Make a Purse out of Jeans

Supplies:

• Pair of jeans
• A belt
• Scissors
• Sewing needle and thread
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Measuring tape 
• Chalk

Cut the jeans:


Lay the jeans out on the floor or on a table backside up so you are looking at the back pockets. You will be cutting the legs off right where they meet the crotch. Reach into the front pockets and pull them inside out so you don't cut them.


For a straight bottomed purse start at one side and cut all the way across in a straight line. To make a straight line you may have to cut off a bit of the crotch seam. Careful not to cut into the back pocket.


To make a purse that is shaped like a "V" not he bottom start at the crotch and cut an upward diagonal line to the leg seam. Repeat on the other side.


once your jeans are cut you can stitch up the bottom.


Sew the bottom of the bag:


Now that you have just the booty of the jeans left, you'll need to sew up the legs to make a purse shape. Break out the needle and thread or sewing machine. Start sewing with medium sized stitches (about 1/8" long) all the way across.


If you are using a sewing machine be careful of sewing through the seams. Thick seams can break your needle, so go slow or hand crank these parts. Be sure to use a thick needle that is intended for use on denim to avoid breaks.


Tie off the threads to prevent your new seam from unraveling


Now you are all set to make a handle.


Make a handle:


Make a handle lace the belt through the belt loops. Buckle it as though you would if you were wearing it. To make a handle you can use strips from the jeans legs.


For a handbag handle cut 2 strips that are 2" wide by 20" long. For a shoulder bag handle use one strap of 2" wide by 40" long denim. Cut the strips to the desired length and then attach them to the bag by tying them onto the belt on either side.


You can customize your bag in a lot of ways.


You can also use a scarf for a handle if you wish.