Tote-ally Upcycled Bag!
In this fun and creative class, you'll learn how to transform a well-loved pair of jeans into an adorable and functional quilted tote bag. I'll guide you through deconstructing denim, crafting sturdy straps, boxing corners for a polished look, and even adding a (surprisingly friendly) zipper pocket! These versatile techniques will come in handy for future bag making projects, too. Walk away with a one-of-a-kind tote you'll be proud to carry - everyone will want to know where you got it!
Class Supply List:
(The Quilter's Lodge offers a 10% discount on class supplies)
(The Quilter's Lodge offers a 10% discount on class supplies)
Denim & Fabric:
• Pattern (included in class fee)
• 1 Pair non-stretch denim jeans, Note: Don’t buy new jeans! Source denim from Deseret Industries or local thrift shops. Look in the Men’s section or choose larger sizes from the Women’s section. Avoid stretch denim—jeans with high Spandex content will distort the final shape. The best options are Levi’s, Kirkland, Lucky Brand, or any sturdy, low-stretch denim. Choose straight-legged jeans with legs at least 10" wide (20" when opened and laid flat). Skinny jeans are too narrow, and bootcut or bell-bottom styles are difficult to work with due to curved seams.
• 1 yd quilting cotton or substitute: 1⁄2 yd (lining – 3⁄4 yd for directional prints), 1⁄4 yd (handles), and 1⁄4 yd (pockets). Fat quarters work for handles/pockets.
Stabilizers & Notions:
• 1⁄2 yd Fusible Fleece (45” wide) or 1 yd if narrower
• 1⁄4 yd Lightweight Fusible Interfacing (e.g., Pellon SF101)
• 1 Swivel Hook & D-ring (1⁄2”)
• 1 Sew-on or Magnetic Snap (18–19 mm)
• 1 Zipper (7") or Zipper Tape & Pull
• Optional: 1⁄8” Double Sided Tape
Tip: Use coordinating thread for the lining, handles, and pockets, and contrasting thread for
the body of the bag for a polished finish.
Sewing Tools:
- Sewing Machine, foot pedal and power cord - (Please be familiar with your sewing machine, we can possibly offer suggestions but we do not know the details of how all the different brands of sewing machines operate)
- 1/4” foot or 1/4” guide, zipper foot, and walking foot
- Coordinating Thread
- Needles: 110/16 for denim, 90/14 or 75/11 for cotton
- Hand needle (for magnetic snap)
- Measuring Gauge - The Quilter's Lodge Throwing Star
- Seam Ripper - the sharper the better!
- 45mm Rotary Cutter or 60mm Rotary Cutter
- Scissors
- Fine Patchwork Sewing Pins
- Binding Clips
- Tape measure
- Tailors chalk (white), fabric pen (non-disappearing) (Tip: Tailors chalk is necessary for marking quilting lines. Heat disappearing pens will not show up on denim and material will be ironed causing lines to disappear.)
- Tags (optional). You can repurpose the jeans label as a tag for the outside of the bag. The flower tag shown in the sample was purchased on Temu, but similar options are available on Amazon.
Shared Cutting Mats, 6 1/2" x 24 1/2" Rulers with Handles, Irons,
Ironing Boards and Design Walls are supplied by The Quilter's Lodge
A lifelong maker, Wendi has been quilting since the late '90s and has always had a passion for creating beautiful, functional items. From baby blankets and bibs to diaper bags and wipe totes, she's sewn it all - often out of necessity, always with love.
Her creativity eventually led to a short-lived Etsy shop and deep dive into bag-making, where she taught herself (thanks, internet!) how to design and sew crossbody bags and purses. These days, she's especially obsessed with upcycling denim - she'll turn an old pair of jeans into just about anything and proudly calls the D.I. her favorite fabric store.
Wendi has also taught machine embroidery classes at The Cotton Shop and enjoys crochet and papercrafts when she's not at her sewing machine. Married with two kids and a house ruled by five cats, she's always making something - and she loves sharing her skills with fellow creatives.
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Included Materials
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This class cannot be purchased online. Please contact the store for more information.