Upcycle Your Denim: Turn Old Jeans into a Trendy Backpack

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Got a pile of old jeans taking up closet space? Instead of tossing them, why not give them a stylish new life? Transform those worn-out pants into a unique and functional denim backpack! This guide will walk you through the steps to upcycle your favorite old jeans into a trendy bag you'll be proud to carry.

Not only is this a fantastic way to express your creativity, but it's also a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste. So, grab your sewing machine and let's get started on this fun DIY project!

Why Upcycle Jeans into a Backpack?

There are so many great reasons to refashion your old jeans into a backpack. First off, it's eco-friendly! By recycling your denim, you're keeping it out of landfills and giving new purpose to existing materials. Plus, you get to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that perfectly reflects your personal style.

Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just starting out, this project is a rewarding way to hone your skills and end up with a cool, durable denim bag ¹. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good DIY project that results in something both practical and fashionable?

Gathering Your Supplies for Your Denim Backpack

Before you dive into cutting and sewing, let's gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process much smoother. Here's what you'll likely need:

A pair of old jeans: Choose a pair that's structurally sound, even if they have some stylish wear and tear. The size and style will influence the final look of your upcycled backpack. Jeans with interesting pockets or a unique wash can add character ¹.
Sewing machine: A sturdy machine is recommended for handling the thickness of denim
Denim needle (size 16): This needle is specifically designed for thick fabrics like denim and will prevent breakage . You can find these at most craft stores or online.
Matching or contrasting thread: Choose a color that either blends in with your denim (I for a seamless look or stands out for a more decorative effect . Strong thread like polyester or upholstery thread is a good choice for durability .
Sewing pins: These will help hold your fabric pieces together before you stitch them .
Fabric scissors: A sharp pair is essential for making clean and precise cuts through the denim .
Ruler or measuring tape: Accuracy is key for a well-proportioned backpack
Optional: Lining fabric: Lightweight cotton or canvas will give the inside of your bag a finished look and add durability ⁶. You can find various options at fabric stores or online
Optional: Interfacing (fleece or medium weight): This can add structure and stiffness to parts like the flap or straps ⁶. Look for fusible or sew-in options at craft stores.
Optional: Zipper, magnetic snaps, buttons, or drawstring cord: Choose your preferred method for closing your denim backpack. Zippers can be found in various lengths at craft stores or online. Magnetic snaps and buttons are also widely available. For a drawstring, look for sturdy cords or even repurpose shoelaces.
Optional: Webbing or extra denim fabric for straps: Webbing is strong and durable, perfect for backpack straps . You can find it in various widths at fabric stores or online. You can also create straps from the legs of your old jeans .
Optional: D-rings and strap adjusters (sliders): If you opt for adjustable straps, you'll need these in a size that matches your strap material . These are available at craft stores or online.
Optional: Patches, labels, fabric scraps, buttons, beads, or embroidery thread: These are for adding a personal touch and unique style to your creation .
Optional: Hot glue gun: Useful for temporarily holding embellishments in place before sewing
Seam ripper: This handy tool will help you remove seams if you make a mistake or want to repurpose existing features of your jeans .
Iron and ironing board: Pressing your fabric will create crisp edges and make sewing easier

Preparing Your Old Jeans for Their Transformation

Once you have your supplies, the next step is to get your old jeans ready for their new life as a stylish backpack. Start by selecting a pair that's in good condition. Even jeans with some fashionable wear and tear can work beautifully . The size of the jeans will determine the size of your final bag, so keep that in mind when choosing.

Before you start cutting, make sure to wash and thoroughly dry your jeans . This will ensure they are clean and that any potential shrinkage happens before you begin sewing.

Cutting the Denim: Two Main Methods for Your Backpack

Now for the exciting part: cutting the denim! There are a couple of popular ways to get the main fabric pieces for your denim backpack .

Method 1: Using the Pant Legs

This method is straightforward and utilizes the natural shape of the jeans.

Cut off both pant legs a few inches below the back pockets
One leg will become the main body of your backpack, and the other can be used for the flap and straps.
If you need a wider piece for the body, carefully open up the inseam and outseam of the leg intended for the main body using your seam ripper . This will give you a flatter piece of denim to work with.

