Ready to turn those denim scraps into a chic, everyday accessory? This delightful handbag features a unique rounded shape, eye-catching vertical panels of varying denim washes, and comfortable handles. It's the perfect way to upcycle old jeans and create a truly one-of-a-kind bag that will surely spark conversations!
Let's gather our denim, get creative, and stitch up this charming handbag!
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with sewing curves and working with multiple fabric panels is beneficial)
Materials You'll Need:
Assorted Denim Scraps: Collect denim from various pairs of jeans (different washes – light, medium, dark blue – will give the striped effect). You'll need enough to cut 6 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 fabric of your choice.
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-Duty Snaps or Rivets: 2 sets (for handle attachment, if desired for extra security/decoration).
Coordinating all-purpose thread (or a stronger topstitching thread).
Sewing machine with a denim needle (essential!).
Fabric scissors.
Pins or fabric clips.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric marker or chalk.
Iron and ironing board.
Optional: A small "Handmade" fabric or faux leather tag (as seen in the image).
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!):
Since this bag has a unique curved shape, we'll create simple paper patterns.
Main Body Panel Pattern:
On a piece of paper (or newspaper), draw a rectangle that is 9 inches (23 cm) high x 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide.
Find the exact center of the bottom 5-inch edge.
From this center point, draw a gentle curve outwards to each bottom corner. This will form the rounded bottom of your bag panel.
Cut out this paper pattern piece. This is your "Main Body Panel Pattern."
Bottom Oval Panel Pattern (Optional, but gives a cleaner base):
On paper, draw a rectangle 12 inches (30.5 cm) long x 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide.
Round the two short ends slightly to form a gentle oval shape. Cut out. This is your "Bottom Oval Panel Pattern." (Alternatively, you can just box corners on your assembled main panels.)
Cutting Your Fabric Pieces:
All seam allowances are 3/8 inch (1 cm) unless otherwise stated.
From Assorted Denim Scraps:
Main Body Exterior Panels (6 pieces): Using your "Main Body Panel Pattern," cut 6 pieces from your assorted denim washes. Aim for a good mix of light, medium, and dark blue as seen in the image.
Handles (2 pieces): Cut two rectangles measuring 18 inches (45.5 cm) long x 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. (You can use denim scraps for this or one consistent wash).
From Lining Fabric:
Main Body Lining (2 pieces): Cut two rectangles measuring 13 inches (33 cm) high x 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) wide. (This accounts for the overall size after assembling the denim panels).
Bottom Oval Lining (1 piece): Use your "Bottom Oval Panel Pattern" to cut 1 piece. (If not using a separate bottom, skip this).
From Medium-Weight Fusible Interfacing:
Main Body Interfacing (6 pieces): Cut to match your denim Main Body Panels.
Handles Interfacing (2 pieces): Cut to match your denim Handle pieces.
Sewing Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare Interfacing & Panels
Fuse Interfacing: Following the manufacturer's instructions, fuse all medium-weight interfacing pieces to the wrong side of their corresponding denim fabric pieces (Main Body Panels and Handles).
Assemble Patchwork Panels:
Arrange your 6 denim Main Body Exterior Panels into two sets of three, creating the "striped" look for the front and back of the bag. (e.g., light-medium-dark, or light-dark-light).
Take one set of three panels. Place the first two panels right sides together and sew along one long raw edge with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance. Press seam open.
Add the third panel to the second, right sides together, and sew along the long raw edge. Press seam open.
You now have one large assembled panel for the front/back of your bag. Repeat to create the second large assembled panel.
Trim each assembled panel to a clean, straight edge if needed. They should be roughly 13 inches (33 cm) wide x 9 inches (23 cm) high (after seam allowances).
(Optional: Topstitch along each seam on the right side for a decorative and durable finish, as seen in the image).
Part 2: Form the Outer Bag Body
Attach Side Seams: Place your two assembled Patchwork Main Body Exterior panels right sides together. Align the side edges and the curved bottom edges. Pin securely.
Sew down both side seams and around the curved bottom. Leave the very bottom straight edge open if you are attaching a separate oval bottom.
Attach Bottom Oval Panel (If using separate bottom):
If you cut a separate "Bottom Oval Panel," pin it right sides together to the bottom opening of your assembled bag body. Ease around the curves, clipping the seam allowances as needed. Sew all around.
(Alternatively, if you didn't cut a separate bottom, you would simply sew the two Main Body panels all the way around the sides and bottom curve, then box the bottom corners similar to previous tote bag patterns to create depth.)
Turn the denim outer bag right side out. Set aside.
Part 3: Assemble the Bag Lining
Repeat Part 2 entirely using your Lining Fabric pieces. Place the two Main Body Lining pieces right sides together, sew side and bottom seams, and attach the bottom oval lining (if using) or box corners.
Important: Do NOT turn the lining right side out. Leave it wrong side out.
Part 4: Prepare the Handles
Take one Handle piece. Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Press firmly.
Sew along the long raw edge with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam.
Turn the handle right side out. Press flat, making sure the seam is centered along the back.
Topstitch along both long edges of the handle for added durability and a professional finish. Repeat for the second handle.
Part 5: Join Outer Bag and Lining
With the denim outer bag still right side out, lay it flat.
Measure 3 inches (7.5 cm) in from each side seam along the top raw edge of the bag. Mark these points. These are where your handles will be positioned.
Pin one end of a prepared handle to the first mark on the front panel, aligning raw edges. Pin the other end of the same handle to the second mark on the front panel. Ensure the handle isn't twisted.
Repeat for the second handle on the back panel of the bag.
Baste the raw ends of the handles to the bag top edge within the 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance.
Now, with the denim outer bag right side out (and handles 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. Pin all around the top opening, ensuring the handles 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 long straight edges (e.g., the back) for turning. Backstitch at the beginning and end of this opening.
Part 6: 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 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 and handles.
Optional Tag: If you have a "Handmade" tag, position it on the front center of the bag (as seen in the image) and sew it in place.
Optional Snaps/Rivets: For extra handle security and a decorative touch, attach heavy-duty snaps or rivets through the top edge of the bag (and handles). Position them centered on each handle, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) down from the top edge. Follow your snap/rivet kit instructions.
You're Done!
You've successfully sewn a beautiful and unique patchwork denim handbag with charming curves! This bag is a testament to creativity and upcycling, perfect for adding a touch of handmade style to any outfit.
Share your curved denim bag creations with me on social media using #DenimCurveBag – I'd love to see your unique mix of denim washes! Happy sewing!
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