Are you a denim lover with a pile of scraps and a desire for a truly unique accessory? This project is calling your name! This stunning handbag showcases a beautiful combination of patchwork artistry and clever construction, resulting in a bag with graceful curves and a lovely tie-front detail. It's the perfect way to turn those cherished denim pieces into a functional work of art.
Get ready to piece together some denim magic and create a handbag that's sure to turn heads!
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with accurate cutting, patchwork, and sewing curves is essential)
Materials You'll Need:
Assorted Denim Scraps: Collect denim from various pairs of jeans (different washes – light, medium, dark blue – will give the best effect). You'll need enough to cut 4 main body panels and 2 handle pieces.
Lining Fabric: 1/2 - 3/4 yard (0.45 - 0.68 meters) of 44-inch wide cotton quilting fabric or a durable contrasting fabric.
Medium-Weight Fusible Interfacing: 1 yard (0.9 meters) of 20-inch wide interfacing (Pellon SF101 or similar) for all exterior denim pieces.
Optional Heavy-Weight Fusible Interfacing: Small amount for the base if you want extra stiffness.
Webbing for Handles: 1 yard (0.9 meters) of 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide sturdy cotton webbing or pre-made bag handles (as seen in black/navy in the image).
Fabric for Tie Closure: 1/4 yard (0.23 meters) of denim or coordinating cotton fabric for the tie.
Coordinating all-purpose thread (or a stronger topstitching thread).
Sewing machine with a denim needle (essential!).
Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler (highly recommended for accurate cutting!).
Fabric scissors.
Pins or fabric clips.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric marker or chalk.
Iron and ironing board.
Finished Bag Dimensions (Approximate): Height (excluding handles): 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Width (at widest point): 12-13 inches (30.5-33 cm) Depth (bottom): 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm) Handle Drop: 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm)
Preparation: Deconstructing Your Jeans (if applicable)
Wash and Dry: Wash and dry all your jeans/denim scraps. This preshrinks the fabric.
Press Flat: Cut open any seams from jean legs and press all denim pieces completely flat. This is crucial for accurate cutting and sewing.
Creating Your Pattern Pieces (No Printer Needed!):
This bag has a unique, gracefully curved shape that we'll draft.
Main Body Panel Pattern:
On a piece of paper (or newspaper), draw a rectangle that is 9.5 inches (24 cm) high x 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide.
Shape the Top: From the top corners, draw a gentle inward curve for about 2.5-3 inches (6.5-7.5 cm) down the side, then curve gently outwards to meet the rest of the straight side. This will create a subtle "shoulder" for the bag.
Shape the Bottom: At the bottom corners, draw a smooth curve to round off the base. Think of a rounded rectangle or a soft "petal" shape at the bottom.
Cut out this paper pattern piece. This is your "Main Body Panel Pattern."
Bottom Oval Panel Pattern:
On paper, draw an oval that is approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) long x 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide. Ensure the curve matches the bottom curve of your Main Body Panel. Cut out. This is your "Bottom Oval Panel Pattern." (You can also adapt a "boxed corner" method later if you prefer, but the image suggests a separate bottom.)
Cutting Your Fabric Pieces:
All seam allowances are 3/8 inch (1 cm) unless otherwise stated.
From Assorted Denim Scraps:
Main Body Exterior Panels (4 pieces): Using your "Main Body Panel Pattern," cut 4 pieces from your assorted denim washes. Aim for a good mix of light and dark blue as seen in the image for contrast.
Tie Closure (2 pieces): Cut two rectangles measuring 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) wide x 18 inches (45.5 cm) long.
From Lining Fabric:
Main Body Lining (4 pieces): Cut 4 pieces using your "Main Body Panel Pattern."
Bottom Oval Lining (1 piece): Use your "Bottom Oval Panel Pattern" to cut 1 piece.
From Medium-Weight Fusible Interfacing:
Main Body Interfacing (4 pieces): Cut to match your denim Main Body Panels.
From Webbing/Strapping:
Handles (2 pieces): Cut two pieces, each 18 inches (45.5 cm) long.
Sewing Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare Interfacing & Assemble Patchwork Panels
Fuse Interfacing: Following the manufacturer's instructions, fuse all medium-weight fusible interfacing pieces to the wrong side of your denim Main Body Exterior Panels.