Method 2: Creating Flat Denim Panels

This method gives you more flexibility in the shape and size of your backpack.

Cut off both pant legs.
Carefully open up the inseam and outseam of the remaining jeans (the part with the pockets and waistband) using your seam ripper .
You'll end up with two relatively large, flat denim panels – one for the front and one for the back of your backpack . You might need to trim away some of the curved sections around the crotch area to get more rectangular shapes .

Choose the method that best suits your desired backpack style and the amount of fabric you need.

Don't Toss Those Details! Repurposing Jean Features

Before you start assembling your backpack, take a look at the existing features of your jeans. You can repurpose these to add unique details and functionality .

Back pockets: Carefully remove the back pockets using your seam ripper . Make sure not to damage the pockets or the surrounding denim if you plan to reuse it . These can be sewn onto the exterior of your backpack as extra pockets .
Waistband: Cut off the waistband. This sturdy piece of denim can be used as the top edge of your backpack for added structure or cut into smaller pieces for durable straps or even a handle .
Belt loops: Don't discard the belt loops! These can be sewn onto your backpack as small loops for attaching keychains or other items. One clever idea is to use a belt loop as part of the bag flap's closure.

Once you've decided which features you want to reuse, give all your cut denim pieces a good press with an iron. This will remove wrinkles and create clean edges, making the sewing process much easier and resulting in a more professional-looking upcycled backpack.

Sewing the Backpack Body: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Now it's time to start sewing the main body of your denim backpack. The exact steps will depend on the cutting method you chose.

If you used a pant leg:

If you opened up the pant leg, fold over the top edge by about 1 inch towards the wrong side, press it, and stitch it down to create a clean hem. This will be the top opening of your backpack .
If you used two pieces from one pant leg, first sew them together along the long side seams with right sides facing. Then, hem the top edge as described above ².

If you used flat denim panels:

Place the two large denim panels right sides together.
Sew along both side edges and the bottom edge, leaving the top open. Use a straight stitch and reinforce the seams by sewing another line of stitching right next to the first one for added durability.

Adding a Bottom (Optional but Recommended)

To give your denim backpack more structure and help it stand upright, you can add a separate bottom piece.

Cut a rectangular piece of denim to your desired size (one tutorial suggests 13cm x 25cm ).
With the main backpack body inside out, align the bottom edge of the body with the edges of the bottom piece, right sides together. Pin them in place all the way around, carefully aligning the corners .
Sew the bottom piece to the main body using a sturdy stitch.
For those who used flat panels, you can also create a flat bottom by pinching the bottom corners of the sewn bag (while still inside out) so that the side seam aligns with the bottom seam, forming a triangle. Measure down from the point of the triangle (one tutorial suggests 1 ¼ inches ), mark a line across, and sew along this line. Trim away the excess fabric and repeat for the other corner .

Crafting and Attaching the Backpack Flap

A flap adds both style and security to your denim backpack.

Using your remaining denim fabric (perhaps the other pant leg), cut a piece to your desired size and shape for the flap. You can make it rectangular, rounded, or any shape you like.
Hem the raw edges of the flap by folding them over twice towards the wrong side and stitching them down.
Position the flap on the back top edge of the backpack body, right sides together, and pin it in place.
Sew the flap securely to the backpack body.
If you're using a belt loop as a latch, position it in the center of the backpack's front, near the top opening, and sew it securely.

Making and Securing the Backpack Straps

Now for the essential part: the straps! You can make them from denim or use sturdy webbing .

Making Denim Straps:

Cut two long strips of denim to your desired length and width (around 2-3 inches wide is a good starting point) .
Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the open edge .
Turn the straps right side out using a safety pin or loop turner and press them flat .

Using Webbing Straps:

Simply cut two pieces of webbing to your desired length .

Attaching the Straps:

Position the straps on the back of the backpack, ensuring they are evenly spaced and placed at a comfortable distance from the top edge. Pin them in place.
Sew the straps on securely using multiple rows of strong stitching, especially at the points where they will bear the most weight. Consider using a box stitch with an "X" in the middle for extra reinforcement.

