Upcycled Denim Stuff Sack

by To Work With My Hands

3 Materials

30 Minutes

Easy

You know you've got a pair of those jeans! And you know the ones I'm talking about: oh, so comfortable, perfect fit, favorite style...but really past their prime and in need of a retirement party.
Last week I gave mine their overdue goodbye - but not before transforming them into a fun and useful stuff sack!

upcycled denim stuff sack, crafts, how to, repurposing upcycling

I REALLY hated to let go of these jeans. They were so incredibly comfortable, but had one huge character flaw: they were ripping at the seams. And I don't mean the "fashionable" kind of rips and tears (which aren't really my style anyway...)

I pushed it to the limit though and vowed to wear them only at home. And did, mostly. :)

So I finally just bit the bullet and whacked them off 15" above the bottom hem. This was perfectly good fabric. No rips, tears, or stains - just right for an easy stuff sack.

Next, I turned them inside-out and sewed a seam just above the original hem.

At the other end, I sewed a couple of button holes on either side of the interior side seam 1-1/4" from the raw edge.

Then sewed a 1" seam to eliminate the raw edge.

I found a package of nylon cord and silver beads and Michael's that I loved, but you can use any cord, string, or beads you have on hand - or skip the beads altogether if beads aren't your thing.

Finally, I turned the bag right side-out, ran the cord through the buttonholes, added the beads, and gave the cord a couple of tight knots below each set of beads.

And stuffed my sack!

These bags are perfect for back-to-school or a late summer romp - which I totally plan to use mine for at the beach!

I've still got the other leg to stitch up too that I can share with one of my kids.

Be sure to visit the blog for the inspiration for these fun bags and a shopping coupon code!

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1 question

Patti on Jun 21, 2017

How can I do this without a sewing machine. Right now mine is in storage 80 miles away.

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4 of 11 comments

Rembatb on Oct 04, 2017

I love making little bags, pouches but your denim one rocks!

1 Reply
- To Work With My Hands on Oct 04, 2017
  It seemed like a great way to repurpose old jeans. What do you use for your bags?
  
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Rembatb on Oct 04, 2017

Any material hat I have on hand. I make them for myself for all sorts of things such as carrying a cellphone when walking the dog to a bigger rounder pouch for essentials on short trips. Perhaps I will make some denim ones and show you the results since yours are inspiration! Enjoy the beach!

1 Reply
- To Work With My Hands on Oct 07, 2017
  I'd absolutely love that! If you'd like to share with the whole community, there's a special place on the blog for that: http://www.toworkwithmyhands.com/your-gallery
  
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