Pattern Description:
The Denim Patchwork Tote Bag pattern transforms old jeans into a stylish, eco-friendly carryall.
Featuring a geometric patchwork design, the tote is durable, spacious, and perfect for daily use.
It includes sturdy handles, a lined interior, and a boxed bottom for shape. Ideal for upcycling denim scraps while showcasing creativity and sustainable fashion.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials:
- Old denim jeans (various shades)
- Cotton fabric for lining
- Fusible interfacing (optional for structure)
- Thread matching denim
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Sewing machine and iron
- Measuring tape and pins
Measurements:
- Finished tote size: approx. 15″ (width) × 14″ (height) × 4″ (depth)
- Handle length: about 20-22 inches each
Instructions for Making the Denim Patchwork Tote Bag Pattern:
1. Preparing the Denim Fabric
Start by gathering a collection of old denim jeans in various shades of blue to create a visually appealing patchwork effect.
Cut the denim into squares or rectangles of equal size- commonly 4” x 4” or 5” x 5”. Ensure each piece is pressed flat using an iron to remove wrinkles and make the assembly smoother.
If some denim is thick, you may lightly trim the seam areas to reduce bulk during stitching.
For a professional result, keep the fabric grain straight and mix lighter and darker tones evenly throughout the layout.
2. Designing the Patchwork Layout
Arrange the cut denim squares on a flat surface to plan your design. You can alternate light and dark patches diagonally or create a random patchwork look.
Take a photo of the layout for reference before sewing. Once satisfied, stack each row in order, marking them with small pins or labels to maintain the arrangement.
3. Sewing the Patchwork Panels
Begin by sewing the squares together row by row. Place two pieces right sides facing, stitch along one edge with a ¼-inch seam allowance, and continue until the row is complete.
Press the seams open to keep the surface flat. Next, join all the rows together by aligning seams carefully to form a rectangular patchwork panel.
Repeat this process to create two identical panels, one for the front and one for the back of the tote bag.
If you want extra structure, attach fusible interfacing to the wrong side of each panel before continuing.
4. Trimming and Shaping the Panels
Once both panels are sewn, trim the edges to make sure they’re even and rectangular.
A standard size for each panel is about 16 inches wide and 15 inches high. These will form the main body of the tote bag.
If you’d like to add an inner pocket, now is the best time. Cut a small denim or cotton rectangle (around 6” x 8”), hem one edge, and stitch it onto the lining fabric where you prefer.
5. Sewing the Lining
Cut two lining fabric pieces of the same size as the outer denim panels. With right sides facing, stitch along both sides and the bottom edge, leaving the top open. Repeat the same process for the denim outer panels.
To create a boxed bottom for both the outer and lining layers, pinch each bottom corner, align the side and bottom seams, and sew across about 2 inches from the corner tip. This gives the tote its 3D depth.
6. Joining the Outer Bag and Lining
Turn the outer denim bag right side out and leave the lining inside out. Insert the lining into the denim bag so that the right sides face each other.
Align the top edges and side seams carefully, then pin all around the top opening. Sew around the top edge, leaving a 3-4-inch gap for turning.
Turn the bag right side out through the gap, then push the lining inside. Press the top edge flat and topstitch around the opening to close the gap neatly.
7. Making and Attaching the Handles
For the handles, cut two denim or cotton strips measuring 22 inches long and 3 inches wide. Fold each strip in half lengthwise (right sides together), stitch along the edge, and turn them right side out.
Press flat and topstitch both sides for durability. Attach the handles evenly to the top of the bag, about 4 inches from each side seam. Stitch securely using a square or “X-box” pattern for reinforcement.
8. Final Touches
Give the bag a final press to smooth out seams. Optionally, you can add decorative topstitching around the body for a stylish finish or attach embellishments like buttons or patches.
The result is a durable, reusable, and sustainable Denim Patchwork Tote Bag, perfect for everyday use, shopping, or gifting.
