How to DIY a Cute Crossbody Jean Bag

Nina's Ideas
by Nina's Ideas
11 Materials
$5
20 Minutes
Easy

In this tutorial, I will show you how to DIY a small crossbody bag with pockets using upcycled denim. It is roomy enough to carry all your personal belongings while being not too big and heavy. Let’s get started!

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Tools and materials:

Cutting jeans

1. Mark and cut main panels from the upcycled denim

Cut out two rectangles for the main panels of the denim bag, taking the fabric to include the back pants pockets.


After cutting out the first panel, use it as a template to cut out an equal panel from the other side of the jeans. Use pins to hold them in place. 

Attaching lining

2. Prepare and attach lining for main panels

Cut out 2 rectangles for the lining of the DIY denim bag. 

Attaching lining

Then place right sides together:

Attaching lining

Sew along the top of each panel/lining.

Attaching lining

Flip the lining up and iron the connection to be flat.

Attaching lining

3. Create and attach strap loops

Cut two, equal strips from a thick seam of the scrap denim.

Creating and attaching straps loops

Fold in half and sew, as in the image below:

Creating and attaching straps loops

Cut off the excess from the strips.

Creating and attaching straps loops

4. Sew the main panels and linings together

Place the right sides together, then sew all around the perimeter, leaving just a 6 cm (2.4”) gap on the liner edge.

Sewing main panels and lining together

Trim off all four of the corners.

Trimming corners

5. Reverse and straighten the corners

Reverse the fabric and poke out the corners by feeding the point of your scissors through the gap, to each corner.

Straightening the corners

Iron the entire piece. 

Ironing DIY jean bag

6. Close the gap

At the gap, fold the exposed fabric inward and sew it closed. 

Closing gap


Closing gap

7. Sew down the lining 

First, tuck the lining back into the body of the purse.

Tucking lining into purse

Then, on the inside of the purse, sew the lining down at the top.

Lining stitched down

8. Attach straps and the clasp

Attach your ready-made strap to the loops.

Attaching strap

Attach a magnetic bag clasp or Velcro to the inside, top.

Attaching clasp or Velcro

9. Decorate

Attach a charm bracelet to one of the pockets for an extra touch of style.

Decorating DIY jean bag

DIY jean bag

Here’s the finished, upcycled denim bag.

Completed DIY jean bag

This DIY jean bag is such a simple, beginner friendly project and you get to upcycle your denim!


Plus, you can personalize it to fit your style. Show us your creation in the comments below. 

Suggested materials:
  • Jeans to be upcycled
  • Tailor’s chalk
  • Ruler
See all materials

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Comments
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 2 comments
  • And50294008 And50294008 on Nov 06, 2022

    Awe and inspiring project. Love the explanation steps . Thank you

  • Jill Bowker Dennis Jill Bowker Dennis on Nov 07, 2022

    I can't wait to make some of these for myself and granddaughters for Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing such a great project!!🥰

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