Denim Project Bag

Here's my latest sewing project...I call it my "Denim Project Bag".  I needed something to hold my knitting projects so I created this bag...

I started out with a pair of old blue jeans and the "printed" canvas fabric for the lining.  From both fabrics, I cut the following pieces:

Bottom - 10 3/4" x 7 3/4"
Sides (x2) - 15" x 7 3/4"
Front & Back - 15" x 10 3/4"

First, you are going to sew the denim bag. With right sides together, sew the front and the back to the bottom using 1/4" seam allowance.

Then, attached the sides to the bottom and sew in place, again using 1/4" seam allowance.  Actually, you will use a 1/4" seam allowance for all the sewing.

Now, you are going to sew up all four corners.  Trim any loose threads and turn right-side out. Fold the top over approximately 1" and press with an iron.  Now, sew the top edge in place.

Denim bag done!  Now you will do the same thing with your lining EXCEPT hemming the top edge of the bag.  Also, just leave the finished liner wrong side out.

To make the ruffled edge:

Cut a piece of the liner fabric 70" long by 6" wide.  Fold the fabric in half width-wise and press with an iron so your fabric will now be 70" long by 3" wide.

Here's the ruffling technique...you will need dental floss...yes, dental floss - waxed preferred.  Measure the floss to 70" adding about 3" to each end.  Set you machine stitch onto "zigzag", lay the dental floss onto the top edge (the unfinished edge) and zigzag over top of the floss.  Make any sense?!?  Once you are done, you can now pull the loose floss ends to gather your fabric and the wax helps it to slide easily.

Once you've gathered your ruffle, pin it to the top edge of your liner (right sides together) and sew in place.  Remove any loose threads.

Insert the liner into the denim bag and fold the ruffled top edge over the denim.  There you have it.... You could add handles and pockets, if desired, however, I just wanted something simple to keep my projects off the floor.

(Note...the bag will not stand up on it's own...I cut two pieces of cardboard the same size as the front and back and placed them in between the inside of the denim bag and the liner.)

If you have any questions with regards to my instructions, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by...
Lesa