Denim Scraps Transformed into Stylish Upcycled Tote Bag

Meet the Denim Headline Tote

The Headline Tote is a versatile sewing pattern that’s already beloved for its simple yet sturdy design. The scrappy Denim Version takes this pattern to a whole new level of style while keeping its function, featuring:

• The raw edges and frayed denim add a stylish textured look to this unique tote bag. The raw, frayed edges of the denim extended beyond the edges of the tote on the sides. This eliminated the use of bias binding tape that’s included in the original Headline Tote Bag pattern.
• Straight-line stitching in multiple colors to highlight the patchwork details and add to the structure of the bag. The straight-line quilt lines are applied in the same way as the original tote pattern. This bag has a ton more stitching in a variety of colors and stitch lengths for a totally unique look.
• Using an upcycled belt as handles add character, a little contrasting metal, strength and durability. Since most belts are not long enough to go all the way around the bag, it gets cut in half and added to just the top. It is secured well to keep the durability that the original Headline Tote provides.
• Interior lining fabrics are a great place to compliment the denim exterior and highlight a bright color or patterned fabric.
• All the signature features of the Headline Tote: foam stabilizer for structure, two large interior slip pockets, and durable handles bring it all together.

This new version of the tote is not only practical but also an artistic way to give a second life to well-worn materials materials. If you love turning scraps into treasure and are looking for upcycled sewing ideas or denim sewing inspiration, this project is for you.

Why Upcycle Denim for Tote Bags?

Upcycled denim is one of my favorite fabrics to work with for sewing upcycled projects. It’s strong enough to handle the daily wear-and-tear of a utility tote bag and offers many creative possibilities with its variety of washes, shades, textures, hardware, pockets, and sometimes stretch. Upcycling denim helps reduce waste and gives your creations a unique, eco-friendly story to tell. Plus, many of us have several pairs of well-loved denim jeans that still have use, just not as pants any more. Using these extends the life of this durable and versatile fabric.

Benefits of Upcycling Denim:

• Sustainability: Reduce textile waste by reusing denim scraps or repurposing old jeans. If you don’t have a denim stash, many thrift stores are overflowing with jeans.
• Cost-effective: Save money by using materials you already have on hand. I especially like this when I want to try a project but am not ready to cut into that expensive fabric.
• Unique designs: Each upcycled piece has its own character, ensuring no two bags are exactly alike. Denim often shows wear in the knees and butt that can be made into part of the concept and design of sewing project.
• The many parts of a pair of jeans: Not only can you use the leg panels in your upcycled denim sewing projects but there are so many other parts that are usable too. Back pockets often feature stitching (or rhinestone) designs, the thick felled seams of denim jeans offer another sturdy design element, the waistband is a long and wide strip of denim great for handles, and don’t forget about the hardware.

Scrappy Denim Headline Tote Video

Watch the upcycled denim tote come to life as I show each step along the way.

Here are some of my other sewing patterns made in denim:

I’m continuing my quest of making every one of my sewing patterns in denim. Here are things I’ve already accomplished and my denim bin never seems to empty.

How to Make a Denim Tote Bag with Upcycled Jeans.

If you’re inspired to create your own Denim version of the Headline Tote, here are some tips to get started:

1. Choose complementary shades: Use different shades of denim (light, medium, dark and warm or cool tones) for a patchwork effect that stands out.
2. Mind the thickness: Denim can be bulky, so use a denim needle in a size that matches your thread type. I use size Schmetz Denim Needles in size 110/18 or 100/16 with heavier weight thread and size 90/14 with standard weight thread.
3. Non-Stretch Denim vs Stretch Denim: If you’re looking for that classic soft denim fraying, skip the stretch denim. While stretch denim is thinner, it does not have the same fraying as standard, non-stretch denim. If you want to skip the frayed edge and use denim for the bound edges, consider stretch denim.
4. Embrace fraying: Leave raw edges exposed to achieve a textured, frayed look. Get out your favorite seam ripper and start removing the warp threads (those are the blue dyed threads) and leave behind the white weft threads. You can secure the edges with topstitching to control the amount of fray. To soften those frayed edge more, I use a small baby hair brush from my tool box to give it that well-worn frays.
5. Get creative with the handles: Look for old belts, straps, neck ties, or other upcycled materials to use as handles for a one-of-a-kind touch. Leave the buckles on the belt end for added hardware. Mix multiple belts and keep the original Headline Tote look with the handles all the way around the bottom.
6. Choose upcycled materials for the lining: Not the just the outside of the bag needs to be upcycled! Find another interesting fabric from your stash to use as the lining of the bag.
7. Pockets! Don’t forget about the back pockets from denim jeans. Add them to the Headline Tote bag for extra design elements or as functional pockets!

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