HOW TO MAKE A BUCKET BAG - Sewing Tutorial & Pattern ✂️

• Deconstruct your jeans strategically to use as much fabric as possible
  
• 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 - if you don’t have enough material, cut several pieces and sew them together to make one large piece.
  
• Cut the interfacing pieces, without the seam allowance.
  
  
• Cut 4 of the 'Strap Attachment' pieces provided on the sewing pattern
  
• Fuse the interfacing to the pieces A + B using your iron.
  
• Cut the lining using patterns A + B with your cotton fabric.
  

*Optional cut a strip with the jeans for the top part (where the grommets will be later installed) this piece can be 7cm wide, & we will call it "Grommet Reinforcement".

Let's start SEWING!

• Sew the label of your jeans in the center of piece A, or any decorative patches
  
  
  
• Prepare together 2 sets of the 'Strap Attachments'. Each set is made out of 2 of these pieces. To bond them together sew an overstitch around the edge 1mm in.
• Insert "D" ring on each set of the Strap Attachments and fold down.
  
• Strap Attachments placement: On piece 'A' measure 15.5cm in from the end, and 8.5 cm down, on each side and make a mark using a fabric marker. This is where the strap attachments will be placed.
  
  
  
• Secure the Strap Attachments by sewing along the edge carefully -specially on the side where the “D” rings are.
  
  
  
• Make tiny cuts and the bottom of piece A to later help with the sewing process. These tiny cuts will release tension and shouldn’t be longer than the seam allowance.
  
• Fold piece A (the body) in half and sew along the end. SEAM ALLOWANCE 1/2” or 1.25 cm
  
• Using matching thread : Sew the back pocket where the back seam is, by hand using a 4 thread needle.
  
• Attach piece 'A' (main body) to 'B' (the base), using sewing clips or pins, and then sew along carefully using the same seam allowance of 1.25 cm (1/2”)
  
• Turn this piece inside out and put to the side.

Let's work on the Lining:

• Attach the optional denim piece (Grommet Reinforcement) to the top of piece 'A'. 
  
  
• Place the other back pocket of the jeans in the center of piece A lining; then sew along the edge.
  
  
• Make tiny cuts on the bottom of piece A just like we did on the outer main fabric.
• Fold piece A in half and sew along to close it leaving an opening in the center of about 13cm (5 inches) approx.
  
  
• Attach main body piece 'A', to 'B' (the base) using the same seam allowance you used on the rest of the bag.
• With the lining outside in- bring back the bucket bag you sewed previously and place it inside the lining so the right sides of both pieces are facing each other. 
• Sew all the way around the top of the bag with 1/2" seam allowance.
  
  
• Using the opening on the lining turn the bag inside out carefully. 
  
  
• Using your iron press down the top of the bag through lining and the opening.
  
• Sew and close the opening in the lining either by hand with a hidden stitch or with machine doing an over stitch. 
  
  
• Do an over stitch on the top of the bucket bag about 2 mm down or 1/16”.
  

Grommets:

• Prepare your 8 grommets and tools.
  
  
• Locate the center of the bag (usually on top of the label or back pocket location), and mark about 3.5cm down from the top of the bag. 
  
  
• Starting from the center - measure 3.5 cm left, and 3.5cm right, then continue to evenly space out 8 grommets. Each grommet should be about 7cm apart from each other. 
• Using your grommets and a pencil or fabric marker, trace the center and carefully cut a tiny while.
  
  
• Insert the grommet and secure using your tools according to your tools instructions.
  
  

Let’s work on the Straps:

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

Drawstring:

Easy way: Use your favorite ribbon, or a matching color drawstring, and secure by making a bow. 

Matching drawstring:

• Cut a piece 4cm wide x 100 cm long with the jeans or your preferred material. If you don’t have a long enough piece, cut several pieces and sew them together until you reach 100 cm long.
• Once you have the 4cm x 100cm piece ready, fold in 4- press and sew along the edge.
  

Drawstring/Cord Lock

• Cut a piece of 5 cm x 7.5 cm 
• Fold in half longways, and sew along the edge.
• Mark the center of this piece
• Bring the ends inwards so they meet in the middle.
• Do an over stitch on each side to secure in place. 
  
  

Last steps:

• Loop or thread your drawstring through the grommets, and secure it by looping the ends of the drawstring through the cord lock
  
• Clip on your straps to your bag using the swivel hooks.
  
  
  
• YOU ARE DONE! 🥳