Crossbody Purse Made from Jeans! An Up Cycled Project

[@paulinelarson465]

Local thrift store has 3 branches in my area. Month old tags are $1 on Sun. 75¢ Mon. & 50¢ on Tues. for any item originally under $12. Tues is also 20% off for Seniors. Grandkids help grab jeans, mens shirts, womens skirts, blouses - - any fabric that is usable for linings and/or trims. Silks are prime. We have found that mens jeans work better for these purses because the back waists are straighter across. Also bigger sizes. We have made 4 bags from one jean by pairing a pocket section with plain leg fabric. I usually deconstruct and reconstruct bags up to decorating point. Kids decide on designs and do some but I have more time to finish them all. Then off to consignment. Having fun and making money for "underage" entrepreneurs. Win-win !

[@moniquebexplorer8237]

My local charity shop has really nice second hand clothes, but in the men's section they have really ugly, garish shirts. I find these make really nice lining for bags with enough to make pieced skirts for my young granddaughters. All for $2 a shirt. So much fun to upcycle second clothes. TFS

[@callegra1]

Thank you Julia for another gem. I was thinking of doing just this sort of craft for the holidays and there you were! I really enjoy your videos, thank you for posting.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

These would make great holiday gifts. Thanks so much for the comment. Julia

[@dewuknowofHyMn]

I love your channel....your bags are darling !!! Repurposing/upcycling is what I do...i love it.... I have close friends that live in Florida !...😉💖

[@fluffyspit]

I’ve just binge watched about ten of your videos Julia...I have to eat to bed...11pm here in Scotland! Thank you for your creativity and generosity sharing your ideas...everything is beautiful and so bright and cheerful.x

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thank you so much for watching. I love that theres such a wonderful creative sewing community all over the world! Julia

[@helenebeadman9746]

I watch all your videos and I’m so impressed on your creative talent . I have learned so much from u through the years and every single U come to ur channel. I so much appreciate ur generous teaching. Thanks a million.. keep up ur wonderful work on tutorials.. have a great day.. xo❤ 19:29

[@stitchesbyjulia]

It’s comments like yours that keep me going. Thank you so much!

[@dorothygriffiths6626]

Hi Julia glad to see you back, I have really missed you. The bags are just gorgeous and I can see them making wonderful gifts for teenagers and young adults. They are such fun and using real denim makes them extra special, I adore all the wonderful trims and extras. As always Julia you are so inspiring and so generous in sharing your work and your ideas. I hope the move went well and you are settled. I went on a machine embroidery course last night Julia and at last I think I might have a handle on it all😀, still a long way to go but at least I have a little more confidence. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, sending you lots of hugs and loves. Dorothy xxxxxxx🙋🏻😘❤️

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Dorothy, It's good to be back! We are getting settled-lots of sunshine. We had such a grey, wet fall back in MN that is a welcoming change. Your class sounds wonderful. I am hoping to get involved in more classes over this winter. I would love to take a watercolor class. Right now I am dealing with computer issues-ugh! I am technically challenged. I am so glad was able to get this video edited and uploaded without too many problems. Have a great weekend. Julia

[@soniabutler6280]

So I've done the cutting after my first viewing now re watched to check your detailing. Lining is after the appliqué, and includes the magnetic closer. Thank you so much Julia. I have lots of ideas of my own when I have time and space, but with three autistic, adult, sons back home, my creativity and imagination are a little drained, so seeing your work, and shadowing it myself, has given me such a lovely feeling. Thanks again, you are a joy to watch and listen to.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Sonia, I'm so glad you are enjoying the videos. It sounds like being creative is an important part of your life. Let me know if you have any questions. Julia

[@trishl421]

Love watching upcycled projects.

[@diannemount1786]

I know 3young ladies who will love these cute little bags. Thank you for a great idea.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Dianne, Yes these would make great gifts! They go together quick and I love that you can get two from one pair of jeans. Thanks for watching! Julia

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

Love it I love the idea of putting the glue into the fold of the straps it makes them much more Crisp. I also enjoy make straps and adding the stitching on both sides.

