Turn Your Old Denim Dress into a Chic & Sustainable Tote Bag—DIY Upcycling Guide
Repurposing a used denim dress into a stylish and eco-friendly tote bag is a fantastic way to give old clothes a new life! Here's a step-by-step guide with image descriptions to help you through the process:
What you'll need:
• A used denim dress (choose one with minimal stains or damage in the areas you plan to use)
• Scissors
• Seam ripper (optional, but helpful)
• Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand-sewing)
• Pins
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Iron and ironing board
• Optional: Fabric scraps for lining, decorative patches, buttons, etc.
• Optional: Webbing or sturdy fabric for handles
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Dress
• Lay your denim dress flat on a clean surface. Decide which parts of the dress you want to use for your tote bag body. Consider the pockets, seams, and any interesting details you might want to incorporate.
• Using your scissors, carefully cut the dress into the main body panels for your tote bag. You'll need two rectangular pieces of roughly the same size for the front and back of the bag. The size will depend on how large you want your tote bag to be.
• Image Description: A denim dress laid flat on a table with chalk lines marking out rectangular sections for the tote bag body. A pair of scissors is shown nearby, partially cut through the denim along one of the chalk lines.
Step 2: Cut the Bottom Gusset (Optional but Recommended)
• To give your tote bag more structure and space, you can add a bottom gusset. Cut a rectangular piece of denim for the gusset. The width of this rectangle will be the width of your bag's bottom, and the height will determine how deep the bag will be.
• Image Description: A separate rectangular piece of denim lying next to the larger rectangular pieces cut in Step 1. A measuring tape is placed on the gusset piece.
Step 3: Cut the Handles
• You can use leftover denim from the dress or sturdy webbing for the handles. If using denim, cut two long strips of equal length and width. Consider the length you want the handles to be for comfortable carrying.
• If using denim strips, fold the long edges towards the center and then fold the entire strip in half lengthwise. Iron these folds to create clean, finished edges. Stitch along the open edge to secure the fold and create a sturdy strap.
• Image Description: Two long strips of folded and ironed denim laid out. One strip shows a close-up of stitching along the open edge. Alternatively, two pieces of pre-made webbing are shown.
Step 4: Prepare and Attach the Gusset (Optional)
• If you're using a gusset, pin it to the bottom edge of one of your main body panels, right sides together. Sew along the edge with a seam allowance (e.g., 1/2 inch). Repeat this process with the other main body panel, attaching the opposite long edge of the gusset.
• Now, pin and sew the short ends of the gusset to the sides of the main body panels, working your way around the bottom of the bag. You might need to ease the fabric around the corners.
• Image Description: One of the main denim panels pinned along one long edge to the gusset piece, right sides facing. A sewing machine is shown stitching along the pinned edge. Another image shows the gusset attached to both main panels, forming the bottom of the bag.
%20PNG.png)
Step 5: Sew the Side Seams
• With the right sides of your two main body panels facing each other, pin along the side edges. Sew these seams together with your chosen seam allowance.
• Image Description: The two main denim panels pinned together along their side edges, right sides facing inward. A sewing machine is shown stitching one of the side seams.
%20PNG.png)
Step 6: Box the Bottom Corners (Optional)
• To create a more structured bottom for your bag, you can box the corners. With the bag still inside out, flatten one of the bottom corners so that the side seam aligns with the bottom seam (or fold line if you didn't use a gusset). This will create a triangle shape at the corner.
• Measure down from the point of the triangle along the folded edge (the side seam) by a desired amount (e.g., 1-2 inches). Draw a horizontal line across the triangle at this point.
• Pin along this line and stitch across it. Trim off the excess fabric beyond the seam. Repeat this process for the other bottom corner.
• Image Description: The bottom corner of the inside-out bag being flattened to create a triangle. A ruler is shown measuring down from the point of the triangle, and a pen marks a horizontal line. Another image shows the corner stitched across the line and the excess fabric being trimmed.
Step 7: Prepare the Top Edge
• Fold the top edge of the bag opening inwards by about 1/2 inch and iron the fold. Then, fold it inwards again by another 1 inch (or more, depending on your preference) to create a double-folded hem. This will give the top edge a clean finish and add durability.
• Pin the folded hem in place all around the top opening.
• Image Description: The top edge of the bag being folded inwards and ironed. Pins are shown securing the double-folded hem.
Step 8: Attach the Handles
• Decide where you want to position your handles on the outside of the bag. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
• Pin the ends of each handle to the top hem of the bag. For extra security, you can position the handle ends so they overlap the double-folded hem slightly.
• Stitch the handles securely to the bag. Sew a rectangular shape with an "X" inside at each handle attachment point for added strength.
• Image Description: A handle being pinned to the top hem of the tote bag. A close-up shows the stitching pattern (rectangle with an "X") used to secure the handle.
Step 9: Topstitch the Hem
• Stitch along the bottom edge of the double-folded top hem all the way around the bag. This will secure the hem and give it a more finished look.
• Image Description: A sewing machine stitching along the bottom edge of the folded top hem of the tote bag.
Step 10: Turn Right Side Out and Admire Your Stylish Eco-Friendly Tote!
• Turn your new tote bag right side out. Gently push out the corners if you boxed them.
• Iron out any wrinkles if needed.
• Image Description: The finished denim tote bag standing upright with its handles extended.
%20PNG.png)
Optional Finishing Touches:
• Lining: For a more polished interior, you can create a separate lining bag using fabric scraps and insert it into your denim tote. Stitch the lining to the top hem of the denim bag.
• Pockets: If your dress had interesting pockets, you could have incorporated them into the main body panels or sewn them onto the inside or outside of the finished tote.
• Decorations: Add decorative patches, buttons, embroidery, or fabric paint to personalize your tote bag.
Enjoy your unique and sustainable tote bag made from a repurposed denim dress! This project is not only eco-friendly but also allows you to express your creativity.
Cowboy Material 2024 New Product Crossbody Bag Solid Large Capacity Versatile Fashion Shoulder Bag Soft Elegant Simple Handbag
Large Denim Tote Bags with Purse Female Jean Crossbody Bag Female Blue Black Canvas Shoulder Tote Bags
Unisex Denim Crossboday Bags Women Multi Pockets Jean Shoulder Bag Blue Black Tote Handbag Purse Men Travel Bag
"This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you."
Tags:
Arts and Crafts