How to Make a Blue Jean Tote
Blue jean totes are a crafty way to recycle your favorite pair of jeans when they become too worn, tight or out of fashion to wear any longer. Because you use only the top portion of the jeans you can even use jeans with large holes or rips in the legs. These totes are surprisingly durable and cost very little to make. However, to create this jean tote bag you must posses at least a minimal level of sewing skill.
Things You'll Need
- Jeans
- Scissors
- Needle
- Thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Shepard's hook clasps
- Zipper or buttons (optional)
Instructions
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1
Select an old pair of blue jeans or jean shorts that you no longer wish to use. Wash and dry your jeans, and if severely wrinkled, iron them.
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2
Cut the pant legs off of your jeans or shorts. Try to make your cut level with the inside seam of the jeans, near the crotch of the pants. Make the cut as even and straight as possible, it should run parallel to the waistband of the jeans.
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3
Turn your jeans inside out and sew together the two bottom edges of jean fabric. Hand sewing and machine sewing are both acceptable methods, just make sure the thread you use is durable and your stitches are tight and close. After sewing, turn right-side out and make sure the bottom stitching is even.
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4
Cut a strip of fabric from the pant legs for a tote strap. It should measure about 4 inches in width and between 20 and 48 inches in length. Hem the edges to avoid fraying. Sew a small s-hook onto each end of the strap.
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5
Attach the ring portions of your Shepard's hook clasps to the top exterior of your tote bag, one on both the left and right side. These hooks must have the ability to withstand the weight of anything you carry in your tote bag, so make sure you use a strong thread when sewing them on.
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6
Sew a zipper, buttons or clasp to the top of your blue jean tote bag for added security. This is only a necessity if you intend to use your blue jean tote for small items that would otherwise fall from the top easily. If your jean tote is being used as a beach bag, shopping bag or laundry bag, a zipper top is not necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Save the jean material you do not use in your tote for a blue jean quilt or alternative crafts.
For a tote without removable strap, simply sew the strap fabric directly onto the purse.