[@evasaker2476]

Loved, loved, loved that project! Right up my alley, just what I like to create! Thanks Julia, you are sooo talented!

[@lynnries7729]

Love your creative process and professional results. Lucky you to find that stash of plaids...so inspirational!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Agreed! I really scored on those plaids:)

[@chrisharrison5974]

I am loving your denim upcycling videos, I bought a job lot of jeans last year and intend making bags, flowers, quilts and anything else I can think of. Your tutorials are giving me so much inspiration. Wish we had garage sales in the UK, will have to hit the car boot sales when they start again in the summer 😍👍💓Many thanks xx

[@stitchesbyjulia]

So glad you are enjoying the denim up cycling videos. I really like working on denim. Currently, I am embellishing thrifted jeans. So much fun! Happy creating, Julia

[@holdmyyarn]

Julia, You have given me so much inspiration. Thanks for all your tips. Wishing you happy sewing days.

[@TakieModnye]

So COOL bag! 👍

[@sharondavidson7072]

So many ideas going through my head right now! What a great way to repurpose old jeans.Thank you so much..

[@deborahgiles8214]

Love these bags! They are so fun and charming. I already told my husband he might need to get new jeans to replace his old ones that are going to become a sewing project. ;-) He really needs new ones anyway :-D The bags are just ADORABLE!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Deborah, I use a lot of my husband's jeans LOL! These bags are fun to do, I hope you give it a try! Julia

[@marianrooth9514]

Have a very happy and healthy New Year.

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

So good to watch, Julia ! Love your ideas, thanks for sharing.

[@monicaeggleton8894]

Quick? Really, quick! It looks like it could be fun pulling items together. I just gave away a stack of my daughter’s jeans to a charity shop; thinking, “ you haven’t come up with a project in a year, so it’s time to pass it on for someone else to wear.” Now I’m thinking that I will have to purchase at least one pair back. Just love your creative mind. Peace.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Monica, I've donated so many items and then went "Shoot! I wish I had that back"! Thanks for watching! Julia

[@SewArtStudio]

This is "sew cute" Julia! ;) Thank you!

[@robinglover4278]

Omg how cute.thank you for sharing!

[@fiberbeads]

Such creative talent! Thank you Julia!

[@marianrooth9514]

Waiting for a chance to try this. My back is killing me so I can't sit at machine. But getting ideas each time I watch

[@maryfromthemountains]

Your videos are very helpful. I love these bags!!

[@dianneeverett1633]

Very creative.

[@annebrunner3649]

Really nice work Julia. Thank you for sharing.

[@saravis56]

I made one tonight. It is freaking adorable! Guess what’s for Xmas next year. I used batik, and stenciled little patches, hope, dream, inspire, so cute. Thank you for the tutorial.❤️

[@stitchesbyjulia]

So glad you had the chance to try these bags. Each one in so unique. I have several pairs of jeans ready to go- now to find the time:)

[@roseculp2924]

Fabulously fun bags. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@ddladybug]

So cute Julia ... thank you for sharing ... hope you’re all settled.... ❤️🐞

[@donnabennett2853]

Perfection again !!! Love the bags and your process ! TFS !

[@janetwest8379]

Hi Julia, As always such wonderful projects. I had to chuckle, when I saw your clip tin, because I just got one of those today LOL.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Janet, Love my clip tin! Isn't it cute?

[@marianrooth9514]

12/26/2018. I got to watch your tutorial on my big screen tv. It was so much fun.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Merry Christmas Marian!

[@shirleydrake1602]

Great bag!

[@pamtietz321]

So cute love the fringe

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thanks Pam!

