Tutorial: Slouchy Hobo Bag Using Denim Jeans

This tutorial will show you how to make a super cute slouchy tote bag by upcycling a couple of old pairs of jeans. I made the sewing pattern to work with a standard pair of jeans, but skinny jeans will be too narrow to use for this project. Check out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions.

Note: when sewing with denim, I recommend using a denim needle with your sewing machine. A standard needle may snap if you try to sew through too many layers of denim.

Supplies Needed:

2-3 pairs of jeans (no skinny jeans). I used 3 pairs of jeans to have 3 different colors, but this would also work with 2 pairs
heavy weight interfacing for the base (or I used buckram since that’s what I had available)

sewing Pattern pDF

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Step 1

cut out the pattern pieces

Cut out the pattern pieces from the legs of your pants. For the side bag pieces, line up the fold with the seam on your pants.

Step 2

Apply interfacing to the base

Cut out heavy weight interfacing (or buckram) and apply it to the base.

Step 3

fold pleats of bag pieces and baste in place

baste the pleats on the pattern pieces

Bring the dotted lines of the pleats together on the reverse side and press them. Then baste the pleats in place.

Step 4

sew the side and center pieces of the bag together

With right sides together, sew the side bag pieces to the center bag pieces to form a tube.

Step 5

sew the bag handle

With right sides together, sew the handle of the bag at the top.

Step 6

sew the base of the bag in place

With right sides together, sew the base to the bottom of the bag.

Step 7

turn the bag to the right side

Step 8

hem the edges of the handle

Make a narrow hem along the edges of the handle to enclose the raw edges of the denim.

Finished!

Tutorial: Slouchy Hobo Bag Using Denim Jeans