Upcycling Jeans into a Bag

A theme that I've been thinking about in the past year is using waste materials to create something new and better. Recycling, but better. Some people call it upcycling. When my girlfriend had a pair of pants that were too ragged to wear, I decided to turn them into a hand bag.

I'm definitely not an expert seamstress, but I learned a few things in girl scouts. Normally, you use the top half of the jeans to make a bag, like this. However, these jeans were too ripped up to do that, so I had to think of something else.

First, I cut off the waistband to make the strap.

---

Next, I cut off part of the leg, from a little below the knee and flipped it inside out.

---

I sewed the more narrow section closed. It would have been better if I had a sewing machine, but it was okay to do it by hand. Then I turned it right-side out.

---

I cut off two pockets off the jeans to sew on either side of the bag.

---

Lastly, I sewed the strap on and attached two little snaps. You could also use a zipper if you have one.

It was a bit time consuming, but not bad for a free little bag.

Instead of using wrapping paper for presents this year, you can try using old magazines, posters, or newspaper. You could also re-use gift bags and tissue paper instead of throwing them out. Try it!

Happy holidays!

---