Minnesota Flag Tote Bag Made From Upcycled Denim (Headline Tote Pattern)

If you’re searching for a Minnesota flag tote bag sewing pattern, this post is a themed Minnesota flag version made using the Denim Headline Tote pattern. The construction is the same as my denim tote bag sewing pattern, with the flag layout as the design remix.

A twist on the Denim Headline Tote bag, made for Minnesota. This version uses the same scrap denim methods included in the Denim Headline Tote pattern, with a few fun material choices that make it feel extra personal.

For the outside, I built the flag color blocks using a mix of dark navy denim and light-wash denim. I used both stretch and non-stretch denim scraps, just like you often end up with when you are saving jean pieces over time. For the star, I used white denim scraps. Then I added my favorite detail: an upcycled belt handle. I cut the belt in half, riveted it onto the bag with chrome rivets, and left the original belt buckle intact so it still looks like a real belt, because it is.

Inside, I lined the tote with a purple batik cotton from my stash. It is one of those details that gives the bag an extra shout-out to Minnesota, and it is also my favorite color. The inside has the same two pockets that are included in the original pattern.

If you want to make your own, the Denim Headline Tote pattern walks you through the full construction and the scrap denim techniques used for this bag. I do not currently have a tutorial for the Minnesota flag bag. However, you can enjoy a short video I captured during the construction process below.

The inspiration behind this Minnesota flag tote

In early 2026, Minnesota was at the top of the world’s news feeds. Minneapolis was heavily overwhelmed by the presence of ICE agents in the city, and this resulted in two fatal shootings of citizens standing up for their community. The outpouring of Minnesotans who came together to show up for one another was moving and inspiring. The emotions rippling through the state were felt in every corner, and the question “What’s my part in this going to be?” was everywhere.

Thousands of people stood out in freezing temperatures, capturing unbelievable footage, calling for civil rights, protesting for the people, and making their mark in current events. Others donated their time, space, utilities, money, and food to those in desperate need. And others created moving, unforgettable art as a show of activism.

As I sat in my studio processing what was happening and feeling that emptiness, I knew I had to keep creating to keep our house feeling “normal” for our family. I turned to my bin of denim scraps and started separating dark and light pieces to create a unique denim tote bag with the newly updated Minnesota flag, a design that celebrates where I live.

Making the denim Minnesota flag bag

The goal for this version was simple:

1. Keep the construction true to the Denim Headline Tote pattern.
2. Use upcycled denim scraps and make them look intentional.
3. Create a Minnesota-inspired tote that still feels timeless and wearable.

Materials used (and why they work so well together)

This tote is a great example of why upcycled denim is one of my favorite materials to sew with. You can mix pieces from different jeans and still end up with something cohesive. Here is what I used for this bag, and how each material choice helped the finished look.

Upcycled denim scraps (dark and light)

For the dark portion of the flag, I used dark navy denim from a mix of stretch and non-stretch jeans. For the light portion, I used light-wash denim, also a mix of stretch and non-stretch. This is the reality of sewing from denim scraps, and it is totally workable.

A few things I like about mixing denim types:

• The color variation adds depth to a color-blocked design.
• Different denim weights can make the piecing feel more textured and interesting.
• Stretch and non-stretch denim fray differently, but still look great together.
• Stretch denim often comes from jeans that are already soft and comfortable, which can make the finished bag feel broken-in faster.

White denim for the star

I happened to have a bag of denim back pockets that someone had leftover and donated to me. There was one pair of white pockets that I used for the star detail. I used the same technique for the star, and I was pleasantly surprised when the white denim pocket seams were opened up and I found a little blue inside. It added to the texture perfectly.

Upcycled belt handle with rivets

Sticking with the original Denim Headline Tote Bag sewing pattern design, I used a thrifted white leather belt with a chrome belt buckle.

I attached the handle using chrome rivets so it is both functional and cohesive. The best part is the buckle is still intact, which gives the handle that unmistakable upcycled personality and stays true to the sewing pattern’s design. It looks like a belt because it is one, and it turns the handle into a design feature, not just a strap.

Purple batik cotton lining

For the lining, I chose a purple batik cotton pulled from my stash. Purple was the obvious Minnesota color choice, and a nod to both Prince and the Minnesota Vikings to show that purple pride. It adds a pop of color inside without changing the clean look of the exterior. Batik cotton is also a great lining option because it is woven tightly and tends to hold up well for bags that get real use.

Other materials and tools used in the denim tote bag

• Foam stabilizer: This allows the bag to stand up and keep its structure, but it is also soft enough to move. ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable is the only foam stabilizer I use and highly recommend.
• Metal rivets: These rivets are readily available at craft stores. Using two rivets at each connection point gives the bag a bit more stability for carrying a load. For this bag, I used metal rivets found at Michaels.
• Fabric stabilizer: When using cotton fabric for bag linings, I always stabilize the cotton with Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex Iron-On Stabilizer.
• Hole punch: When installing rivets on any of my bag projects, I use a hole punch to punch holes through the denim and foam layers, as well as through the leather belt. There are many leather hole punches available, and I use this one in my studio.
• Rivet press: Again, there are many rivet presses available. My rivet press is from Buckleguy.com. There are also manual rivet installation tools.
• Thread: If I’m not pulling vintage thread leftover from my grandma’s stash, I often grab Coats and Clark Dual-Duty thread for my denim sewing patterns.

