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

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
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)
Here, you can see how I laid the pieces on the denim fabric to trace them.
Cut out the pieces.
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.
You should end up with something like this. Be sure to do this on both side pieces and the bottom piece (stitching widthways).
3. Assemble the DIY quilted bag
Fold one of the body pieces in the center to determine the center point and place a pin.
Do the same for the bottom piece.
Match the center of both pieces and pin the bottom edge all around the edge of the side piece (right sides facing).
Sew to secure.
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.
All done!
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.
Layer lining pieces on top.
Then, add the back part of the button and bend the ends inward with pliers.
Place the quilted flap piece over the single denim layer (right sides facing) and sew around the edges except for the top.
Turn it inside out and what you now have is an invisible button on the flap.
Next, determine where the other side of the button will go. Mark the position with a pin.
Place the button’s back piece to the center by repeating the same steps above.
5. Make the lining
Repeat steps above to make lining for the bag; sewing the body pieces and bottom piece together.
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
Repeat on the other side.
7. Attach the lining
At the bottom of your lining, create an opening, as shown.
Place the bag inside the lining, right sides together.
Sew all top edges together. You should be sewing the strap holders too.
Flip the bag right sides out through the bottom gap, then sew the opening closed.
Place the lining inside the 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.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Denim fabric
- Clean dishcloths
- Sewing machine
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Matching thread
- Bag chain
- Old bag as a guide
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