How to Make Jean Shorts Tote Bag DIY (Upcycled Jeans)

Have an old pair of jean shorts sitting in your closet that you just can't bring yourself to throw away? Turn them into something absolutely adorable and useful instead!

This easy upcycled denim tote bag is a fun way to give old jeans, jean shorts, and denim scraps a whole new life. The finished bags are sturdy, practical, and completely customizable—and because you get to keep the original pockets, they have built-in storage that makes them even more useful.

I made these darling denim bags from jean shorts and added colorful fabric linings, sturdy repurposed straps, and cute iron-on-style patches with Aleene's Fabric Fusion. The result is a one-of-a-kind handmade bag that looks adorable while also being surprisingly functional.

This is a great sewing project for beginners because the construction is relatively simple. You don't need a complicated bag pattern, and you can customize the size based on the shorts you have available.

The best part? You are essentially starting with a nearly finished bag!

Instead of constructing the entire body of a tote bag from individual pieces of fabric, the existing waistband, pockets, seams, and denim structure of the shorts do most of the work for you.

Why Make a Tote Bag from Old Jeans?

Upcycling old clothing into something new is one of my favorite kinds of crafting. Rather than sending worn-out clothing to the trash, you can turn it into handmade home decor, accessories, gifts, or useful everyday items.

Old jeans are especially great for sewing projects because denim is durable and holds its shape well. The pockets are also perfect for upcycled bags because they become convenient exterior storage without any additional sewing.

This project is also a great way to repurpose clothing that has sentimental value. If you have a favorite pair of jeans or shorts that no longer fits, has a worn-out leg, or simply isn't being worn anymore, turning them into a tote bag gives the fabric a second life.

And let's be honest—cute bags are always useful!

Supplies Needed for Jean Shorts Tote Bag DIY:

You don't need a huge collection of sewing supplies for this DIY denim bag.

Here's what you'll need (affiliate links)

• A pair of jean shorts
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Fabric for the lining
• Old karate belts, ribbon, or webbing for handles
• Sewing scissors
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Ruler
• Pins or sewing clips
• Iron and ironing surface
• Aleene's Fabric Fusion
• Decorative patches
• Seam ripper, optional
• Fabric marking pen or chalk, optional

The beauty of an upcycled sewing project like this is that many of the supplies can come from your craft stash.

For the handles, I repurposed a couple of old karate belts. Ribbon, cotton webbing, sturdy twill tape, or even handles salvaged from another bag can work too.

Just make sure whatever you choose is strong enough to support the weight of the finished tote and anything you plan to carry inside it.

Choosing the Right Jean Shorts

Look for jean shorts that have a sturdy waistband and back pockets you want to preserve.

The length of the shorts determines the overall height of your tote, so longer shorts will generally make a taller bag.

I especially like using denim shorts with interesting details—contrasting stitching, decorative pockets, worn-in denim, zippers, buttons, or other details can make the finished bag even more unique.

You don't necessarily need a perfect pair of shorts. In fact, distressed denim can look fantastic when transformed into a handmade tote.

Before cutting, turn the shorts over and look carefully at the pockets and crotch area. The goal is to remove as much excess fabric as possible while keeping the back pockets intact.

Step 1: Cut the Legs Off the Jean Shorts

Start by cutting off both legs of the shorts.

Make your cut as straight as possible across the bottom of the shorts.

This will become the opening of your tote bag.

Depending on the style and construction of your shorts, you may also be able to cut away some of the crotch area.

I cut the crotch as high as I could while still keeping the back pockets intact. This helps eliminate some of the extra bulk and gives the tote a cleaner shape.

Take your time with this step.

Because you're working with an existing garment, the seams aren't always perfectly positioned for a bag. Hold the shorts up and visualize where the bottom of the tote will be before making your final cuts.

Step 2: Sew Across the Bottom

Turn the shorts inside out.

Line up the cut edges at the bottom of the shorts and sew straight across the opening.

I don't normally pin a lot of things while sewing, but I did go ahead and pin this so the layers would stay together.

This creates the basic bottom of your DIY denim tote bag.

Because denim can be thick, use a sturdy needle appropriate for heavier fabrics and sew slowly over bulky seams. You don't need to race through this part!

Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to help secure it.

For extra durability, you can sew a second row of stitching along the bottom seam.

At this point, you already have the basic shape of a denim purse or tote.

But we're going to give it a little more dimension.

Step 3: Create Boxed Corners

Here's where the bag gets its nice, structured bottom.

