It is no secret I love working in denim – it is easily sourced from friends and family and a hardy material perfect for bag making. The range of denim bags from jeans you can make is only limited by your vision. This ultimate list of free denim bag patterns will soon have you asking friends and family to donate old jeans to you so you can start making your own denim bags.
If you have not sewn with denim before then check out my video for top tips for sewing denim. Some sewing machines can be a little reluctant, others are more than happy to sew through various layers!
Creative Denim Bags from Old Jeans
There is nothing I enjoy more than making a new creation out of old clothes, specifically denim. I have collated this fabulous list of great projects - free tutorials and patterns for bags and purses made with blue jeans. With simple sewing supplies, you can quickly whip up a fun recycled bag.
Combine various old jeans with a splash of orange/red fabric to make this stylish denim handbag. This bag takes time to make but the finished result is well worth it.
This bag pattern comes with downloadable pattern pieces, it's worth making a toile to check ll your make of camera as you may need to size up or down a little.
This a quick and easy denim tote bag to make, keep it simple with the original denim features, or jazz it up by adding a scarf around the top waistband through the denim loops.
Different tones of denim are the perfect embellishment to make this fold-over clutch, with an optional cross-body strap added, this bag is unique, stylish and functional.
Stitch up the perfect accessory, which will become will become your go-to weekend bag. This fully lined denim purse is perfect to keep your essentials safe. The instructions for this crossbody bag include downloadable pattern pieces.
This particular tutorial for a denim tote can be made from one pair of denim jeans, it's not lined and, therefore, has little sewing. It utilizes the denim pocket on the old jeans as an external pocket on the bag and includes a key chain plus fun fabric prints to add a splash fo color to the denim straps.
The sturdy bag carries quite a bit and yet looks elegant. The tote bag is simple to make, as always, in my opinion, leather handles are a great way to add a professional finish.
This intricate design is easier than you think with detailed step-by-step instructions with lots of photographs. Having said this I think it would be helpful if you've had some bag making experience before you make this applique denim bag.
This tutorial for making cosmetic bags is simple and accessible - despite it's professional finish you do not need extensive experience in sewing. The size of the finished denim cosmetic bag is small - 13x15 cm.
Combine an old pair of jeans with tye dye and applique for these quirky heart pencil cases. Do not be intimidated re sewing zips and denim, take it slowly and your sewing machine will cope.
This denim tote bag is perfect for beginners, no lining is required. Personally, I like how the bag uses frayed seams, the raw edges of the denim, as a design feature. For this purse pattern you will need large and wide-legged old jeans. The pattern utilizes top stitching to add strength to the seams.
This denim purse pattern is perfect for using up scraps of denim. You can customize the size to your needs, from a change purse, key ring, or cards wallet, or make it longer as a pencil case.
I love hand stitching, and the inspiration boro stitching brings to me. This denim purse combines my love of all things denim and slow stitch! This free tutorial relies on you having some bag-making experience.
Jean Queen: How to Transform Old Jeans Into a Denim Clutch in About an Hour
For this denim clutch tutorial, you need an old pair of non-stretch jeans, some bleach, and a zipper. The size of the jeans do not matter - this is a perfect tutorial for skinny jeans.
I love the simplicity and ease of making this bag, it utilizes only one of the pair of jeans legs, plus an old belt.
I love this bag, such a great use of waistbands (save them up when making all these other stunning denim bags!). What’s more, this denim tote pattern includes a downloadable PDF. Some parts of the bag are very thick so do grab yourself lots of denim sewing machine needles!
This tutorial shows you how to make this cute purse for girls from new supplies however it's crying out to be made from a single pair of jeans!! Adapt the length of strap to make it for yourself, perfect as a phone crossbody bag,
Transform several old jeans into an oversized big bag. This denim bag highlights the lovely subtle variants in denim colors. You do not need to be a precise accurate sewer to make this beautiful patchwork denim tote project, there are clear step-by-step instructions. This tutorial makes a great shopping bag or make several as beach bags.
This denim shoulder bag is flexible in size - You will need denim scraps of various shades, lining fabric, a couple of zips and the waistband from a pair of jeans!
This box bag tutorial includes three different sizes for you - box bags are so versatile, from toiletry bags to shoe bags, or downsize as pencil cases.
This large roomy total bag highlights different textures and colors of jeans, with one panel of a contrasting texture, in this case, a felted wool skirt. In making this bag you will learn how to make padded bag handles.
Why not make a protective case for your tablet from your favorite worn-out jeans? Quick and simple to make these make great gifts too.
This scrap denim tote is a perfect use for scraps of fabric and denim - I enjoy the meditative quality of slow stitch, I've made several versions of this bag! The tote is lined with a couple of slip pockets.
Learn just how quick and easy it is to whip up an origami tote shopping bag. This bag combines denim scraps and fabric scraps to make a very easy bag made from a simple rectangle of fabric, add complimentary slow stitch if you like as that added touch.
Make yourself a unique laptop case, which fits your make and model. Repurpose your old jeans to create a fun protective case.
Sew up this roomy denim tote bag, using sashiko stitching for embellishment and padded leather handles for style.
This denim messenger bag is designed with two zip pockets, plus slip pockets - the messenger bag is perfect for any man (or woman, or teenager, in fact anyone!). Repurposed labels from old jeans add to the design of the bag.
This crossbody bag has a front opening zipper, the contrasting color adds to the design. Add hand embroidery or crocheted doilies for details.
Use an old pair of jeans, and some bright fabric scraps to make yourself an insulated lunch bag. A large button finishes the bag pff perfectly.
This is ingenious, so much easier than it looks! The tutorial is limited in images but has good written instructions.