Want to make a stylish and practical denim bag? This sewing tutorial will help you do it step by step. It includes clear instructions, photos that show each sewing step, and a video that makes it easy to follow the entire process.
This denim bag with decorative ribbon and buttons is a charming accessory that combines casual style with handmade elegance. Durable denim gives the bag a timeless, versatile look, while the ribbon adds a soft touch of color and texture. Decorative buttons, whether vintage, wooden, metal, or brightly colored, bring personality and make each bag unique.
In the tutorial, you will learn how to cut out the details, sew the bag, attach the handles, and decorate it with decorative buttons and ribbon. All the steps are explained simply, making this tutorial perfect even for those taking their first steps in the world of sewing.
Materials
To make this denim bag with buttons, you will need:
- Denim fabric.
- Decorative ribbon 70-80 cm.
- 12 buttons.
- Matching thread.
Cutting out pattern pieces
Here you can find all pattern pieces and their dimensions. All dimensions are shown with sewing allowances. Unless otherwise specified, use a 1 cm seam allowance for all seams.
- The cutout marked 1 indicates the dimensions of the bag.
- Dimensions of the bag handles. We cut two parts.
- Bag top edge trim strip. The dimensions of a continuous strip are shown here, but in our case we will cut two pieces measuring 36 cm x 5 cm and join them together.
Sewing this denim bag with buttons
When you have all the pattern pieces cut out and ready, follow the steps below to sew them together.
Step 1. In the first step, we need to sew a decorative ribbon onto the base of the bag about 6 cm from the top edge (picture 1). Then we fold the fabric in half and connect the sides of the bag from the right sides of the fabric as shown by the white dotted line in picture 2. We neatly trim the edge so that 5 mm of fabric remains before the seam (picture 3). Turn the bag inside out and sew the edge again about 7 mm from the edge as shown by the white dotted line in picture 4. This sewing helps hide the edge of the fabric and reinforces it.
Since the main part of the bag is cut from a solid piece of fabric, for aesthetic reasons, sew the other side of the bag from the inside, 3-4 mm from the edge, although this is not necessary.
Step 2. Now sew the bottom of the bag from the right side, trim the edge neatly, turn the inside out, and sew 7 mm again from the edge. All three images and the white dotted lines show sequential steps.
Step 3. Unfold the bottom of the bag as shown in the pictures below. Measure 7 cm from the edge of the bag and sew a perpendicular line on both sides of the bottom where the white dotted line is marked in picture 2. Fold both edges inwards towards each other and sew to the bottom where the white dotted line is shown in picture 3. The bottom of the bag we just formed is shown in Figure 4.
Step 4. Fold both strips for the belts and sew the edges (picture 1). Turn the strips out with the help of a thin stick. Then iron them and sew two seams on each edge of both strips (picture 2).
Mark the middle of the top of the bag and mark the attachment points for the straps at equal distances. Sew the straps on both sides of the bag at the marked points (picture 3).
Sew both ends of the finishing tape on the top of the bag (picture 4)
Step 5. Attach the trim strip to the top of the bag as shown in picture 1 and sew where indicated by the white dotted line. Then fold this strip inside the bag and sew along the finishing line at the top (picture 2). Now, inside the bag, fold about 1 cm of this strip inwards and sew the edge around the top edge of the bag as shown by the dotted line in picture 3.
The last task left for you is to sew buttons above the decorative ribbon to both handles.
If you have difficulty understanding the pictures and description, we are happy to suggest that you watch a video that will answer any questions you may have while sewing.
Video tutorial
Whether made from recycled jeans or new denim fabric, a handmade denim bag is not only stylish
but also a sustainable choice. It reflects creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality,
making it a beautiful accessory for shopping, casual outings, or as a thoughtful handmade gift.
