Upcycling old denim into something new and fabulous is a fun and eco-friendly project anyone can do. A stylish denim bag not only helps reduce textile waste but also adds a touch of personalized fashion to your accessories. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a unique bag that stands out in a crowd.
Whether you’re looking to reuse your old jeans or simply want to try something new, this denim bag tutorial is perfect for beginners. The steps are easy to follow, and you don’t need to be an expert sewer or quilter to complete it. In fact, if you love experimenting with quilt patterns, this is a great opportunity to blend quilting techniques with bag-making.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the entire process — from selecting your materials to stitching everything together. You’ll also find customization ideas to make the bag truly your own. Let’s dive into the creative world of quilting and sewing!
Materials You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather the following materials. Most items are likely already in your sewing room or can be picked up easily at a craft store. For those who love quilting, you can also incorporate pieces from old quilt patterns into the design.
- One or two pairs of old denim jeans
- Lining fabric (cotton or quilting fabric works well)
- Batting or interfacing for structure (optional but recommended)
- Sewing machine and thread
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or fabric clips
- Magnetic snap or zipper (optional for closure)
- Ruler and fabric chalk
- Iron and ironing board
If you plan to include quilting elements, you’ll also need small scraps from a favorite quilt or quilt pattern to stitch onto the denim. This is a perfect way to repurpose leftover quilt blocks or test new quilt designs in a small project.
Cutting and Preparing Your Fabric
Start by cutting the denim into usable panels. You’ll need two rectangles measuring approximately 14” x 16” for the front and back of the bag. If you’d like a boxed bottom, leave a 2” square uncut at the bottom corners of each rectangle (you’ll sew and box these later).
Cut two identical pieces of your lining fabric using the same dimensions. If you’re adding interfacing or batting for a quilted feel, cut pieces slightly smaller and fuse or sew them onto the wrong side of the denim panels. This step gives the bag added structure and texture.
At this point, you can also prepare a quilt block or patchwork panel to stitch onto the front of the bag. A mini quilt pattern such as a log cabin, flying geese, or a simple nine-patch adds visual interest. Attach the quilted panel to the front denim piece using a zigzag or topstitch.
Sewing the Bag Exterior
With the quilt or patchwork in place, place your two denim pieces right sides together. Pin or clip along the sides and bottom. Stitch using a 1/2” seam allowance. If you’re boxing the corners, match and sew the side and bottom seams together at each 2” cutout to form the boxed base.
Press the seams open or to one side. If you’re using thick denim, press with steam and a pressing cloth to get cleaner edges. You now have the main body of your denim bag sewn.
To give your bag a quilted look and feel, you can stitch horizontal or diagonal lines across the denim panels before assembly. This mimics a traditional quilt pattern and adds extra charm to the design.
Constructing the Lining and Adding a Pocket
Repeat the steps above with your lining fabric: place the two pieces right sides together and sew the sides and bottom, leaving a 3-4” opening at the bottom for turning the bag later. This step is crucial — don’t forget!
If you’d like an interior pocket, now is the time to add one. Cut a piece of fabric 8” x 6”, fold in the edges, and stitch onto one of the lining pieces before sewing the lining together. This little pocket is perfect for holding keys or a phone.
You can also attach a magnetic snap or zipper to the lining at this stage if you prefer a closure. Make sure to reinforce the area with extra stitching to hold the hardware securely.
Assembling the Bag
Now it’s time to bring the bag together. Turn the denim outer bag right side out and keep the lining inside out. Slide the denim bag into the lining so that the right sides are facing each other. Align the top edges and pin or clip all the way around.
Sew the top edge using a 1/2” seam allowance. Once sewn, pull the entire bag through the hole left in the lining. Carefully press the top edge and topstitch around the entire top of the bag for a polished finish.
Sew the opening in the lining closed with a small straight stitch by hand or on your machine. You now have a fully lined, stylish denim bag with a quilted twist!
Adding Handles or Straps
You can use leftover denim to make sturdy handles or opt for cotton webbing or leather straps for a modern look. Cut two strips of denim measuring 4” x 18”. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, then fold the raw edges to the center and stitch all the way down both sides.
Attach the straps to the bag exterior by sewing them securely just below the top edge. Make sure both handles are even and symmetrical. For a crossbody style, use a longer adjustable strap with metal rings and clips.
Quilters may choose to create patchwork handles using small pieces from quilt patterns, blending more quilting into the final design.
