by Megan Hart

Created on: December 09, 2009

Easy Jean Purse

Maybe you’ve decided this year to cut back on holiday spending, or perhaps you simply enjoy crafting and creating your own home made gifts. Whatever the reasons, it can be exciting or frustrating trying to think of what to make for family and friends. You don’t have to be an extraordinary tailor to sew fun, practical and easy gifts, however. The following gift can be crafted easily with a sewing machine and simple materials you might already have around the house!

Jean Purse or Tote Bag

You’ll need a pair of old jeans (maybe the one with the hole in the knees – you won’t be using the leg portion anyway), thread and a necktie. Raid the closet for those out-of-date ties or the jeans that no longer fit. Alternately, visit a local thrift store and pick out some items, though be sure to wash them first! Remember, the larger size jeans you use, the bigger the bag. For a truly large bag, you’ll need more than one necktie.

First, lay the jeans out on a flat surface. Cut the legs off at whatever length you choose, though if you cut below the crotch area you’ll have to do additional sewing. Save the extra denim for other projects! Then, turn the jeans inside out, place the cut ends together and sew a straight seam along the bottom. When you’ve finished, turn the jeans right side out. The waistband of the jeans, complete with button and zipper, will be the purse’s opening, while the seam you’ve sewn will be the bottom of the bag. The pockets should still be functional, providing storage on the outside of the bag!

To create the purse’s handle, thread a tie through the belt loops, securing both ends with a few stitches. Loosen the tie to create a handle in the bag’s center, both front and back, leaving the rest secured in the belt loops. You can make the handles as short or long as the tie allows – if you want longer handles, feel free to sew two or more ties together! Experiment using bandannas or scarves, or even an actual belt as a handle, too!

If you’d like a smaller, mini jean bag, lay the jeans out and cut off the legs. Then, using sharp, heavy duty scissors, cut the front half of the jeans (the part with the zipper) away from the back half at the side seams. Taking the back half (which should include the two rear pockets) fold it in half  with “out” sides facing each other so that the side seams are together. Sew a straight seam there and along the bottom, creating a pouch. Then turn the jeans right side out. Add a necktie handle for a cute, fun mini bag!

Using reclaimed items from your closet or a thrift store is a great way to make a creative, home made gift that’s not only “green” but unique. Jean bags require minimal sewing skill but can be decorated with only your imagination as the limit. Whether you make one to use as a purse or tote, or even a reusable shopping bag, consider making a jean bag this year.

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