🧵 DIY Round-Bottomed Tote Bag from Old Jeans (with Denim Bias Binding)

 That’s a great and creative upcycling project! Let’s go step-by-step in detail on how to make a round-bottomed tote bag using old jeans, including how to make and use bias tape from the same denim for a clean, stylish finish.

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🧵 DIY Round-Bottomed Tote Bag from Old Jeans (with Denim Bias Binding)

✂️ Materials Needed

• 1–2 pairs of old jeans (depending on size)

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle and strong thread)

• Pins or clips

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Chalk or fabric marker

• Iron

• Thread (preferably heavy-duty cotton or polyester)

• Optional lining fabric (cotton, canvas, or old shirt)

• Pattern paper or cardboard for the round base template

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🪡 Step 1: Prepare Your Denim

1. Cut open the jeans along the inner leg seams so the fabric lays flat.

2. Avoid worn-out or stretched areas; use sturdy parts like thighs or back panels.

3. Iron the denim pieces flat — this will make cutting and sewing easier.

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🟣 Step 2: Create the Round Bottom Pattern

1. Decide how big you want your tote. A 25–30 cm (10–12 in) diameter is a good medium size.

2. Draw a circle on pattern paper or cardboard using a compass, large bowl, or plate as a guide.

3. Cut out the paper circle — this is your base template.

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👖 Step 3: Cut the Bag Pieces

1. Base:

   • Place the paper circle on a flat denim piece and cut one circle for the bag base.

2. Body:

   • Measure the circumference of your circle using a flexible tape (C = π × diameter).

   • For a 30 cm base, that’s roughly 94 cm (37 in).

   • Cut a rectangular denim piece for the bag body:
     Length: equal to the circumference + 2 cm seam allowance
     Height: your desired bag height (e.g., 35 cm / 14 in) + 2 cm seam allowance

3. Handles:

• Cut two strips of denim, about 60 × 6 cm (24 × 2.5 in) each.

• You can also use the jeans’ existing waistband as handles for a rustic look.

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🔵 Step 4: Make the Bias Tape (from Jeans)

Bias tape made from denim looks beautiful and helps finish the raw edges.

1. Find the bias: Fold a square piece of denim diagonally to find the bias (the 45° angle to the grain).

2. Cut strips 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in) wide along that diagonal.

3. Join strips: Place two strips right sides together at a right angle, stitch diagonally, trim excess, and press open. Repeat until you have enough length.

4. Fold and press:

   • Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press.

   • Open it, then fold each raw edge toward the center crease and press again.

   • You now have double-fold bias tape!

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🧷 Step 5: Sew the Bag Body

1. With right sides together, sew the short ends of the rectangular body piece together (1 cm seam allowance).

2. You’ll now have a tube shape.

3. Press the seam open.

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⚪ Step 6: Attach the Round Bottom

1. Pin or clip the base circle to the bottom edge of the body tube — right sides together.

   • Start by matching the body seam to one point on the circle.

   • Pin evenly around the circle.

2. Sew slowly around the circle (1 cm seam allowance).

3. Clip small notches into the seam allowance (without cutting through the stitching) to help the round bottom lay smoothly.

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🩵 Step 7: Add the Bias Tape

1. To cover the raw edge inside the bag, open your bias tape and align one folded edge with the seam.

2. Stitch along the fold line.

3. Fold the bias tape over the raw edge to the other side and topstitch neatly.

   • This gives a professional finish and strengthens the bottom seam.

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👜 Step 8: Make and Attach Handles

1. Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise, right sides together.

2. Sew along the long edge, then turn right-side out and press flat.

3. Topstitch along both edges for durability.

4. Pin handles to the top of the bag, about 12–15 cm (5–6 in) apart on each side.

5. Stitch securely using a box-and-cross pattern for strength.

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✨ Optional Step: Add a Lining

1. Cut lining fabric using the same circle and rectangle dimensions.

2. Assemble it the same way, then insert it inside the denim bag (wrong sides together).

3. Finish the top edge with your denim bias tape for a clean look.

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🎀 Step 9: Final Touches

• Press the bag with an iron to smooth seams.

• Add a pocket (from a jeans back pocket!) or decorative stitching.

• You can even sew in a magnetic snap or button closure.

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✅ Result

You now have a sturdy, stylish, round-bottomed tote bag made entirely from upcycled jeans, complete with homemade denim bias binding. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and uniquely yours!

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