[@matrixmom3300]

Love your channel Julia! So much fun stuff! Quick question, why dont you add the lining when the jean hasn't been sewn up on the sides yet? Does it make it difficult to sew on the machine? Just wondering on your thought process here, maybe I missed something. Such wonderful bags! Thank you

[@teresa-ux8db]

Julia, best machine needles for denims? Best hand needles for denim?

[@susanmaroney5520]

I just love your projects you do such a great job wish you were my neighbor lol

[@pamketron]

Such cute bags! So creative and fun. Love how you put everything together. Great job as always! Hugs🤗🤗🤗. When are you heading to FL and the sunshine? 🌞🌞🌞

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Pam, We are here and getting settled. The sun feels so good! We had such a grey, cool Fall back in MN so this is a treat. Thanks for watching the video, Julia

[@lorriefiler2247]

Welcome back enjoyed this tutorial, can’t wait to make this .

[@lindadechow3703]

This bag is exactly what I need for our family get together this weekend, and I'm on it. I want to be able to have my purse with me, but don't want it to get in the way-so this is the perfect size. Also, I just got my 6D free motion foot for my Pfaff, so this is a great project to try it out. Question: How did you free motion on the pockest on the back? I looked at my jeans and I can FM on the front pocket, by moving the materials out of the way, but I don't think I can do it on the back without taking it off to also allow it to be used as a pocket. Love your videos, thank you very much for sharing your talents.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, I'm so glad you are trying this bag! I believe I was able to stitch the fringe to the top of the pocket with out interfering with the opening and I glued the other fabric into place. Adding hand stitching is another great way to add fabrics to pockets without sacrificing the use of the pocket. Have fun creating, Julia

[@lindadechow3703]

@@stitchesbyjulia I just finished it, and I'm going to post on my fb page and posted a link to your video. It's a wonderful bag, and how I love that slider, thanks for the great video!!! PS: I just unpicked the pocket and sewed it back on, that's because I wanted to add some more free motion applique. I think this is my favorite project, and thanks for all your tips on free motion, oh my, this is fun!

[@nancygodoypapst6154]

Você é muito criativa!!! Amei!!!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Thanks so much!

[@jozazoo]

Hello Julia I love watching your videos sooooo much Thank you very much for sharing your projects ❤ I am trying to make bags from jeans and I have a dilemma When I watch you doing yours everything seems so easy 😂 but when I come to cutting the top of the jeans I never know where to actually cut When I align the tops of the jeans it seems ackward at the bottom and when I lay the jeans flat before cutting the tops ( front and back) they are not the same height 🤔 I tried cutting both ways with two different pairs of jeans so I could figure it out but 😂😂😂 nope doesn’t seem to be either way I am spending way too much time just trying to figure it out 😂😅 I would rather be sewing I don’t know if I am making any sense here but anyway I won’t give up 😂

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, The jean top is always a dilemma. Here is a video where I show making a zipper insert. I left the top with it's natural height. ( the front is lower than the back) I hope this helps.kzbin.info/www/bejne/epLLfoivepaGack

[@moniquebexplorer8237]

Very creative and beautiful. I am subing. I really like this.

[@dianneeverett1633]

Love it.

[@carolinesmercantile4290]

Have you heard of Kraft-tex Julia? From what I have heard, Levi's has replaced their leather labels with this material because it is more animal friendly. It should behave the same way, holding up in the wash. It is basically a thick plastic paper. it comes in many colors....it may be a good substitute for leather and cork in your projects!

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, Yes I have heard of it. Iv'e only used the white but it is available in the tan color. I will have to get some again, It's really fun to work with- I've forgotten about it-thanks for the comment! Julia

[@sheilaperl4155]

Very fun!

[@marianrooth9514]

Almost ready to try and make these. I have been saving jeans for almost 20 years now I sure need a way to carry my cell phone around the house. The kids do not want we floating around the house without the cell in case I fall and need help. Thanks. It looks like the right size. Merry Christmas 2018.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Merry Christmas Marian!