Making Adjustable Straps (Optional):

If you want your straps to be adjustable, you'll need D-rings and strap adjusters.

Cut your strap material into one longer piece and one shorter piece for each strap.
Thread the shorter piece through a D-ring and sew the ends to the inside of the backpack at the bottom where you want the strap to attach ⁹.
Thread the longer piece of strap through the strap adjuster, then through the D-ring, and back through the adjuster ⁹. Sew the end of the longer strap to the top of the backpack ⁹. You can find detailed tutorials online.

Adding Pockets for Extra Storage

Pockets are a great way to add functionality to your upcycled backpack.

External Pockets: If you removed the back pockets from your jeans, you can now sew them onto the front or sides of your backpack . Simply position them where you find them most useful and stitch them securely in place .
Internal Pockets: For internal pockets, you'll typically sew these to the lining fabric before attaching the lining to the main backpack body. Cut fabric rectangles to your desired size, hem the top edge, and sew the remaining three sides to the lining fabric. You can even add a zippered internal pocket for extra security. Look for zipper pocket tutorials online.

Choosing and Installing the Backpack Closure

There are several options for closing your denim backpack, each with its own style and functionality.

Zipper Closure: A zipper provides a secure closure. Carefully insert the zipper at the top opening of your backpack, pinning it in place and then sewing it securely. You might need a zipper foot for your sewing machine.
Drawstring Closure: This gives your backpack a casual, sporty look. Create fabric loops or attach grommets near the top opening and thread a drawstring cord through them.
Magnetic Snap Closure: Easy to open and close, magnetic snaps offer a sleek look. Attach the two parts of the snap to the backpack flap and the main body, ensuring they align correctly.
Button or Snap Closure: Sew buttons or install snap fasteners on the flap and the corresponding positions on the backpack body.

Choose the closure method that you like best and follow the appropriate instructions or tutorials to install it.

👉More Tutorials here

Styling Your Upcycled Denim Backpack: Let Your Creativity Shine!

This is where you can really personalize your denim backpack and make it your own

Keep it simple: Leave the front plain for a minimalist look
Repurpose pockets: Use the original back pockets as front pockets for a classic denim style.
Add the label: Sew the label from your jeans onto the backpack for a subtle branded touch
Decorate with scraps: Use leftover denim scraps to create unique designs or patterns and sew them onto the front
Patches and embellishments: Add patches, buttons, beads, or embroidery to express your personality ¹. You can find tons of cool patches online or at craft stores.
Play with different denim washes: If you have jeans in different shades of blue, use them to create a patchwork effect for a unique and eye-catching backpack
Frayed edges and distressing: For a more edgy look, consider leaving some edges frayed or adding intentional distressing like small rips

Don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity guide you!

Tips for Successful Denim Backpack Making

Here are a few extra tips to help you create a fantastic upcycled denim backpack:

Choose sturdy denim: Thicker denim will make a more durable backpack, but it can be harder to sew. Start with a medium-weight denim if you're a beginner
Reinforce seams: Denim can fray, so consider using a zigzag stitch or serging the raw edges of your seams for a cleaner and more durable finish ².
Double stitch stress points: Areas like where the straps attach will experience a lot of stress, so reinforce these areas with extra stitching
Use the right needle: Always use a denim needle when sewing with denim to prevent breakage ¹.
Go slowly: Denim can be thick, so take your time when sewing, especially through multiple layers. You might need to help your sewing machine along by manually turning the handwheel in very thick sections ¹.
Consider lining: Adding a lining will give your backpack a more professional finish and protect the contents

👉See more info on evolution of backpacks here.

Show Off Your Style!

Congratulations! You've successfully transformed your old jeans into a stylish and functional denim backpack. Now it's time to fill it up and show off your unique creation!

We encourage you to share photos of your amazing upcycled bag on social media using relevant hashtags like #DIYbackpack #UpcycledDenim #DenimBag #OldJeansProject.

You'll not only be showcasing your creativity but also inspiring others to embrace the world of upcycling. Happy crafting!

Denim Backpack get the Free Pattern( limited time).

a collage showing the upcycling of a pair of jeans to a backpack.