tape with the tote. The right side of the lining will be seen, while all seams will be hidden.

• A used pair of men's or women's jeans can be recycled into a denim tote bag. Cut the jean pants just below the pockets and straight stitch the bottom edges together. Sew a pair of handles from other parts of the jeans and attach to the inside of the tote bag. Purchase used jeans, also, at thrift shops to make denim tote bags.

• This is an excellent project for teens or young children to learn how to sew.

• Be careful when using the rotary cutter. The blades are sharp. Keep them away from curious young children.

References

• Love to Sew: Denim Bag
• Family Homestead: Tote Bag
• Fashion Fabrics Club: Denim Fabric