How to DIY a Cute Jean Purse From Old Jeans

Tools and materials:

• Old jeans
• Scissors
• Chalk
• Pillow case 
• Iron
• Bag strap
• Sewing machine
• Sewing needle
• Magnetic bag closure or Velcro
• Ruler

1. Cut the jeans

Take a pair of jeans and measure 28 centimeters (11 inches) up from the bottom of one pant leg.

Mark the measurement across the width of the leg and cut it off.

2. Sew the bottom

From the hem, mark 2 centimeters (0.7 inches) up and cut.

Flip it inside out and sew one side closed with a line stitch.

Then, finish the raw edge with a zig zag stitch.

Pull open the bottom corner of the closed edge and measure 5 centimeters (1.9 inches) across the corner.

Sew it up and cut off the corner. You can use a zig zag stitch to finish the edge. Do this to both corners and then turn it the right way out.

3. Make the lining

For the lining, you can use fabric, felt, or you can just use an old pillowcase.

Cut two pieces roughly the same size as your bag and then sew them together leaving the top opened.

Measure, sew, and cut 5 centimeters (1.9 inches) from the bottom corners like you did for the bag.

3. Make strap loops

Go back to your jeans and cut two pieces at 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) by 2 centimeters (0.7 inches).

Pull some of the fraying edges off from the sides to create a white fringe.

Fold them in half to create a loop with each and pin one to each side of the bag lengthwise.

4. Sew in the lining

Flip your bag inside out again and place the lining in so the right sides are facing each other.

Straighten out the lining so it’s sitting nicely in the bag and pin it in place by the pinned loops. Sew around the top leaving an open gap of 6 centimeters (2.3 inches).

Use the 6 centimeter (2.3 inch) opening to turn the bag the right way out again with the lining open the right way too.

Iron the bag and the lining and then push the lining into the bag.

Iron it again with the lining inside to get a nice, stiff, clean edge. Then sew a straight stitch around the top.

5. Attach the strap

Use the two loops at the sides to attach a strap.

I used a ready-made strap with hooks that I attached to the loops. You can also use a piece of rope, tying one side to each loop.

6. Make your decorative flowers

To decorate your bag, cut another strip of denim, measuring 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) by 2 centimeters (0.7 inches).

Pull the frayed edges from one side to expose a white trim.

Take a sewing needle and create a line, going in and out along the clean edge. Pull the fabric down the string to create a flower and then sew the opened sides together.

You can make as many of these flowers as you like, and you can either sew or glue them to the bag.

I made four flowers and glued a pearl to the center of each.

7. Sew in a closure

For the closure you can use a magnetic bag clasp or some Velcro.

If you’re using a magnetic clasp, you can sew it in place by cutting two pieces of fabric slightly larger than the clasp pieces. Use those to sew them in place on either side of the bag.

DIY jean purse

How cute is this DIY denim bag? There’s nothing more satisfying than finding new purposes for old, unused clothes. 

I love that this project costs nothing and leaves you with a fun and stylish bag. How did your bag come out? Let me know in the comments.