[@saralouise9341]

Love these bags! How do you free motion on the outside of the pockets without closing them?

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Sara, It was a bit tricky but was able to move the pocket lining out of the way to sew the embellishments on. Thanks for watching! Julia

[@kristinagathercole6848]

Hi Julia! What is a good size of jeans to get for these bags? Thanks 😊

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi, A larger size works best. I usually use a man's pair of jeans for this style.

[@kathyvalentine1543]

Can I ask what kind of sewing machine you use? It must be a good one to go thru the thickness of the waistband of the jeans..

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Kathy, Thank you so much for watching my videos and taking the time to comment. I am using a Juki TL-2000Qi amzn.to/2WLOtH0. I had it for just over a year now and really love it. Nothing fancy about it - only goes front and backwards- but also does great at free motion stitching. It is a real workhorse and goes through lots of thicknesses and can sew at a fast speed-1500 stitches per minute. I do have a Janome also that I use for any decorative stitches etc. Happy creating! Julia

[@susanmaroney5520]

Hi Julia just wanted to ask if you could do more Jean up cycle since for some reason can't seam to discard any of the jeans in the area lol

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Susan, I do have a couple other projects that i have been making from jeans. I will work on getting another video up. Thanks for watching! Julia

[@lesleynitschke6879]

I am just about to take the plunge and stitch up some of these but I was just wondering...when you stitch the trim to the pockets do you sew right through which makes the pocket unusable or do you squidgy it around and just stitch along the edge so that you can still use the pocket...thank you

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Lesley, I try to always keep the pocket usable. Sometimes it's not possible but it usually can be done by placing the fabric in the right place. Good luck! Julia

[@lesleynitschke6879]

@@stitchesbyjulia thanks you I thought you did as I closely watched your video and saw you put your hand in there...thanks heaps

[@Phyllis-nk5ji]

Hi Julia. So good to see a video from you! The shirt plaids make a perfect lining for the purses. It's all your finishing touches that make the purses unique. Question: The cork you mention....is this the cork we'd put at the bottom of coasters? I would think it wouldn't stand the wear. Oh goodness.....I have everything but the jeans to play with....but it will have to go on my "to do" list. We keep getting those pop up thunderstorms and so dark I have to turn on the lights.....my cat makes a mad dash for under my bed and 10 minutes later it's blown over and off go the lights! Crazy, but I love this kind of weather when I'm working in my studio.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Phyllis, it’s good to be back! The fabric cork is different than the crafting cork. It has a tricot backing on it. Very easy to work with. I picked up a small 8”x10” piece at a fabric store. It’s spendy but I’m only using small pieces. Have a great day. Julia

[@lindak7499]

You can also buy different colors of cork at Sew Sweetness.com

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Linda, I just discovered the different colors- even metallic. Thanks for the input and the link. Julia

[@Dorcas70x7]

Great video. Way better than the one I made. Going to do this one instead. Have you traveled South yet?

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Penni, We are getting settled and my sewing machines are unpacked! Thanks for watching-Julia

[@bettyadkisson1681]

Okay just send I if you wish. Cause I make thing all the time. The yards were free gifts from friends & family. I've been trying to down size some of the yards.

[@lizaddison-duenas4351]

i wish it could be a little slower. got lost on how you did the zipper side and on the construction of the bag for us that are newer sewers.

[@sylviafielding5437]

I don’t know if this would help but if you click on the 3 little vertical dots in the corner of the video it gives you the option to change the playback speed - I find it really useful.

[@josmith2002]

❤❤❤😊

[@bettyadkisson1681]

Yes thank you for input helps me allot. And I crochet little flowers that might help you with your bags. But please sent a p.o. box number.

[@stitchesbyjulia]

Hi Betty, Oooh the crocheted flowers sound intriguing. I am currently in Florida for a couple of months and don't have a PO down here. I will be back in MN towards the end of March. Thanks you so much for watching- Happy creating. Julia