🧵 DIY: Simple and Easy Large Zipper Bag with Jeans

 Sure! Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make a simple and easy large zipper bag using old jeans — perfect for organizing items, using as a tote insert, or even gifting.

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🧵 DIY: Simple and Easy Large Zipper Bag with Jeans

✂️ Materials Needed:

• Old pair of jeans (one leg is usually enough)

• Zipper (12”–14” long, depending on your desired bag size)

• Lining fabric (cotton or any lightweight fabric)

• Sewing machine (or hand sewing tools)

• Thread (matching or contrasting)

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Pins or clips

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Iron (optional but recommended)

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🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions:

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1. Cut Your Fabric Pieces

• From jeans:

  • Cut 2 rectangular pieces (e.g., 14” wide x 10” tall). Use the leg section to avoid seams.

  • Optional: Add some style by cutting a pocket or decorative seam into the front piece.

• From lining fabric:

• Cut 2 matching rectangles (same size as the denim pieces).

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2. Prepare the Zipper Panel

• Place one denim piece right side up.

• Lay the zipper face down along the top edge, aligned with the edge.

• Place one lining piece right side down on top of the zipper (so the zipper is sandwiched in between).

• Pin or clip everything together.

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3. Sew the Zipper Sandwich

• Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine.

• Sew a straight seam along the edge where the zipper is sandwiched.

• Flip the fabrics so both the denim and lining are right side out.

• Press the seam and topstitch near the zipper for a clean look.

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4. Repeat for the Other Side

• Lay the remaining denim piece right side up.

• Place the sewn zipper piece face down on top (lining side up), aligning the zipper edge.

• Lay the last lining piece right side down on top.

• Sew, flip, and topstitch as you did in the previous step.

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5. Assemble the Bag

• Unzip the zipper halfway! (Important for turning later.)

• Layer the bag like this:

  • Outer denim pieces right sides together

  • Lining pieces right sides together

• Pin all around, making sure the zipper teeth point toward the lining.

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6. Sew Around the Bag

• Sew all the way around the edge, leaving a 3–4” gap in the bottom of the lining for turning the bag inside out.

• At the zipper ends, sew slowly and backstitch for strength.

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7. Box the Corners (Optional)

• To add depth to the bag:

• Pinch the corners of the bag flat so the side and bottom seams meet, forming a triangle.

• Measure and mark 1.5"–2" from the tip of the triangle.

• Sew across this line and cut off the excess, leaving a ¼” seam allowance.

• Repeat for all 4 corners (2 in denim, 2 in lining).

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8. Turn and Finish

• Turn the bag right side out through the hole in the lining.

• Push out all corners and edges neatly.

• Sew the lining hole closed using a straight stitch (by hand or machine).

• Push the lining into the denim bag and press.

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✅ Done!

You now have a large and durable zippered bag made from recycled jeans. Great for storing makeup, travel essentials, art supplies, or anything else!

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🌟 Bonus Tips:

• Add a wrist strap or handle using leftover denim strips.

• Decorate with patches, embroidery, or iron-on designs.

• Use interfacing on the lining for a stiffer, more structured bag.

Watch video: