Easy to make ~ Denim Jeans Pocket Tote Bag ~ Tutorial

Kids love to imitate adults in many ways. Carrying bits and pieces around in their own little bags is one such example. Today's tutorial will show you how to make a kid sized tote bag, utilising an old pair of jeans and some cotton fabric.

With a finished size of 10½" x 12½", the Jeans Pocket Tote Bag is larger than the Little Shopper Tote, and smaller than the Library Bag.

Materials:

• Pocket from a pair of denim jeans. Leave roughly ¾" of jeans fabric attached to pocket on all sides.
• 2 pieces of denim 11" x 4" (28cm x 10cm) - contrast for the top of the bag
• 2 pieces of cotton fabric 11" x 9⅜" (28cm x 23cm) - main colour for the outside of bag
• 2  pieces of cotton fabric 11" x 13" (28cm x 33cm) - bag lining
• 4 pieces 10" x 2" (25cm x 5cm) - cotton fabric for handles
• 2 pieces 10" x 2" (25cm x 5cm) - sew in medium weight interfacing for handles
• Denim or Jeans machine needle

Instructions:

All seams are 3/8" (1cm), unless otherwise indicated. The seam allowance is not critical, as long as you are consistent throughout the project.

Use a denim or jeans needle. If you are new to sewing with denim, read the following posts...

• Sewing with Denim
• Refashioning with Denim

Outside of bag - sew denim jeans fabric to main fabric:

• the contrasting denim can be cut from any part of a pair of jeans
• sew denim to main cotton fabric as per the Library Bag with contrasting fabric ~ tutorial

Attach jeans pocket to front of bag:

• Leave the pocket attached to the jeans. 
• Cut roughly ¾" outside the edge of the pocket.
• Fold under ¼" on all edges.
• Press.
• Centre pocket on bag.
• Pin.
• Baste (hand sew with a long running stitch) pocket to front of bag.
• Remove pins.

• Stitching close to the edge of the denim, sew the pocket to the front of the bag.
• Remove basting stitches.

If pocket has any metal rivets, keep well away from machine needle.

Finish tote bag:

• Complete denim jeans pocket tote bag as per Library Bag ~ tutorial 
• I totally forgot to record the position of the handles in my notes. I'm guessing I placed them about 2½" from the side seam. Try it and see what they look like.

• Make sure button is securely attached.
• Due to the button, this bag is not suitable for children under 3 years of age.

If the recipient is younger than 3 years of age, or an older child who still puts things in their mouth, choose a pocket without a flap and button, and without any small metal rivets, etc.

I only attached one jeans pocket, to the front of the tote, but you could easily add one to the back as well.

Complete with a pair of matching shorts and a couple of picture books, this set has been sent off to the other side of the country for a young man celebrating his third birthday.

As I often do when sewing shorts, I used the Mud Puddle Splashers pattern, but it appears not to be available any more.

I have to say, I am rather pleased with the the Denim Jeans Pocket Bag. The upcycled jeans pocket works well with the cotton quilting fabric. I wouldn't mind playing with this combination and making a larger bag for myself.

What projects have you made with jeans pockets?

... Pam

---

Privacy - Disclaimer - Terms & Conditions - How Google uses data

---

Tweet