Blue-Jean Book Bag/Purse

Lesson/Unit Plan

Blue Jean Book Bag	Small Jean Purse	Assorted fringe Blue Jean Purses	Blue Jean Pocket Purse	Ribbon and Beads Blue Jean Purse
Above are some examples of blue jeans that have been converted into a carrying bag of some type.

This quick sewing project makes it a cinch to turn old jeans into a rugged book bag, satchel, or purse.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

· Old pair of jeans

· Scissors

· Glue gun and glue sticks

· Sewing machine, needles, thread

· Belt for handles (cotton belts, scarf’s, ties, jeans legs cut and sewn, or some other original handle design)

· Embellishments and accessories (beads, tassels, ribbons, fabric paint, embroidery thread, lace, etc.)

· At least one photograph taken by student ironed onto jeans as part of the design.

TIME NEEDED:

The more intricate the design the longer the design process

DIRECTIONS:

1. Zip the jeans and turn them inside out. With a pair of fabric scissors, cut off both jean legs 3 inches from the crotch. Set aside.

2. Next, fold the cutoff jeans, matching up the side seams as you would to press front and back leg pleats.

3. Using a sewing machine (or a close, even hand stitch), sew closed each leg opening 1 inch from the cut edge. Trim the denim 1/2 inch from the stitching.

4. Turn the jeans right side out.

5. Design a handle - For a handle, use a cotton belt, neck tie, extra denim from the legs to create a handle, or cut the inside seams from both pant legs and make handles from these and thread it through the belt loops and tie the ends together.

6. Apply photographic images using iron on transfer.

7. Accessorize and embellish the carrier with beads, tassels, ribbons, fabric paint, or any other items you would like to use as part of your design.