Transform Old Jeans Into Chic Tote Bags Everyone Will Ask About 👖👜♻️

Ready to ditch fast fashion and unleash your inner DIY diva this World Upcycling Day? We're diving headfirst into denim revival with one goal: to turn those worn-out jeans into tote bags worthy of the front row. Channel Coach’s downtown cool, Ralph Lauren’s rugged elegance, and Oliver Bonas’s playful charm, all sewn into one standout piece.

Now, we’re under no illusion: fashion is one of the planet’s biggest polluters. But upcycling? That’s our rebellion. Giving your jeans a second life means cutting down waste, conserving resources, and putting the planet first, while creating something truly yours. It’s creativity with a conscience.

Need a spark to kickstart your DIY journey? Whether you’re chasing structure for your first-ever tote or ready to experiment with embellishments and bold colour, these three designer denim styles are serving all the inspiration you need:

The Oliver Bonas Twist 💫
Bright linings, playful prints and quirky extras, pom poms, slogans, sequins, and it’s giving personality in every stitch.

The Ralph Lauren Edge 🐻
Distressed finishes, visible stitching and iconic branding bring the soft grit. This one's all about understated cool with timeless appeal.

The Coach Vibe 👜
Patchwork, mixed textures, metallic hardware, and even a cheeky leftover charm, this look thrives on reinvention and detail.

Your ultimate step by step guide

1. Prep Your Jeans: Grab a pair you no longer wear. The wider the legs, the roomier your tote will be. Wash and dry them to start fresh.

2. Cut It Out: Lay the jeans flat and cut off the legs. Keep the crotch section intact to form your base rectangle.

3. Sew the Bottom: Turn the jeans inside out and stitch the bottom closed. Use a strong, sturdy stitch - your tote needs to carry the weight.

4. Create the Handles: Cut two strips from the leftover leg fabric. Fold the edges inward and sew to create durable, comfortable handles.

5. Attach the Handles: Position and securely sew them onto the top edges. Reinforce with extra stitching, you’ll thank yourself later.

6. Add Some Flair (Optional, but come on... do it): Now’s your moment. Add pockets, patches, embroidery or leftover tags. Go wild with denim stars, initials, or branded elements. There are no rules, only creativity.

7. Finishing Touches: Turn it right side out, give it a iron, and boom, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind tote bag ready for everything from running errands to city strolls. Need more inspo? Check out @Miarti.reused for a masterclass in upcycled style.

Embellish Like a Pro ✨

Let’s elevate your creation. Bag charms are the finishing touch that takes your tote from handmade to headline-worthy. Whether it’s a denim tassel, a tiny pocket packed with beads, or an embroidered initial, it’s all about owning the detail.

1. Prep Your Denim: Cut out shapes that speak to you, stars, hearts, initials, geometric pieces, whatever fits your vibe.

2. Sew It Up: Stitch around the sides to avoid fraying. Want to get fancy? Use a decorative stitch.

3. Add Embellishments: Layer on beads, buttons, paint, or embroidery. This is your moment to go big.

4. Assemble Your Charm: Fasten your piece to a keyring or bag clip. Don’t forget, this should be secure enough to last, but flexible enough to switch out.

5. Rock Your Charm: Clip it on and show it off.

FROW’s No-Fail Tips for Upcycling Success 💡

• Pick Your Denim Wisely: Thicker denim makes for sturdier totes.
• Use Heavy-Duty Thread: Basic thread won’t cut it, go strong or go home.
• Embrace the Experiment: Test different embellishments, cuts, and colours. Each bag should be as unique as you are.
• Reinforce Stress Points: Double down on stitching where it matters, especially handles and bottom seams.
• Iron As You Go: It keeps everything sharp and makes sewing smoother.
• Don’t Sweat Imperfection: Mistakes happen. Just unpick, redo, and keep going. Practice makes power.

So, what are you waiting for? Raid your wardrobe, fire up your sewing machine, and let your imagination run wild. Happy upcycling! 🧵💖