I know - I get it. It’s hard to believe the denim bag in the image above was once a pair of jeans.
Crazy right!?
A pair of old jeans
An old shirt (or any other material) for the lining
A basic sewing machine
$15 of materials of things you may already have at home or can source very easily
A few basic items like pins, needles, scissors, etc
Upcycling your old jeans has to be a much better option than leaving them unused, thrown in the trash or sold for pennies to the rag man… all sad ends for your trusty old friend.
So why not save those jeans and turn them into something beautiful.
I'm guessing your wardrobe is like most and stuffed full of neglected old jeans?
Jeans you once loved and wore everywhere for any occasion?
Now they have replaced by newer, more fashionable pairs and left at the bottom of the pile...
What could you do?
Imagine how it would feel to walk over to that wardrobe, pull out an old favourite pair and decide right there that you're going to turn them into a denim bag.
You take them over to your sewing station and with a with a few snips, stitches and some quality time to yourself, transform them into something amazing.
The result?
A brand new designer-worthy denim bag just like the one in the image above - or even better.
And what's more is it was made by your very own hands.
Upcycling your old jeans has to be a much better option than leaving them unused, thrown in the trash or sold for pennies to the rag man… all sad ends for your trusty old friend.
So why not save those jeans and turn them into something beautiful.
Upcycling your old jeans has to be a much better option than leaving them unused, thrown in the trash or sold for pennies to the rag man… all sad ends for your trusty old friend.
So why not save those jeans and turn them into something beautiful.
Don’t let this hold you back for one moment. There is some basic stitching to ensure your bag is strong and secure.
And even if you’ve never threaded a needle before I’ll show you how - step by step.
I'd expect complete beginners to complete it in around 6 hours or less. Anyone with previous sewing experience could have it done in just 2-3 hours depending how much customisation is done.
Upcycling your old jeans has to be a much better option than leaving them unused, thrown in the trash or sold for pennies to the rag man… all sad ends for your trusty old friend.
So why not save those jeans and turn them into something beautiful.
You ‘could’ sew the bag by hand but I highly recommend using a sewing machine. It will make the process so much faster and easier.
If you don't currently own a sewing machine don’t stress. You may be surprised to learn how cheap they are. New and second-hand machines are super easy to come by.
You often find people giving old machines away for free or as low as $10-$30.
Even brand new you can get a great machine for under $100 . But really - second hand machines are perfect for this project.
And any machine you get will become an amazing useful addition to your home. It will come in useful for lots of projects and even repairs - not just for making this bag.
Upcycling your old jeans has to be a much better option than leaving them unused, thrown in the trash or sold for pennies to the rag man… all sad ends for your trusty old friend.
So why not save those jeans and turn them into something beautiful.
Everyone is creative in different ways. Maybe you just haven’t had the right inspiration or tuition.
And to make this bag I've done all the creative thinking for you. I have put together detailed step by step instructions for the whole process to make it like painting by numbers for bag making.
Once you get going I just know you'll start having lots of ideas of changes you could make. Bag Number 2 is almost inevitable so you can try them out.
And after you this first bag made and understand the basic principles you will be able change the design as much as you like to make multiple bags.
Selecting material to stock in my new haberdashery!
I have over 40 years of experience in dressmaking, quilting, bag making, and more. I’ve had the joy of teaching workshops for both beginners and seasoned sewists in my local community.
My goal is to make sewing accessible and enjoyable for all whilst creating a welcoming space that brings people together.
In 2023, I realized a dream by opening my own fabric and haberdashery shop with access to a creative area. This brought to life a community hub where people get together to learn, share ideas, have fun and make new friends.
I run sewing workshops twice a week and I'm yet to come across a technique I've been unable to teach or help people with - so I know i can help you.
To extending my reach even further, I designed this denim bag project and now want to share it with the world.
I hope you’ll find as much joy in making it as I did in bringing it to life.
Claire xxx
For the first time ever I have made available online my course to teach you how to transform your old jeans into a designer worthy denim bag!
Step by step video lessons covering everything you need to know whilst keeping things short enough to be able to complete in a weekend.
Full material and project checklists are also there for you to download and print off as required.
Any questions can sent straight to me via the learning centre directly underneath each video.
At the end of the course you will have a beautiful bag made with your own hands that you can be proud of.
I will teach you a skill that you can use over and over again and make as many bags as you desire.
