How to Make a Chanel-Inspired Bag Out of an Old Denim Shirt

8 Materials
$10
3 Hours
Medium

Today, I will show you how to make a Chanel bag, or at least, a Chanel-inspired bag.


I have a damaged bag that was in major need of repair. So, I took it apart and replicated the pattern, then made my own quilted purse out of an old denim shirt. The result is very similar to a Chanel denim purse!


Follow along with this DIY step-by-step quilted purse tutorial to see how I did it.

Tools and materials:

  • Denim fabric
  • Clean dishcloths
  • Sewing machine
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Matching thread
  • Bag chain
  • Old bag as a guide
Before


DIY quilted purse pattern

1. Make the quilted purse pattern

I took apart and traced my old handbag to get the pattern. If you'd like to know the measurements to make your own they are:

  • 4 front and back linings measuring 25cm x 15cm (9.84 x 5.9 inches)
  • 2 Flaps measuring 24cm x 14cm (9.44 x 5.51 inches)
  • 2 bottom pieces measuring 52cm in length (20.47 inches)
  • 1 handle measuring 100cm x 6cm (39.37 x 2.36 inches)
  • 2 strap holders measuring 6cm x 6cm (2.36 x 2.36 inches)
Tracing around an old bag

Here, you can see how I laid the pieces on the denim fabric to trace them.

Cutting out the pieces of the bag

Cut out the pieces.

Using a dishcloth as batting for quilting

2. Quilt the bag

Now, I’m going to show you how to quilt fabric. I used a new kitchen cloth as my batting and cut out two pieces in the same shapes as my pattern.


Now, layer the denim on top of the yellow cloth and stitch diagonally from both sides to create the quilted squares.

How to quilt a bag

You should end up with something like this. Be sure to do this on both side pieces and the bottom piece (stitching widthways). 

Marking the center of the bag body with a pin

3. Assemble the DIY quilted bag

Fold one of the body pieces in the center to determine the center point and place a pin.

Marking the center of the bag bottom

Do the same for the bottom piece. 

Pinning the bottom piece to the body

Match the center of both pieces and pin the bottom edge all around the edge of the side piece (right sides facing). 

How to make a quilted purse

Sew to secure. 

How to sew a quilted purse

Repeat the same for the other side. Pin the side piece to the open bottom edge. Align the center points, pin all around and sew. 

DIY step-by-step quilted purse tutorial

All done! 

Seam ripping holes for the button

4. Add the buttons

I used the buttons from my original handbag for this step. Mark the center point on the flap piece that’s not quilted, and place your button.


With your seam ripper, pierce two holes where the button ends will need to go through. 

Layering the button pieces together

Layer lining pieces on top. 

Bending the back ends of the button

Then, add the back part of the button and bend the ends inward with pliers. 

Making a DIY quilted bag

Place the quilted flap piece over the single denim layer (right sides facing) and sew around the edges except for the top. 

How to make a denim bag from an old shirt

Turn it inside out and what you now have is an invisible button on the flap. 

Marking the other side for the button

Next, determine where the other side of the button will go. Mark the position with a pin.

Attaching a button to the DIY quilted bag

Place the button’s back piece to the center by repeating the same steps above. 

Sewn lining for the DIY denim bag

5. Make the lining

Repeat steps above to make lining for the bag; sewing the body pieces and bottom piece together.

Attaching the chain strap to the bag

6. Attach the strap

I'm using a chain as my purse strap. Grab the small strap holder pieces and loop them through the ends of the chain. Pin the strap holder to the bag side

Pinning the strap pieces to the bag sides

Repeat on the other side. 

Attaching the lining to the bag

7. Attach the lining

At the bottom of your lining, create an opening, as shown.

Inserting the purse into the lining


Sewing lining into the bag

Place the bag inside the lining, right sides together.  

How to make a Chanel-inspired bag

Sew all top edges together. You should be sewing the strap holders too.

Flipping the bag through the lining

Flip the bag right sides out through the bottom gap, then sew the opening closed.

Placing the lining inside the bag

Place the lining inside the bag.

How to make a Chanel bag

How to make a Chanel bag tutorial

Here it is, this is how you make a Chanel bag easily! I love the quilted look, and the denim fabric matches just about any outfit.


Thanks for joining me on this DIY step-by-step quilted purse tutorial. I had loads of fun doing it, and I hope you will too. 

Suggested materials:
  • Denim fabric
  • Clean dishcloths
  • Sewing machine
See all materials

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