by Isabel Link
Don't get rid of those old jeans...
Materials:
Jeans
Scissors
Tape Measure
Needle (about 6 cm)
Thread (similar color to jeans)
Step 1: Lay trousers out and measure about 40 cm from the bottom of each leg.
Step 2: Cut the legs off straight across from the point you measured, then cut across one of the seams so that the pieces are rectangles.
Step 3: Lay the two pieces on top of one another so that the internal sides are facing outwards, trimming where appropriate to make sure they are the same size.
Step 4: Measure a piece of thread that is a bit more than double the length of the fabric pieces you have, then double up thread.
Step 5: Thread the needle, and move the needle so that you have the two ends even together. Tie a knot, or two for security, at this end.
Step 6: Starting at the end that will be the opening of the bag (where the cuffs would be), start sewing in an under-over pattern, keeping fairly close to the edge.
Step 7: Once you have completed the three sides, tie off the end of the thread with a knot or two to secure the stitching.
Step 8: Shift the bag so that the corners have a seam down the middle, and sew across about 5 cm down (the stitching will form a triangle as shown).
Step 9: Flip the bag outside in and make sure that the corners and sides are sewn securely.
Step 10: Cut three stips of fabric from the same trousers you used, about 40 cm long each, or shorter if you prefer shorter straps.
Step 11: Braid them together and stitch the ends of each strip together (at both ends) to secure the braid.
Step 12: Sew the newly made strap on the inside of one side of the bag, making a handle.
Step 13: Repeat steps 10-12 to create your second strap, secured to the other side.
Step 14: Remove one of the pockets from the back of the trousers by cutting it off or pulling the thread out, then line it up where you want it to be on the front of the bag.
Step 15: Using the same sewing technique, secure the pocket, following the edges of it (note that this is more difficult as the under stitching is done inside the bag).
And finished!
