Make a Tote Bag from Old Jeans

Judy Walker made this bag from raggedy old jeans that her husband was finally ready to part with. It’s such an easy tote bag—most of the cutting and joining is already done. And clever finishing offers all the features you would want in a bag: handles, pockets, loops to attach your keys—easy-peasy! Bring any old pair of jeans—the bigger, the better—in no time at all, you’ll have a new tote bag.

If you don’t have jeans, don’t worry. With a few adaptations and a little more cutting, you can make a similar bag from just about anything that is heavy-duty fabric (pre-quilted prints, canvas, corduroy, denim, upholstery fabrics) — in about the same amount of time!

Based on the size you want and how much fabric you have, we will aim to make your bag as large or small as you choose — by following the simple free instructions found at this link:

https://sarkirsten.com/blog/2024/7/27/tote-bag-calculator

We won’t use patterns but we will use math!

For 45in fabric, bring 1.5yd–2yd.

For 54in fabric, bring 1yd–1.5yd fabric.

So, bring an old pair of jeans and/or fabric of your choice and go home with a brand new bag!

PQG provides irons and ironing boards, cutting mats, rulers, and a couple of cutters.