How to Make a Recycled Jeans Purse

Turn your worn-out jeans into a cute purse.

Most people have a pair of jeans in their closet that they can't bear to part with. Whether they're too large or too small, completely out of style or have too many holes to wear in public, we refuse to part with these jeans for one reason or another. Luckily, you can recycle your favorite pair into a cute purse in an afternoon. Adding your own touches, you can make your jeans purse hippie-chic with patchwork trim and some funky appliques, rock star fun with studs or glamorous with rhinestones.

Things You'll Need

• Old pair of jeans
• Fabric scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine with denim needle
• Large snap or zipper
• Rhinestones, studs or appliques

Instructions

1. Cut the jeans directly below the crotch, where the two legs start. Cut the crotch out so that you have a denim tube.

2. Turn the jeans tube inside out. Sew the bottom of the tube together so that you have a denim pouch. Sew the zipper fly closed so that the fly can't open with use.

3. Sew a large snap or zipper onto the waistband of the purse to secure the purse closed.

4. Measure and cut two strips of denim, two inches wide and 24 inches long for the straps, using the pant legs. Place the straps on a table, with the side of the denim you want showing face down. Fold each strip lengthwise in thirds (1/2 inch to 1/2 inch) so that you have a one-inch-wide double strap. Pin the straps to hold in place and sew them together.

5. Pin the straps in place with the purse still inside out. Sew the straps onto the purse and turn the purse right-side out.

6. Decorate your purse with a flowered scarf, rhinestones, patches or studs. You can also add a flower embellishment to the front of the purse by safety-pinning a silk flower to the front of the purse.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make the shoulder strap longer or shorter, depending on your taste.

• The back pockets of the jeans make a great cell phone pocket. If you want to secure the back pockets, sew a snap or zipper into the pocket.

• If you use safety pins to add appliques or flowers to your purse instead of sewing them on, you can easily change the accessories to match your mood or outfit.

References

• Martha Stewart: Easy Denim Tote