Got an old pair of pants that's seen better days? Don't toss them! Repurposing old clothing, especially durable fabrics like denim or sturdy cotton, is a fantastic way to embrace sustainable fashion and create something new and useful. This detailed DIY guide will show you how to cleverly transform just one old pair of pants into three distinct bags: a versatile tote, a handy drawstring pouch, and a chic wristlet.
This project is perfect for sewers of all levels, especially those looking for a rewarding, eco-friendly craft. Let's give those pants a fabulous second life!
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1. Planning Your Upcycling Project: Strategic Cutting
The key to getting three bags from one pair of pants is strategic cutting. The exact size and style of your bags will depend on the size of your pants and the material.
Choose Your Pants:
Denim jeans are ideal due to their durability and cool aesthetic, but sturdy cotton twill, linen pants, or even old cargo pants can work well.
Look for pants with legs that are still in good condition, as these will form the main body of your tote and drawstring bag.
Visualize the Cuts: Before you snip, lay your pants flat and imagine these sections:
Top Section (Upper Hips/Waistband): This will become your Wristlet.
Upper Leg Section (Thighs): This will become your Tote Bag.
Lower Leg Section (Calves/Ankles): This will become your Drawstring Pouch.
Gather Your Supplies:
1 pair of old pants (denim, cotton, etc.)
Sewing machine and sturdy matching thread (denim thread recommended for jeans).
Fabric scissors or sharp rotary cutter.
Pins or fabric clips.
Measuring tape or ruler.
Fabric chalk or erasable marker.
Seam ripper (essential!).
Iron and ironing board.
For the Wristlet: 1 D-ring or small O-ring, 1 swivel clasp (or an old keychain clasp).
For the Drawstring Pouch: Thin cord or ribbon (approx. 24-30 inches / 60-75 cm), safety pin.
Optional: Interfacing (for tote/wristlet structure), lining fabric, embellishments (patches, embroidery floss, fabric paint, lace).
2. Bag 1: The Versatile Tote Bag (From Upper Legs)
This will be your largest bag, perfect for groceries, books, or everyday essentials.
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
Cut the Legs: Lay your pants flat. Measure about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the crotch seam, cutting straight across both legs. This top section of the legs will be the body of your tote.
Separate Legs: Cut along the inseam of each leg to separate them into two flat pieces. You'll now have two large rectangular (or slightly tapered) denim pieces.
Trim and Square: Trim any curved edges from the crotch area to make your two pieces as rectangular as possible. Square them up if needed so they are identical in size. These are your main Tote Body Pieces.
Cut Straps: From the lower leg sections (before you cut for the drawstring pouch), cut two strips of fabric for straps. Aim for about 2.5-3 inches (6.3-7.5 cm) wide and 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) long.
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Step 2: Construct the Tote
Make the Straps:
Take one strap piece. Fold each long edge towards the center and press. Then, fold the strip in half lengthwise and press again. You should have a sturdy, clean strap.
Topstitch down both long sides of the strap, close to the edge. Repeat for the second strap.
Sew the Tote Body:
Place the two Tote Body Pieces right sides together. Pin along the two side edges and the bottom edge.
Stitch these three seams with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Reinforce the bottom corners.
Box the Corners (Optional but Recommended for Depth): At each bottom corner, flatten the corner so the side seam and bottom seam align. Measure 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) from the point and draw a perpendicular line across. Stitch along this line. Trim the excess triangle. Repeat for the other corner. This creates a flat bottom for your tote.
Finish all raw seams with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.
Prepare the Top Hem:
Fold the top raw edge of the tote down by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and press.
Fold it down again by another 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press firmly. This creates your top hem casing.
Attach Straps:
Place the tote right side out. Position your prepared straps on the top hem. For each strap, place one end about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in from the side seam (ensure it's not twisted!). Pin securely.
Stitch the ends of the straps to the tote within the hem allowance. Stitch a square or an 'X' for reinforcement.
Stitch the Hem: Stitch the top hem in place, sewing close to the bottom folded edge, making sure to secure the strap ends firmly. Reinforce stitching over the strap connections.
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3. Bag 2: The Handy Drawstring Pouch (From Lower Legs)
Perfect for organizing small items, holding toiletries, or as a gift bag.