So...Let Me Break Down Exactly What You’re Getting
The A-Z of going from a pair of jeans to your amazing new bag
The exact tools and materials you’ll need to get started - nothing flashy here - just the essentials to get you going
How to be organised and allow you be productive and stay in the moment
5 of my most effective time saving techniques from 40+ years using a sewing machine
My trusty repeatable 3 step process to sew each component of the bag perfectly - even if you have never used a sewing machine before
Simple ways to practice your stitching to build confidence and remove any doubt that you can do this!
You’ve got your pair of jeans so lets go through my steps to prep before you start cutting away at them
Discover how you can make the most of the existing style and features of your jeans to create an amazing looking bag with zero extra effort
My 5 step checklist to ensure you can get all you need from the jeans
The foolproof way of marking out each component of your bag to ensure quick and easy cutting with minimal waste.
A space you can go and lose yourself whilst creating
Even more advanced users may find some golden nuggets in this section
Everything you need to know to get started with a sewing machine and complete your bag
Setting up the machine
How to load the machine and your spools
Sewing 101 teaching the basics of sewing
Stitch types we'll need and how to practice
Stitch quality and accuracy, and how to improve
Machine maintenance
Tips and tricks to stay organised
We dive into the world of denim to take a closer look at how to work with this versatile material.
I'll show you what makes a great bag along with all the Do’s, Don’ts and gotchas a lot of people make
Discover the best type of jeans for your bag
Features that add that designer style
Measurement masterclass to make the most of your materials
How to deconstruct and cut up the jeans
Creating basic templates to improve speed, quality and accuracy
Tips to make things quicker
Plan, measure, mark, cut and organise you work pieces
The excitement builds as it all starts to take shape
It’s finally time to get into the actual making as we start to create the individual components of the bag ready for assembly.
Transferring all the dimensions and cut marks to the material
Cutting the jeans with least waste and demonstrating the best tools for the job
Selecting and adding the interface layer
Sewing guide showing you what to stitch and how to do it
Assembling the main components
Important steps to ensure the correct form of the bag so it looks amazing
The lining is often overlooked and it's essential for a professional and luxurious finish.
I reveal the tricks to achieving that high end look with options for internal storage.
What makes a great lining
Making use of materials you already have laying around
How to add style with your lining
Measuring, cutting and forming the lining
Time tested tricks to installing accurately
Storage ideas for all your stuff
The best bit with making your own lining is you can design the storage to match your own belongings
Maybe you will make multiple straps to match outfits?
Elevate your masterpiece by adding a strap that is stylish and secure.
Customisation options for your strap
Getting the perfect length
Using offcuts to make a strap
Upcycling options from other materials.
Securely attaching the strap
Add personal touches to customise your bag and really make it one of a kind.
I show you what adds that designer feel to a bag
Attaching decorations and accessories properly and not just sticking them on!
Custom stitching for a fancy finish
Great ideas for patches, badges, buttons, studs, and great places to find them
Embellishments and prints for a custom feel
Show your personality by adding badges and logos of your favourite interests
Let's see your creations!
Once your bag is complete send us a photo and small story of how it went and we'll add it to our website for everyone to see and be inspired by.
I can't wait to see what you do with your bags!
[2-3 sentence MAX (shorter is better) describing the positive outcomes a person can experience after going through this module]
[Module Name] (Value $[Price])
[2-3 sentence MAX (shorter is better) describing the positive outcomes a person can experience after going through this module]
[Module Name] (Value $[Price])
[2-3 sentence MAX (shorter is better) describing the positive outcomes a person can experience after going through this module]
[Module Name] (Value $[Price])
[2-3 sentence MAX (shorter is better) describing the positive outcomes a person can experience after going through this module]
But Wait, There's More
Accessories, custom items or simply more pairs of jeans. How to turn a shopping trip into a treasure hunt for your next creation.
Who doesn’t love a spot of retail therapy right!? This is your guide packed with ideas of places to visit and things to look out for and buy ready for your next bag project.
As you chop away at your old jeans you are always left with a few scraps of denim. Make sure to save them as we can do some wonderful things with them.
This guide will give you 10 brilliant and useful mini projects to make use of them.
Totally love your bag but want something a little different to go with a different outfit? Well I have your back with this bonus.
In this bonus I give you 10 unique and stylish materials you could use to make the bag along with examples designs to get you started.
