Ever wondered how some bags get their unique, organic shape without a million pattern pieces? This denim tote uses a fantastic, almost origami-like construction, starting with just one main rectangle of fabric. The result is a surprisingly spacious bag with charming rounded sides and a naturally flowing drape. It's a satisfying project that's perfect for using up those favorite denim scraps, or giving an old pair of jeans a beautiful new life!
Get ready to fold, stitch, and marvel at your new favorite denim creation!
Skill Level: Intermediate (accurate cutting and sewing curves, and understanding the folding concept are key)
Materials You'll Need:
Denim Fabric: Approximately 2/3 to 1 yard (0.6 to 0.9 meters) of sturdy denim fabric (from old jeans or new). You'll need one large piece.
Lining Fabric: 2/3 to 1 yard (0.6 to 0.9 meters) of 44-inch wide cotton quilting fabric or a durable contrasting fabric.
Webbing for Handles: 1 yard (0.9 meters) of 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide sturdy cotton webbing or faux leather strapping (as seen in the brown in the image).
Medium-Weight Fusible Interfacing: 2/3 to 1 yard (0.6 to 0.9 meters) of 20-inch wide interfacing (Pellon SF101 or similar) for the denim main body.
Small Fabric/Faux Leather Tag (Optional): "Handmade" tag for decoration.
Coordinating all-purpose thread.
Sewing machine with a denim needle (essential!) and regular presser foot.
Fabric scissors.
Pins or fabric clips.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric marker or chalk.
Iron and ironing board.
Finished Bag Dimensions (Approximate, once assembled): Height: 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) Width (at widest point): 12-14 inches (30.5-35.5 cm) Depth (bottom): 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) Handle Drop: 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm)
Preparation: Deconstructing Your Jeans (if applicable)
Wash and Dry: Wash and dry your jeans or denim fabric. 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.
Creating Your Pattern Pieces (No Printer Needed!):
This bag starts from a single, specific rectangular shape with rounded corners.
Main Body Pattern:
On a large piece of paper (e.g., newspaper or craft paper), draw a large rectangle measuring 24 inches (61 cm) wide x 18 inches (45.5 cm) high.
Round the Corners: At each of the four corners of this rectangle, use a large circular object (like a dinner plate or a large bowl, around 6-7 inches / 15-18 cm in diameter) to gently round off the corners. Trace the curve and cut it out. This creates a main body piece with softly rounded short ends and long, straight side edges.
This is your "Main Body Pattern Piece."
Cutting Your Fabric Pieces:
All seam allowances are 3/8 inch (1 cm) unless otherwise stated.
From Denim Fabric:
Main Body Exterior (1 piece): Place your "Main Body Pattern Piece" on your denim fabric. Cut 1 piece.
From Lining Fabric:
Main Body Lining (1 piece): Place your "Main Body Pattern Piece" on your lining fabric. Cut 1 piece.
From Medium-Weight Fusible Interfacing:
Main Body Interfacing (1 piece): Cut to match your Main Body Pattern Piece.
From Webbing/Strapping:
Handles (2 pieces): Cut two pieces, each 18 inches (45.5 cm) long.
Sewing Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare Main Body Panels & Handles
Fuse Interfacing: Following the manufacturer's instructions, fuse the medium-weight fusible interfacing to the wrong side of your denim Main Body Exterior piece.
Mark Handle Placement on Denim:
Take your denim Main Body Exterior piece (with interfacing fused), right side up.
Measure 4 inches (10 cm) in from each of the two short, rounded ends along the top (long) edge. Make a mark. This marks the outer placement for your handles.
From these marks, measure inwards by 1 inch (2.5 cm) for a 1-inch wide handle, or whatever width your handle webbing is. Make a second mark. This marks the inner placement for your handles.
You should now have four marks along each long edge of the main body piece.
Attach Handles to Denim:
Place one webbing handle piece on the right side of the denim main body piece, aligning its ends with the two marked points on one of the long edges. The handle should loop towards the center of the fabric. Pin securely.
Sew the ends of the handle to the denim, reinforcing with a box stitch or multiple lines of stitching for strength. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Repeat for the second handle on the opposite long edge of the denim main body piece, ensuring it's mirrored and not twisted.
Part 2: Assemble Outer Bag and Lining
Place Right Sides Together: Place your denim Main Body Exterior piece (with handles attached) right sides together with your Lining Main Body piece. Align all edges carefully. Pin all around the entire perimeter (the two long edges and the two short, rounded ends).
Sew Perimeter: Sew all around the entire perimeter with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance, leaving a 5-6 inch (12.5-15 cm) opening along one of the long edges (not the rounded ends) for turning.
Clip Curves & Trim: Clip the curves around the rounded ends to ensure they turn smoothly. Trim the seam allowance down to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) around the curves to reduce bulk.
Part 3: Form the Bag Shape
Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the entire bag right side out through the turning hole you left. Push out all curves and edges neatly. Press firmly.
Close Turning Hole: Stitch the turning hole closed by hand using a ladder stitch for an invisible finish, or by machine with a topstitch very close to the edge.
Topstitch Perimeter (Optional but Recommended): Topstitch all around the entire perimeter of the bag (about 1/8 inch / 0.3 cm from the edge) for a crisp finish and to secure the lining.
Create the 3D Shape: This is the magic step!
Lay your sewn, flat piece with the handles facing up.
Now, bring the two long edges of the fabric together, right sides facing. This action will fold the bag in half and bring the rounded ends to the sides.
Align the raw edges that were previously the long sides of your rectangle. Pin them together.
Carefully shape the rounded ends. The image shows a natural, slightly gathered look at these points. You might need to gently ease the fabric to make the seams meet smoothly.
Sew along this newly formed long seam with a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance. This seam will become the bottom and lower sides of your bag. Press the seam open.
Part 4: Final Touches
Shape and Press: Push out the bag's shape. The sewn seam will form the bottom and connect the two side curves. The handles will naturally fall to the top opening.
Optional Tag: If you have a small "Handmade" tag, position it on the front center of the bag (as seen in the image) and sew it in place.
Give your finished bag a final good press. You can stuff it lightly with tissue paper to help it hold its shape while pressing.
You're Done!
You've just created a truly unique and cleverly constructed denim bag! This "origami" style tote is surprisingly spacious and effortlessly stylish, perfect for carrying your essentials with a touch of handmade charm. The way it comes together from a simple flat piece is truly rewarding to witness.
Fill it up and enjoy your new favorite bag! Share your folded denim bag creations with me on social media using #OrigamiDenimBag – I'd love to see your fabric combinations! Happy sewing!
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