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
Cut the Legs: From the remaining lower leg sections, cut two rectangular pieces. The width will be the width of your pant leg, and the length will determine the height of your pouch. Aim for pieces that are 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) wide by 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) tall.
Separate and Trim: Cut along the inseam of each leg to open them flat. Trim to create two identical rectangles. These are your Pouch Body Pieces.
Step 2: Construct the Pouch
Sew the Pouch Body:
Place the two Pouch Body Pieces right sides together. Pin along the two side edges and the bottom edge.
Stitch these three seams with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Finish raw edges.
Create Drawstring Casing:
At the top raw edge of the pouch, fold down 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) and press.
Fold down again by 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press firmly. Pin in place.
Stitch two parallel lines: one close to the bottom fold of the casing, and one about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) from the top fold. Leave a 1-inch (2.5 cm) opening between these two stitch lines on one side seam to insert the drawstring.
Insert Drawstring:
Attach a safety pin to one end of your cord or ribbon.
Thread the safety pin through the opening in the casing, all the way around, and back out the same opening.
Tie the ends of the cord together securely.
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4. Bag 3: The Chic Wristlet (From Waistband/Upper Hips)
A small, stylish bag perfect for essentials like keys, cards, and phone. This uses the original waistband and pockets!
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
Cut the Waistband Section: Carefully cut the pants just below the bottom of the back pockets and just above the crotch seam at the front. You want to preserve the waistband, belt loops, pockets, and zipper/button fly as much as possible. This is your Wristlet Body.
Measure and Cut Bottom Piece: Measure the bottom opening of your newly cut waistband section. Cut a rectangular piece of denim (from a pant leg scrap) that matches this width. The depth of this piece will be your desired wristlet depth (e.g., 4-6 inches / 10-15 cm). This is your Wristlet Bottom Piece.
Cut Wrist Strap: Cut a strip of denim 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide and 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) long (or longer if you want a shoulder strap).
Step 2: Construct the Wristlet
Prepare Wrist Strap:
Fold the wrist strap piece in half lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch along the long raw edge to form a tube.
Turn the tube right side out (a loop turner helps here). Press flat.
Thread one end of the strap through your D-ring or O-ring. Fold the raw end over by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and stitch it down securely.
Attach Bottom Piece:
Place the Wristlet Body (waistband section) right side out.
Place the Wristlet Bottom Piece right sides together with the bottom raw edge of the Wristlet Body. Pin carefully.
Stitch this seam with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Finish raw edges.
Close Side Seams (if applicable): If your waistband piece opened up at the side, simply stitch these side seams down, right sides together, from the bottom of the waistband down to the bottom edge of your new Wristlet Bottom Piece. Finish raw edges.
Form the Wristlet Bottom:
Fold the wristlet right sides out. Stitch across the remaining raw edge (the bottom of the Wristlet Bottom Piece) with a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Finish raw edges.
Box the Corners (Optional): Similar to the tote, box the corners of the wristlet for a flat bottom.
Attach Wrist Strap:
Find a sturdy spot on the side of your wristlet (e.g., near an existing side seam or belt loop).
Fold the raw end of your wrist strap (the end without the D-ring) under by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
Position it securely and stitch it onto the wristlet with strong reinforcement (a square or 'X' stitching). Attach your swivel clasp to the D-ring.
5. Pro Tips for Upcycling Denim & Other Fabrics
Pre-Wash & Press: Always wash and dry your old pants before you start cutting. This prevents future shrinkage and makes the fabric easier to work with. Pressing helps flatten seams.
Strong Needles: Use a denim needle (for jeans) or a new universal needle (for other sturdy fabrics) in your sewing machine. Old, dull needles will skip stitches or break.
Denim Thread: For denim projects, use denim-specific thread or a strong polyester all-purpose thread. You can also use topstitching thread for a decorative, professional look on exposed seams.
Reinforce: Denim takes a lot of wear. Always backstitch at the beginning and end of seams, and consider double-stitching or zigzagging seams for extra durability.
Embrace the Details: Don't be afraid to keep original pant details like belt loops, pockets, and even small distressed areas. They add character to your finished bags!
You've now transformed one old pair of pants into three functional and fashionable bags! This project is a testament to creativity, sustainability, and the joy of DIY. Enjoy your eco-chic accessories!
Video Tutorial :
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