DIY: Valentine's Day Inspired Denim Tote Bag Made From Old Jeans

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Long time, no DIY eh?

This one has been in the works for a while and quite frankly, was very frustrating. I came with a lot of ideas, tossed them and ended up going with this:

It was actually meant to be a giveaway but I didn't (couldn't) make it in time. Better late than never, yes?

Cost: Next to nothing because you probably already have all the materials needed.

Time taken: I really have no idea. It took me about a week because I was juggling it with school but I'm thinking it should take about 3 to 4 hours between breaks. Long time I know, but look how cute the bag is!

You will need:

- Jeans (d'uh)

-Needle & Thread

-Sewing machine (for a speedier process)

-Strip of Ankara fabric

-Fish-tail thread

-Crotchet pin

Step 1

Cut the legs of your Jeans to the desired length of your tote bag. I went with 15.5 inches. The extra 0.5 is for allowance. ie, the part you're going to sew on. This is going to be the body of the bag.

Step 2

From the remaining fabric of your jeans, cut four strips out. These strips are going to be the hands of the bag. For the length, I went with 13.5 inches (the 0.5 being allowance, again) while for the width, I cut 3 inches.

Step 3

Rip one side of each leg of the jeans open, then cut out a strip of Ankara fabric. It should look like this:

After ripping one side of both legs open, you might decide the bag's too wide. Because I used flared jeans, you'll notice that the bag is slightly flared (which is how I wanted it). You could cut it straight (from the middle) if you want. For the width of the body of the bag, I went with 18 inches (top) & 16 inches (bottom).

Step 4

Sew the middle up and attach your ankara strip.

Step 5

Remember the strips that are supposed to be the hands of the bag? Sew them together in pairs.

Fold the ends of the hands in, sew on them (for a neat finish) and attach them to the bag.

Step 6

Draw on your bag the exact lettering you want. Since it's a valentine thing we're doing, I decided to go for a quirky quote ; )

Remember the Christmas Crotchet T-shirt DIY? Here's where they're similar.

Crotchet a line and sew onto your written quote, preferrably by hand. For details on this step, read this post.

I used red fish-tail thread on the heart for some va-va voom. You like?

With a needle, tuck the excess thread inside the bag and knot.

Aaaaaand DONE!

So! What do you think?? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear from you!

Oh and Happy Valentine's Day! It's the season of love, help a sister out by sharing with all your friends :D

P.S: If you try this DIY, I'd love to see your work! Shoot me an email (ijennamirabelosuji@gmail.com) or use the hashtag #miralabelleDIY and tag me (@unservile_fashionist)* on Instagram*.

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OTHER DIYs

-Ankara Rings

- Ombre tassel Pendant

- Awesome blue ribbon choker in three steps.

- Turn your flared skirt into shorts (culottes)