With the bag still inside out, flatten one bottom corner so that the bottom seam lines up with the side seam.

This creates a triangular section of fabric.

Sew across this triangle.

Repeat on the opposite corner.

These are commonly called boxed corners, and they create a simple gusseted base for the tote.

Instead of having a flat seam running straight across the bottom, the boxed corners create a little bit of depth. This allows the finished bag to have more of a base instead of looking like a flat pouch.

You can make the boxed corners larger or smaller depending on how much depth you want.

For a shallow tote, make a smaller triangle. For a deeper bag, make the triangle wider.

Once you've sewn the corners, trim away the excess fabric beyond the seam, leaving a reasonable seam allowance.

Be careful not to cut through your stitching.

Turn the bag right side out temporarily if you want to see how the shape is developing.

It's pretty satisfying at this point—you can finally see the tote emerging from a pair of shorts!

Step 4: Make the Tote Bag Handles

Next, it's time to make the handles.

I used old karate belts for the straps on these bags, but there are plenty of alternatives.

You could use:

• Cotton webbing
• Ribbon
• Twill tape
• Repurposed belt material
• Sturdy fabric strips
• Handles removed from an old purse or tote

Cut two pieces to the desired handle length.

Think about how you want the finished tote to hang before cutting. A shorter handle creates more of a handbag-style tote, while longer handles make it easier to carry the bag over your shoulder.

I recommend making both handles exactly the same length.

Step 5: Attach the Handles

Turn the denim shorts inside out again.

Position one handle on the front of the bag and the other end of that same handle on the back.

Make sure the two attachment points line up.

This is important!

You want the handles to sit directly across from one another so the bag hangs properly when you're carrying it.

Pin or clip the handles in place.

Sew them securely to the inside of the denim bag.

Because the handles will carry the weight of the bag, don't rely on one tiny line of stitching. Sew across the strap several times, and consider creating a rectangle with an X through it for additional reinforcement.

Repeat with the second handle.

Before moving on, give the handles a gentle tug to make sure they're firmly attached.

Step 6: Cut the Lining Fabric

Now let's give the inside of the tote a pretty finish.

Choose a fabric that coordinates with your denim. This is a great opportunity to use a fun quilting cotton, floral fabric, novelty print, or leftover fabric from another project.

Place the denim tote on top of the lining fabric and use it as a rough guide for sizing.

Cut the lining approximately 2 inches larger than the bag.

The extra fabric gives you enough room for the seams and the finished top edge.

You will need two pieces of lining fabric—one for the front and one for the back.

Step 7: Sew the Lining Using a French Seam

This is the part where we're going to use a French seam.

A French seam is a sewing technique that completely encloses the raw fabric edges inside the seam. Instead of leaving the cut edge exposed, you sew it once, fold the fabric, and sew it again so the raw edge is hidden.

It's especially nice for unlined projects, but it also works beautifully here for creating a neat and tidy bag lining.

Place the lining pieces together with the wrong sides facing each other.

In other words, the right sides are facing outward.

Sew around the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.

Trim the seam allowance slightly if necessary, especially around the corners.

Now turn the fabric so the right sides are facing each other.

Press the seams flat.

Sew around the sides and bottom again, this time enclosing the original seam allowance inside the new seam.

The raw edges should now be completely enclosed.

That's your French seam!

This extra step creates a beautifully finished interior without exposed fraying fabric edges.

Step 8: Finish the Top Edge of the Lining

Next, finish the top edge of the lining.

Fold the raw edge down once.

Press it.

Then fold it down a second time and press again.

Sew around the entire top edge to secure the hem.

This creates a clean finished edge that will sit neatly inside the denim bag.

If you're using a lightweight lining fabric, pressing each fold before sewing makes this step much easier.

Step 9: Put the Lining Inside the Denim Bag

Turn the denim shorts bag right side out.

Then place the finished lining inside the denim bag.

The right sides of the lining should face inward toward the inside of the tote.

Adjust the lining until it sits neatly inside the denim bag.

Match the side seams and make sure the top edge is sitting evenly all the way around.

This is also the point where you'll make sure your handles are positioned correctly.

Step 10: Sew the Lining to the Tote

Here's the fun part where everything starts looking like a real bag!

Tuck the handles between the denim exterior and the lining.

The ends of the straps should be sandwiched between the two layers.

Pin or clip everything securely around the top edge.

Sew all the way around the top opening of the tote.

