Upcycled Denim Tote

How is everyone doing with their Mother's Day gifts?  Did you buy or did you make?  

I was thinking to myself "what would mom love?"  Well, I KNOW for a fact that a tote bag is ALWAYS a good choice for moms, and since all my upcycled totes have been so well received, I knew I have to make one for my mom.

Like it? Want to make one? Read on for the tutorial :)

If you have seen my Upcycled Denim First Aid Case, then you know I used a pair of my old jeans, and to make this tote for my mom, I used the rest of that same pair of jeans

I had one leg cut and used for my First Aid case, so I have the rest to work with, which is plenty.

My Super Low Rise Levi's just aren't comfortable anymore since I am getting older and comfort is top priority for me lol 

So first, cut off the other leg (that just sounds bad doesn't it? haha)  Then cut from left inseam all the way to the right inseam through the crotch

On the back, pin an extra piece of denim (use the leg) like so 

Top stitch, mimicking the denim hem

Do the same on the other side, I like the little bit of fray this method gives, but you don't have to do the exact.

Onto the front.  Making a perfect, smooth crotch, just cut along the crotch seam, all the way to the bottom of the buttons

See? Then just top stitch along the hem lines

Turn the denim outside in and sew the bottom shut

Prepare your straps.  I bought some trim when they were on sale and I KNOW my mom will love this.  I got some black fabric (this black back piece was actually a trench coat belt that I do not use) to be sewn to the back of the trim to reinforce it

Box corner the denim 

Prepare the lining.  I added velcro to the lining because I know my mom doesn't like open bags.

I also added a pocket to the lining, perhaps for her phone.  I used a back pocket from another pair of jeans

Sew the lining, straps, and the denim all together.  This was a little tricky, I had to sew all the way to the belt loop, then stop, and start again after the loop as to not sew the loops to the bag.  If you do not want to have this hassle, you can always take the loops out.

Wondering what the little pouch is?  Read about it here.

Want to check out my other totes?  Click on the picture to get to the tutorial.