You Too Can Make Your Own Blue Jean Purse!

By: Mary at The Blue Jean Boutique

The following are instructions on how to make a Blue Jean Purse in 12 easy steps.  Some sewing experience is required. But if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Materials needed are: 1 pair of clean used blue jeans (keep in mind that the size of the jeans will determine the size of the purse); 1/2 yard of fabric for the lining and the sash; about 5 inches of Hook & Loop tape; a length of grosgrain ribbon or trim (the length needed is the inside circumference of the jeans waistband); and most important - a heavy duty sewing machine needle for sewing on denim.

Step 1) Pin the front and back waistband of the jeans together.  Then lay the jeans on a flat surface with the back of the jeans facing up.  Cut across the jeans a few inches below the back pocket.  Cut the crotch seam out.  From one of the jean legs, between the seams cut a 5 inch wide by 18 - 20 inch long section for the strap.  If the leg is not long enough, cut a section out from each leg about 5 inches wide and 10 inches long.  Sew the two sections together.  Trim the seam of excess denim.  Fold your lining fabric in half, place your purse on top of the fabric with the bottom of the purse placed on the fold.  Cut the fabric on each side and the top of your purse leaving about 2 - 3 inches extra on the sides and top.

Step 2) On the waistband of the jeans vertically sew on two strips of the hook tape on the inside of the back waistband in between belt loops.  Go over stitching at the top and bottom about 3 times to keep it secure.  Repeat on the inside of the front waistband with the loop tape matching the positions with those on the back waistband.  Cut off the excess tape.

Step 3) Fold down the front crotch opening and sew it down as shown.  Trim excess denim.

Step 4) Turn Purse inside out.  Press pockets down with a hot steam iron.  Lay purse aside.

Step 5) Press shoulder strap by folding in two sides, then fold over one side and press.

Step 6) Sew down one side of the strap using the presser foot as a guide.  Then repeat on the other side.

Step 7) Pin shoulder strap to the inside of the purse waistband on each side with excess strap hanging below the waistband.  Then sew the strap at the top and bottom of the waistband.  Go over stitching 3 or 4 times to keep it secure. **On the bottom seam you may have to sew below the waistband to prevent the build up of too many layers making it impossible to sew through.

Step 8) With the purse inside out, lay it flat.  Pin bottom together matching up waistband hook & loop tape.  Sew a seam at the bottom keeping as close to the edge while still sewing in a straight line below the back pockets.  Go over stitching one more time to keep it secure.  Trim off excess.  Lay purse aside.

Step 9) Sew sides of the lining together.  Then turn it right side out and press with an iron.  Slip lining over the jean purse (that is still turned inside out).  Turn the top of the lining in to give it a finished edge.  Gather excess lining in the middle and pin a dart.  Hand whip stitch the lining to the bottom of the waistband all the way around. Be sure not to sew through the purse but just on the waistband.

Step 10) Attach grosgrain ribbon or trim of your choice to the waistband by using a hidden stitch.  This is to cover up the whip stitching on the lining.  As an extra touch you can make a small bow and attach it where the ribbon meets.

Step 11) Turn Purse inside out making sure you poke the corner of the purse out.  To make a quick sash, cut a 5 inch wide by 44 inch long (the width of the fabric) strip of fabric.  Pin inside out and sew up the ends and sides leaving a 1 1/2 inch opening in the middle.  Turn sash inside out and press.

Step 12) Thread sash through the waistband loop and tie.  Then Wallah! You have a Blue Jean Purse.  Don't forget... you can use the pockets for storage of your items also!

You can make your Blue Jean Purse special by adding Iron On Appliques from The Blue Jean Boutique!

Be Sure To Visit Our eBay Store! The Blue Jean Boutique