Module #1 : Denim Detail
Module #2 : Studio Zen
Module #3 : Sewing Machine Mastery
Module #4 : The Denim Deconstruction Code
Module #5 : Panel Play
Module #6 : The Inside Story
Module #7 : Strapping It Up
Module #8 : Showstopper Style
Module #9 : Show Off
Bonus #1 : The Secrets of the Hidden Hoard
Bonus #2 : Waste Not Want Not
Bonus #3 : Same Bag Different Style
Bonus #4 : Design Dynamo AI
If you try the course and you don't feel like you know exactly how to create the bag, I will give you a full refund.
Ask anytime within the first 30 days, and you'll get it.
I'm so confident you'll love everything I teach inside this course (plus the amazing bonuses) that I'll take the risk of giving you such a generous guarantee.
And I say "generous" because it will actually cost me money to refund your the purchase…
…which means I have a lot on the line to make sure I completely overdeliver on it.
Of course - if you feel there is something missing from the course we would love to hear from you to put that right. We feel we have left no stone unturned in our modules but do let us know if we missed something you would like to see. Just send an email to support.
So - Why not try it out at my expense and see what you can create?
Module #1 : Denim Detail
Module #2 : Studio Zen
Module #3 : Sewing Machine Mastery
Module #4 : The Denim Deconstruction Code
Module #5 : Panel Play
Module #6 : The Inside Story
Module #7 : Strapping It Up
Module #8 : Showstopper Style
Module #9 : Show Off
Bonus #1 : The Secrets of the Hidden Hoard
Bonus #2 : Waste Not Want Not
Bonus #3 : Same Bag Different Style
Bonus #4 : Design Dynamo AI
[Short Summary Of What They're Going To Get]
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We have seen glue used as an alternative to stitching but we don’t recommend it especially for the main components of the bag where glue would make the bag fragile. You want your stuff secure right?
The course covers a bunch of tips and ideas on how to get a sewing machine for free or for just $10-$30 dollars.
We detail all the places to check where you ay be able to pick one up.
We also show you all the key things to look out for with second-hand machines to ensure you don’t buy a dud or one that isn't up to the job.
To ease any purchase decision we have found machines to fit all budgets.
Every machine will be more than capable of creating the bag and many more projects you want to have a go at.
Absolutely! To help beginners we have a full module on how to setup and use a sewing machine.
In reality, you will only need to learn a couple of stitch types and most of the stitching will be in a straight line. It really is super easy once you get the hang of it.
The couple of hours spent learning the skills to use a sewing machine will pay you back over and over - even with this one project.
There is a reason people say ‘they don’t make things like they used to’. Old machines were built to last and are very capable machines.
With the very basic stitching required for the bag it should be no issue at all for any old machine you manage to lay your hands on.
Practice makes perfect and with our training and techniques your skill and confidence should increase dramatically as a result.
A lot of the stitching is also hidden as it’s on the inside of the bag so if your first few attempts don’t quite look perfect it won't matter - and we won't tell anyone if you don’t.
The rest of the equipment required is very basic. THere is a good chance you already have most of what you need at home right now.
Anything you are missing can be sourced online very cheaply. For example - if you are using very thick denim we may suggest some special needles and this is covered in the course.
A complete list of everything possible you will need along with alternative options where available to match all budgets is included with the course.
The majority of the bag can be created from a single pair of jeans but a few materials are required such as thread, interfacing which is an easy to source material that adds stability and strength to the bag.
You will also want a material for lining the bag and perhaps a custom strap.
Thread and interfacing is very cheap and you can get creative with the lining.
Ideas for lining and strap creation are also provided in the course.
With our guidance this shouldn’t happen. We also provide lessons for how to practice before you do any stitching on the actual bag.
In the absolute worst case scenario and you get a stitch wrong, we have also created training to show you have to reverse your mistakes so nobody will ever know but you unless you tell them
To ensure everyone doesn’t spend longer working out the design and measurements than actually making the bag we have included:
Full equipment list
Complete material list with alternatives you could use to match your budget
Clear guide showing every measurement, cut and stitch
Simple print-off handy guide with areas for notes for your own modifications
We have put a huge amount of effort into making our instructions as clear as possible with no technical jargon that could leave you confused.
Both! We have customers all over the world and understand some use metric and some use imperial measurements so all conversions have been done allowing you to use whatever is most familiar to you.
You purchase the course ONCE and get LIFETIME ACCESS to watch the videos as many times as you want.
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