Go slowly when you reach the handle attachments because you're sewing through several layers of thick material.

For extra strength, sew over the handle attachment points again.

Once you've finished sewing around the entire opening, check the inside and outside of the tote.

The lining should sit neatly inside, and the handles should be securely enclosed between the denim and lining.

Turn the bag over and give it a good press if needed.

At this point, you officially have an upcycled jean shorts tote bag!

Step 11: Add Some Personality with Patches

Of course, I couldn't stop there.

A plain denim tote is cute, but adding patches makes it even more fun.

I used Aleene's Fabric Fusion to attach colorful patches to the front of the bags.

This is where you can really make the project your own.

Try:

• Floral patches
• Fruit patches
• Letters
• Initials
• Retro patches
• Cute animals
• Stars
• Hearts
• Embroidered patches
• Vintage-inspired patches
• Travel-themed patches
• Funny sayings
• Your favorite hobbies

Arrange your patches on the bag before gluing them down so you can experiment with the placement.

Once you're happy with the design, attach the patches according to the adhesive manufacturer's directions.

Allow the adhesive to fully cure before using or washing the bag.

Customize Your Upcycled Denim Tote

There are so many ways to customize these handmade bags.

You could add an embroidered name to the front, sew on decorative trim, add fabric flowers, incorporate lace, use contrasting stitching, or even create a completely different lining for each bag.

The original jean pockets are one of my favorite parts because they're already attached and ready to use.

You can use them for your phone, keys, sunglasses, craft supplies, or anything else you want to keep easy to reach.

You could even use different pairs of shorts to create an entire collection of one-of-a-kind denim purses.

More Ways to Upcycle Old Jeans

Once you start looking at old jeans as craft supplies instead of clothing, there are endless possibilities.

Denim can be transformed into:

• Tote bags
• Purses
• Zipper pouches
• Baskets
• Placemats
• Coasters
• Christmas stockings
• Fabric pumpkins
• Quilts
• Aprons
• Plant holders
• Storage bins
• Pencil cases
• Tool rolls
• Gift bags

The waistband and pockets can also become useful pieces for other sewing projects.

Don't overlook the little scraps, either. Small pieces of denim are perfect for patchwork, appliqué, ornaments, and other fabric crafts.

Tips for Making Denim Bags

Use sturdy denim. Lightweight denim can work, but heavier denim will make a more durable tote.

Don't throw away the pockets. When cutting the shorts, take your time so you can preserve as many existing pockets as possible.

Reinforce the handles. The handles receive a lot of stress, especially when the bag is full. Multiple rows of stitching will make your tote much sturdier.

Use a denim needle. A heavy-duty or denim sewing machine needle can make sewing through thick layers much easier.

Go slowly over bulky seams. Jean seams can be surprisingly thick. Slow and steady wins the sewing race!

Press as you go. An iron makes a huge difference when creating the lining and getting professional-looking seams.

Get creative with the lining. The lining is practically a hidden surprise, so use a fabric that makes you happy.

A Handmade Bag with a Story

I absolutely love projects like this because they combine creativity, practicality, and a little bit of nostalgia.

There's something really satisfying about taking something that would otherwise sit unused in the back of a closet and turning it into something completely different.

And because every pair of jeans is different, every upcycled denim bag will have its own personality.

One might have a great faded wash. Another might have interesting pockets. Another could have a worn-in vintage look. Add a fun lining and a few colorful patches, and suddenly you have a bag that looks intentionally designed rather than simply repurposed.

These would also make fantastic handmade gifts. Customize the patches and fabric lining around someone's favorite colors, hobbies, or interests and you've got a thoughtful personalized gift without needing to start from scratch.

Finished Upcycled Jean Shorts Tote Bag

This jean shorts tote is proof that you don't need expensive materials or a complicated sewing pattern to make something adorable.

Grab a pair of old jeans or jean shorts, raid your fabric stash, find some sturdy material for handles, and start creating!

The existing waistband and pockets do much of the heavy lifting, while the boxed corners give the bag a little more structure. The French-seamed lining gives the inside a polished finish, and the decorative patches add that final bit of personality.

That's it!

I love how these turned out—and I'm especially happy that materials that might have been destined for the donation pile or trash bin became something useful and cute instead.

So before you toss out that worn pair of denim, take another look.

It might just be your next favorite tote bag waiting to happen.

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CHECK OUT THIS POST ON CUTTING JEANS INTO SHORTS TOO!

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