HOW TO MAKE A BELT BAG FROM UPCYCLED JEANS

• Deconstruct your jeans strategically to use as much fabric as possible, and open the seams to allow easier placement of the patterns.
  
  
• Remove the back pockets and label from the jeans
  
  

Cut the Sewing Patterns & Prep before Sewing: 

• Cut the all the pattern pieces using the jeans.
  
  
• Cut the interfacing pieces (Pieces A + B + C)
• Fuse the interfacing to the pieces A + B + C using your iron.
  
  
• Cut 2 x piece 'E' (Strap Attachments).
• Cut the lining using patterns A + B + C with your cotton fabric.
  
  

Let's start SEWING!

• Optional: Sew the label of your jeans in the center of piece 'A', or you can also use your preferred decorative patches.
  
  
  
  
• Prepare 2 of the 'Strap Attachments' by folding in 4, pressing, and sewing along the edge.
• Insert "D" rings on each Strap Attachment and fold in half.
  
  
• Strap Attachments placement: Secure these strap attachments on the side/ center of piece 'A'.
  
  
• Secure the Strap Attachments with the "D" rings by sewing along the edge carefully.
  
  Prepare the zipper:
• Cut piece 'C' in half, longways.
• Sew it right sides together with the zipper.
  
  
• Using your sewing pattern, re-measure the width of the zipper piece and remove the excess if needed (Remember that sewing a zipper adds to the width of this piece).

• Once the zipper piece is ready, sew it together with piece 'B' Base. Use the same seam allowance of 1/2" (1.25cm). *Be careful when sewing over the zipper teeth to prevent your needle from breaking.
  
  
• Locate the center of these pieces once you sew them together, by folding them in half and making a tiny V cut .
  
  

• Clip or pin together the center of this piece to piece 'A'.
  
  
• When you get to the corners, make tiny cuts to open the fabric and release tension. 
  
  
• 
  
  
  
• Open the zipper, and repeat this step on the second piece 'A'
  
  
• When sewing over the Strap Attachments and the seam where the zipper and base meet, it might get a bit too thick for your sewing machine. Sew carefully and move the needle by hand if needed. You can also make the "strap attachments" from a thinner fabric to ease the process.
  
  
• Turn this piece inside out and make sure everything looks good.
• Turn it back to the outside in, and put to the side

Let's work on the Lining

• Cut piece 'B' in half longways.
  
  
  
• Press 1/4" on one side, of each piece.
  
  
  
• Sew together through the ends, with the Base piece 'B'
  
  
  
• Repeat the same steps to sew it along the edge with pieces 'A'.
  
  
  
• Make tiny cuts in the corners to release tension on the fabric.
  
  
  
• With the lining outside in- bring back the belt bag you sewed previously and place it inside the lining; so the wrong side of the denim bag is facing the wrong side lining.
  
  
• Sew all the way around the top on the zipper area by hand, using a 4 thread needle. Complete this step with a hidden stitch and making sure the thread is not showing on the outside.

Let’s work on the Straps:

• Cut the pieces for the straps using the measurements provided on the sewing pattern.
  
  
• Fold each piece in 4 longways, then press and sew along both edges.
  
  
• Insert the strap adjuster and secure with the sewing machine.
  
  
  
  
• Insert swivel hooks on both ends of each strap, then fold in 3cm in and sew along the edge to secure.
  
  
  

Mini Coin Purse:

• Follow the instructions provided in the sewing pattern (Last Page).
  
  YOU ARE ALL DONE ☺️🫶🏼