Assemble Patchwork Panels:
Take two denim Main Body Exterior Panels. Place them right sides together, aligning one of the long, straight side edges.
Sew along this shared straight edge with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance. Press seam open. You now have a combined front (or back) panel.
Repeat this to create a second identical combined panel for the other side of your bag.
(Optional: Topstitch along each seam on the right side for a decorative and durable finish, as seen in the image.)
Part 2: Assemble the Outer Bag Body
Attach Side Seams: Place your two assembled Patchwork Main Body Exterior panels right sides together. Align the side edges (the unsewn edges from your original panels) and the shaped top and bottom edges. Pin securely.
Sew down both side seams with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance. Press seams open.
Attach Bottom Oval Panel:
Pin your denim Bottom Oval Panel right sides together with the bottom opening of your assembled bag body. This will require easing and clipping the seam allowances around the curves of the oval and the bag body. Pin frequently to ensure a smooth join.
Sew slowly all around with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance. Take your time, clipping curves as you go to prevent puckering.
Turn the denim outer bag right side out. Set aside.
Part 3: Assemble the Bag Lining
Repeat all steps in Part 1 & 2 entirely using your Lining Fabric pieces (Main Body Lining panels and Bottom Oval Lining).
Important: Do NOT turn the lining right side out. Leave it wrong side out.
Part 4: Prepare the Handles
Take one webbing Handle piece. Position it on the top curve of one of your assembled outer denim bag panels. Mark where you want the ends of the handle to attach – usually about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in from the side seams.
Pin the raw ends of the handle to the top raw edge of the bag, ensuring the handle is not twisted and loops upwards. Baste in place within the 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance.
Repeat for the second handle on the opposite panel of the outer denim bag.
Part 5: Create Tie Closure Pieces
Take one Tie Closure piece (2.5 inches x 18 inches). Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Press.
Sew along the long raw edge and one short end with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam. Trim the corner.
Turn the tie right side out. Use a point turner or chopstick to push out the corner. Press flat. Repeat for the second tie piece.
Position the raw end of one tie piece on the top raw edge of the assembled outer denim bag, on the front panel, roughly 3 inches (7.5 cm) in from the side seam (closer to the center than the handle attachment). Pin and baste in place.
Repeat for the second tie piece on the front panel, mirrored. (The image shows ties only on the front, suggesting they tie in the middle, but you could add them to the back too if you want to cinch both sides).
Part 6: Join Outer Bag and Lining
With the denim outer bag still right side out (and handles/ties basted in place), slip it inside the lining bag (which is still wrong side out). The right sides of the denim bag and the lining should be facing each other.
Align the top raw edges of the bag and lining, carefully matching side seams and the curves. Pin all around the top opening, ensuring the handles and ties are tucked neatly between the layers.
Sew all around the top raw edge with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance, leaving a 4-5 inch (10-12.5 cm) opening along one of the flat straight sections (e.g., the back) for turning. Backstitch at the beginning and end of this opening.
Part 7: Final Assembly & Finishing Touches
Reach into the turning hole and gently pull the entire bag right side out.
Push out all curves and edges neatly. Gently tug on the handles and ties to fully expose them.
Press the top edge of the bag firmly, ensuring the seam allowance of the turning hole is tucked inwards.
Stitch the turning hole closed. You can do this by hand using a ladder stitch for an invisible finish, or by machine with a topstitch very close to the edge.
Topstitch around the entire top opening of the bag (about 1/8 inch or 0.3 cm from the edge) for a crisp finish and to further secure the lining, handles, and ties.
Form the Gathered Front: The image shows a central gathered section on the front panel. To achieve this:
Find the exact center of the front panel, along the topstitched edge.
Measure approximately 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) down from the top edge. Make a mark.
Using a needle and thread, hand-gather a small section (about 1-2 inches wide) at the center of the bag's top edge, pulling it slightly inwards to create the gathered effect. Stitch securely to hold the gather in place. The ties will then be brought over this gathered section and tied.
Tie your two front ties together in a neat bow or knot, completing the look!
You're Done!
You've just created a truly exceptional and stylish patchwork denim handbag! Its unique shape, contrasting panels, and charming tie detail make it a standout accessory that's perfect for adding a touch of handmade elegance to any outfit.
Show off your beautiful creation! Share your petal patchwork bag with me on social media using #PetalPatchworkTote – I'd love to see your unique mix of denim shades! Happy sewing!
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