Machine Work: make a lined denim tote bag with handles

A sturdy denim tote bag is useful for library books, shopping, a VLU gathering or a church bazaar. Use new denim or give an old pair of jeans a second life. The finished bag measures about 38 × 40 cm. The lining conceals the seams, strengthens the bag and creates a neat finish that will stay attractive for years.

Reading and making time: about 2 hours

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A finished dark-blue denim tote bag with sturdy handles and floral lining peeping over the top, beside a sewing machine. — Denim, cheerful cotton lining and well-reinforced handles create a bag made for years of use.

Neat seams and strong handles make a simple bag especially useful.

1. Cut and prepare

Prewash and press the fabric. Cut two denim and two lining panels measuring 41 × 43 cm. Add a 20 × 22 cm lining piece for an inner pocket. Apply fusible interfacing when the denim is soft or stretchy.

2. Make the handles

Fold each 10 × 65 cm strip in half lengthwise and press. Fold the raw long edges towards the centre, fold closed again and stitch along both long edges. Place the ends 10 cm from each side edge on the right side of the denim, without twists, and baste them in place.

3. Sew the outer bag

Place the denim panels right sides together. Sew both sides and the lower edge with a 3 mm stitch length. Work slowly over thick layers and use the handwheel when necessary. Trim the lower corners diagonally without cutting the seam.

The open top of a denim tote bag showing the neat floral lining, inner pocket and reinforced handle seams. — A small inner pocket and double topstitching make the lined interior practical and neat.

4. Add the lining

Sew the inner pocket to one lining panel first. Then sew the lining sides and lower edge, leaving an opening of about 15 cm in the bottom seam. Place the outer bag inside the lining with right sides together. Sew around the top and reinforce each handle end.

5. Turn and finish

Pull the bag through the opening, close the opening and push the lining inside. Press the top carefully and topstitch 3 mm from the edge; a second row gives extra support. Check that each handle is secured with a box-and-cross stitch.

Try it today

Choose one or two old pairs of jeans and a piece of cotton from your fabric cupboard. Cut the four main panels first and keep one jeans pocket for the inner pocket. Good material is reused with care, and you gain a useful gift or bazaar item.

Practical follow-up guides

Also read: three practical guides

These short articles answer specific questions and work with the complete main article.

Unique link illustration for Which needle, thread and stitch length work for denim?

Which needle, thread and stitch length work for denim?Use a size 90/14 denim needle for medium denim, a 100/16 needle for thick layers, strong polyester thread and a stitch length of about 3 mm.Read the guide

Unique link illustration for How do you cut and sew a neat tote-bag lining?

How do you cut and sew a neat tote-bag lining?Cut the lining to the same main measurements as the outer bag, attach the inner pocket first and leave a turning opening in the lower seam.Read the guide

Unique link illustration for How do you reinforce handles and thick denim seams?

How do you reinforce handles and thick denim seams?Place the handles evenly from the side edges, baste them in place and reinforce every end with box-and-cross stitching and a second row of topstitching.Read the guide

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