This is what every sustainable fashion lover dreams of: a unique bag handmade from leftover fabrics. No one in the world walks around looking the same as you. And guess what? The bag is free too, because you make it yourself from old jeans. And no, you don't need a sewing course. In fact, you don't even need a sewing machine!
DIY: this is how to make a unique jean bag from an old pair of jeans
Who doesn't have an old pair of jeans in their closet? Shame! Those jeans deserve a second life, as jeans or another fun item. Growing cotton and making jeans is incredibly taxing on the planet. Not to mention the often deplorable conditions under which those ‘nice’ jeans are made. There is no doubt that it is best to wear your jeans for as long as possible anyway. The older the more comfortable right? But there comes a day when those jeans really can't be done and they can't be passed on. But even then, you really don't have to throw them away. Turn them into shorts, for example. And make a super handy bag out of the legs that remain! Not good at sewing? No problem, you can make this bag using a glue gun!
Step 1 and step 2 of the instructions are shown in the first photo, step 3 in the second photo and step 6 in the last photo.
Old jeans book? Turn it into a kek bag!
Tools
- old jeans
- glue (gun)
- seam ripper
- scissors
- thick cord
- embellishments such as iron-on emblems, lace dresses and buttons
Instructions
- Cut the pant leg straight at about 30 cm from the hem.
- Turn the pant leg inside out and fold the leg so that the (sewn) side seams line up in the middle.
- Now glue the pipe close to the right side of the fabric with the glue gun (don't be too economical with the glue, but make sure you make a straight line). Press the glued sides firmly.
- You can now turn the pipe back to the right side, the bottom is now neatly closed.
- Decide how big you want the flap to be and make a good fold there.
- Using a seam ripper, remove 2 trouser loops from the trousers. You can also use a piece of tape or ribbon if necessary. Cut off at 7 cm and glue both ends a cm inwards so you don't have any frayed edges.
- Glue the loops at the level of the fold. Glue on the front and the back. Make sure your loop is big enough for your cord to pass through.
- Thread your cord through the loops and tie a double knot at the end of the cord.
- Decorate your bag with lace, ribbon, buttons, labels, etc.
- Ready to go out!!!
Additional tips for making your bag
- With a loop and a button, you can also make a closure on your bag.
- Use trousers with a straight leg and with not too much stretch.
- Scour the thrift shop for cute emblems, labels and other fun things to spruce up your bag.
Step 7 (left) and step 9 (right). Looking for cool iron-on applications? You can find these online to your heart's content!
Get started with a no buy clothing style
Looking for more cool upcycle ideas, fashion hacks and tips to make the most of your wardrobe? We'll get you started with the No Buy Fashion Guide. Over a hundred pages of cool ideas on how to look nice without even buying anything. Nothing. Nope. Nada. Not even second-hand! For 9.50 euros you will have it delivered straight to your inbox and thus on your tablet or mobile phone!
Will you also join this fun community? Read this guide too and discover lots of original ideas. Because so many cool clothes are already out there! Order the No Buy Fashion Guide from our webshop!
More creative tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Do you have any old T-shirts lying around? Make one DIY pendant of!
- Also fun to make from your old jeans: zero waste flowers.
- Looking for a fun activity with children? Make your own zero waste clay.
Photo credtis: Melanie de Oliveira.
