built by wendy
my denim tote
To make the tote, I used 4 pair of old jeans in varying colors of denim.
I cut 6 inch wide strips from the legs of the jeans. (The 8 legs yielded enough strips of denim to make 2 totes)
I cut 6 inch wide strips from the legs of the jeans. (The 8 legs yielded enough strips of denim to make 2 totes)
I sewed the strips of denim together, cut out my tote bag pattern, and sewed the bag together.
I lined the bag with a yellow cotton toille, added denim handles and a magnetic snap for closure. It took me about 2 hours to make this tote.
Here are a few more pics from the B.V. I.'s.........................
my sister Julie at the Helm
Tyler winding the wench in the rain
the dinghy behind the catamaran
heating up the grill
37 comments:
looks like you guys had a blast!! we thought about you all week long!! oh and i love the bag :)
I used your tutorial to make my own version of this bag - really pleased with how it turned out! Thanks for posting this.
Hello! Just curious what you did to add a lining.
To add the lining, I just sewed a second bag and then put the liner inside the denim bag, turned under the top edges and top stitched them together.
How wide and long did you cut your handle ?
The handles are about 1.5 inches wide, so I cut them at 2.5 to have .5 seam allowance. The strap is about 22 inches long. I cut this at about 25" to have a few inches to sew into the bag.
Hello Christie - I came across your blog after finding an image of one of your bags on Pinterest while I was searching for some fresh ideas for my handbag website (no don't worry, not to copy :) )- I am glad I found your blog, you do great work - do you sell any of your finished work?
This is where I found your bag on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/chelmsford/handbags/
Hi,
Thanks for you nice comments about my work. The denim tote bag was easy to make. I actually copied it from a photo of a bag made by "Built by Wendy" a few seasons ago. I sometimes sell my handmade items, but only through custom order. I don't have inventory already made for sale.
Christie
Since the bags are made out of recycled sailcloth, they are resistant to sea water and harsh weather. Whether you are using them for boating life or daily life, you can get the best out of them
Love the bag. Trying to make one for myself. What are over all dimensions. I didn't get enough fabric out of 4 pairs of jeans to make 2 bags. My bag must be way larger! Still love it. Beautiful work. Thanks for your info.
Hi,
My bag was roughly 14"wide x 16"high x 4" deep.
Christie: I am making this with my Gr. 11/12 Fashion Class! How long are your strips? and what is the dimension of that fourth strip that is cut differently (bottom)? Thanks!
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
The strips are about 16" long by 5" tall (before sewing together). The bottom strip is the same dimension, it just has the notch cut out of it for turning it into the bottom of the bag.
Christie
Thanks so much. We are well on our way.
This is an amazing tutorial! I adore nautical style...your bag is perfect for summer!! Visiting you from Between Naps on the Porch.
LOVE IT!! This bag has got to be my favorite. Where I can find the instructions for sewing the bottom portion?
Here's what I don't understand. The leg width of jeans vary, of course, but they're not 16 in wide. The picture shows no seams, other than side seams. The only way to get wide/long strips is to cut them from the length of the leg, not the width Am I correct? What am I missing? Anybody. Thank you..
To get the strips, I cut them from the denim legs running along the inseam from crotch to ankle.
Hi ladies can I please get some tips on the bottom of this tote! :-) TIA
Hi Christie,
I loved your tote bag so much that I want to make my own. But the thing is I am just beginning to sew and I cannot sew one without instructions. Apologies if I am asking for a lot, but can you post full instructions of the same. Thanks a lot!
I had so much fun making this bag! I used the waist band of the jeans for the top edge of my purse. I sewed a cut out jean hip pocket on the outside for my cell phone and when I made the lining I also sewed a hip pocket there, too. My husband cut some foam for the bottom of my bag, so it could sit flat...I covered it with lining fabric. Everybody comments on how cute it is!! Thanks for you idea!
I was coveting a blue Lily Pulitzer tote from Target, that is actually rafia (?), but at first glance, I thought it was denim. After finding out the tote is sold out, I thought, heck, how hard could it be to make a denim tote! I love the stripes--really strong classic look to it. Form + Function = recycled denim tote :)
I am also fairly new at sewing. Do you use a regular needle? It seems that denim is very thick, that a regular universal needle would break. Thank you.
Use a size 16 or 18 if its very thick. I just finished a jean rag quilt using flannel for the baking & used a size 16 needle. I
did not have any problems even going over the topped stitched bulky inner leg seam!
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Wonderfull Work. I reaally love tour bag. Î'm french and live in South of France. I love your creativity. Best regards et bonne annee🎉
HI Christie m I like this bag I am making it as soon as I eat lol. And I will let you know how it came out ok.
my bag came out great but I did a lot of changing around height , color .straps plus I put a pocket on the outside,I use duck material THANKS FOR THE INPUT,
Insufficient instructions.
Instructions are insufficient. No size tote bag measurements - width and length. Need to do better.
Thank you for your wonderful Tutorial. I am going to make one. Take care now. Marion x
Thank you for your wonderful Tutorial. I am going to make one. Take care now. Marion x
Hi Christie :)
I wanted to let you know ... this bag tut is my Go To when I want make Denim Bags. I have made 3 so far.. The first one I made a oopsie.. but it's ok.. I still use it.. As for the liner I used a soft Pink and White Gingham Bed sheet :) Thank ya Darling :)
Hi,
Amazing DIY! Loved it! :)
I really love the denim tote, I'm making one today. I just want to say thank you for sharing your creative work. God Bless
Love this tote! I have a problem with the notched bottom. I sewed around with 1/2 inch seam. Turned it and the bottom has a pooch hanging down. What tips do you have to make it flat? Thanks
I love this tote! I'm making one for a fashion and design project. I was just curious what your strap measurements were.
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