Personalization and Creative Touches
There are endless ways to personalize your denim bag. Try raw-edge applique using fun shapes like hearts, flowers, or stars cut from quilting scraps. Add embroidery, decorative buttons, or even a name tag for extra charm.
Using quilt blocks or mini quilt patterns on the front panel adds both color and texture. You can even alternate denim and patterned fabric pieces in a checkerboard or log cabin style layout for a full patchwork look.
You could also dye the denim or use bleach techniques to create artistic effects. Stamping or painting designs onto the denim is another way to give your bag a one-of-a-kind finish.
Step-by-Step: Stylish Denim Bag from Recycled Jeans
1. Gather Your Materials
- 1 or 2 pairs of old denim jeans
- Fabric for lining (quilting cotton or scraps from past quilt projects)
- Fusible fleece or batting (optional, for structure)
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Sewing machine
- Thread (preferably strong polyester or cotton)
- Pins or fabric clips
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Fabric chalk or marker
- 1 magnetic snap or zipper (optional)
- Handles (can be pre-made or handmade from fabric)
2. Cut Your Pieces
- Cut two denim pieces measuring 14” x 16” (this will be the exterior of the bag)
- Cut two lining fabric pieces in the same size
- Cut two handle strips measuring 3” x 24” (or use pre-made bag straps)
- Optional: Cut 2″ squares from each bottom corner of all pieces if you want a boxed bottom
If you’d like to include a quilt pattern panel on the front, sew patchwork squares together (e.g., log cabin or nine-patch) to create a decorative quilted front, then topstitch it onto one denim panel before assembly.
3. Sew the Outer Bag
- Place the two denim pieces right sides together
- Sew along the sides and bottom using a ½” seam allowance
- If you’ve cut corners, pinch the bottom corners so side and bottom seams align, and sew straight across to create depth (boxed corners)
- Press all seams open or to one side
Optional: Add simple quilting lines (diagonal, horizontal, or vertical) to the denim for a quilted texture and structure.
4. Prepare the Handles
- Fold each fabric strip in half lengthwise
- Then fold the raw edges toward the center crease and press
- Stitch along both long sides to secure the folds
- Set aside the handles for now
You can also make patchwork handles using quilting scraps to give it more personality and match your quilt-style front.
5. Sew the Lining
- Place the two lining pieces right sides together
- Sew the sides and bottom, but leave a 3” opening in the bottom seam for turning later
- (Optional) Box the corners if you cut the 2″ squares earlier
If you’d like to add a lining pocket, sew it onto one lining piece before assembling the lining. A simple 6″ x 8″ rectangle folded and stitched works great.
6. Assemble the Bag
- Turn the outer denim bag right side out
- Leave the lining inside out
- Place the outer bag inside the lining, aligning right sides together
- Tuck the handles between the outer and lining layers at the top (ends facing up) — pin them in place about 3” from each side seam
- Pin or clip all around the top edge
- Sew around the entire top with a ½” seam allowance
7. Turn and Finish
- Pull the bag through the opening in the bottom of the lining
- Stitch the lining opening closed with a small seam (by hand or machine)
- Push the lining into the bag and smooth out the edges
- Topstitch around the upper edge for a clean, professional look
At this point, your bag is fully formed and functional! You can also add a magnetic snap or zipper across the top if desired.
8. Personalize Your Bag
- Add quilted panels or patches to the front
- Use raw-edge appliqué or embroidery to decorate
- Add buttons, lace, or fabric labels for fun details
- Create matching accessories like a small pouch or keychain using leftover denim or quilt fabric
You can also create the entire front panel using a mini quilt block to showcase your quilting skills and give the bag a handmade feel.
Final Thoughts and Share Your Creation
Congratulations! You’ve just completed your very own Stylish Denim Bag using simple materials, creativity, and a dash of quilt inspiration. Whether you chose a classic look or went bold with patchwork and colorful stitching, you now have a beautiful, handmade accessory to enjoy or gift.
Projects like this are a fantastic introduction to quilting for beginners. It shows how you can blend quilt techniques into everyday items, and how versatile quilt patterns can be outside of traditional blankets. With every project, your confidence grows — and so does your love for sewing and quilting.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, don’t forget to share your creation on social media or with your local sewing group. Tag your photos with #StylishDenimBag or #QuiltBagProject so other quilting enthusiasts can see your amazing work. Keep sewing, keep creating, and most of all — have fun!