Creating the Updated Minnesota Flag in Denim

This bag uses the same scrap denim piecing approach as the Denim Headline Tote pattern but as a Minnesota flag tote bag sewing pattern. The difference is how I planned the light and dark sections and the star so the overall layout reads like the Minnesota flag. This required finding an image of the new Minnesota flag online and recreating the design on my foam piece.

• Dark denim forms the Minnesota state shape on the left.
• Light denim forms the right portion to represent the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
• A white star is the recognizable North Star.

The size and shape of the Denim Headline Tote made it an obvious choice for this Minnesota-inspired bag.

Make Your Own Minnesota Flag (or other flag design)

If you want to use this same approach for your own Minnesota version, or even a different flag-inspired version, the key is to focus on the big shapes first. Think in blocks. Let the piecing technique do the work of adding texture. You do not need a complicated patchwork plan to get a strong finished result.

RELATED: Check out another version of the Denim Headline Tote Bag.

Using Stretch and Non-Stretch Denim Together

This is one of the most common questions I get when people see scrap denim projects. Can you mix stretch denim and non-stretch denim? For a project like this, yes, you can, and it is often unavoidable if you are using what you have.

A few tips that help:

• Using the foam stabilizer removes the ability for the stretch denim to stretch, so the bag shape will not stretch.
• Treat stretch denim like it wants a little extra stability. When piecing, focus on keeping your scraps flat and smooth.
• Press your opened seams and scraps. Pressing makes denim behave.
• Temporarily adhering denim pieces to the foam will keep them in place until you’re ready to sew.

Using Upcycled Belts as Tote Bag Handles

I decided to use an upcycled belt in my first denim tote bag, and I have not looked back. I have now scoured family members’ belt collections and like to peruse the thrift store belt section. I love using upcycled materials in ways that still look polished, and turning my makes into art pieces. This belt handle is exactly that. It is sturdy, functional, and it makes the tote feel unique.

Choosing belts to use as tote bag handles:

• Length – 40″+ make the best handles. Any smaller and they do not allow the bag to be carried over the shoulder.
• Belt Buckle – You can choose to keep or remove this. I personally like the look of the belt buckle on the bags. Denim + belts are meant to be paired. Plus, some belts have very unique buckle shapes and variations in finish.
• Belt holes – I like to choose belts that have holes that aren’t too worn, however this can be a design choice. You could even add holes down the entire length of the belt.
• Metal rivets – My preferred method to attach leather belts is by using metal rivets or Chicago screws. This gives a secure hold while also bringing the metal finish of the buckle into another part of the design.
• Sewing Belts – If using fabric or webbing style belts as handles, these can be sewn into place as another secure way to attach belts as tote bag handles.

MAKE ONE: Want to make your own Headline Tote and add your own upcycled twist? Get the Headline Tote pattern used for this Minnesota flag version.

Inside the Denim Minnesota Flag Bag

One of my favorite things about a tote bag is the moment you look inside. That is where you can add a detail that pops.

For this Minnesota version, the purple batik lining was my way of making the bag feel like “Minnesota” on the inside too. I chose a purple batik fabric that has cool tones to complement the cool blues on the outside.

Just like in the sewing pattern, the inside of the bag has quilted lines that add a little extra interest, and also keep the lining tight to the inside of the bag.

Inside the bag, there are two slip pockets on the sides. These are big enough to fit a large water bottle, or a place to slip your phone and keys.

Minnesota Flag Tote Bag Sewing Pattern Inspiration (Using the Headline Tote Pattern)

I want to be super clear about this: this is not a brand-new pattern. At its core, this is still the same denim tote bag sewing pattern construction, just remixed with the Minnesota flag layout and upcycled materials. This is a modified, themed version of the Denim Headline Tote using the same construction methods, the same scrap denim techniques, and the belt-as-handles approach from the pattern.

What stayed the same:

• The overall tote shape and size
• The scrap denim piecing methods used for the exterior
• The construction flow and assembly approach
• The general handle attachment concept
• The interior pockets

What changed for this Minnesota flag version:

• I planned the light and dark denim placement to match the updated Minnesota flag design
• I used white denim for the star detail

This is one of the reasons I love this tote design. You can follow the pattern exactly and will end up with a bag that’s completely different.

Making the Minnesota Flag Bag Video

Made using my denim tote bag sewing pattern (Denim Headline Tote), remixed with a Minnesota flag layout and upcycled denim.

Watch the construction video here.

Make Your Own Denim Tote Bag

If you are sitting on a stack of old jeans, denim scraps, or thrifted denim, this is a project that turns that pile into something you will actually use. The Denim Headline Tote is designed to be practical, scrap-friendly, and customizable. You can keep it classic, or you can build something themed like this Minnesota flag version.

This project is great if you:

• Love upcycling old jeans into something useful
• Want a tote that is sturdy enough for real life
• Enjoy scrap-busting projects that still look clean and modern
• Want a bag pattern that can be repeated with totally different results each time

And if you are a Minnesota maker, this is such a fun way to create something that supports the awesome state you like in.

So here is another shout-out to the people (in Minnesota and beyond) who continue to stand up for human rights. Be good. Do right.

Share your Minnesota-themed makes by tagging scratchandstitch on social, or sending me an email. I love supporting fellow makers.