Denim shorts upcycling tutorial. Beginner friendly.
In this easy sewing tutorial I’ll show you how you can upcycle a pair of kids’ denim shorts into 4 compact shoulder bags with handy, built in pockets perfect for your mobile phone and other essentials – great for times when you don’t want to carry a big handbag.
A friend gave me these brand new kids denim shorts they had bought for their child but they didn’t fit. They couldn’t be bothered returning them for a refund so challenged me to upcycle them into something else. As soon as I saw them I thought the shorts would be perfect to upcycle into several small, shoulder bags.
The pockets are the perfect size for a mobile phone with enough space inside for other essentials.
Step 1 – Cut into four separate pieces.
The first step was to cut the shorts into four separate pieces – two front pieces and two back pieces – cutting off any seams.
The next step is to fold them in half and cut down each side so each piece is equal in width.
By folding them in half, you don’t have to sew a bottom seam which makes the process faster and looks neater.
To keep this project simple, quick and beginner friendly, I haven’t bothered with zips or lining. Of course, these could be added quite easily.
Step 2 – Find suitable should straps or make shoulder straps.
Next, I decide what shoulder straps I’m going to add to each bag. When upcycling, I make a conscious effort not to buy anything new and only use what I’ve already got on hand. I’m always collecting and saving bits and bobs hoping they’ll come in handy one day – and this is one such day.
I decide to use the straps from another shoulder bag I’ve already got. These can be simply unclipped and attached to different bags.
For another, I decide to make a strap from the animal fabric I cut from the hem of a second hand trench coat I recently altered to fit. If you’re interested, the video of this project is on my channel.
And finally, I found some old dog leads in a Council pickup recently and will upcycle one of these into a strap for the final bag.
Step 3 – Sew side seams. Sew top hem.
The next step is to sew the side seams of each of the pieces.
And then neaten the top hem. I simply turned the top of the fabric over. If you were lining the bags, you would sew your inner lining at the same time now.
Step 4 – Attach the straps.
Now it’s onto attaching the straps.
The first option is the easiest. I simply created a long strap and sewed it to the inner sides of the bag.
For the second option, I also very easy. Using two belt loops from the original waist band, I sewed these to the inner top of the bag so the loops were sticking upwards. I can now attach the shoulder strap I took from another bag and attach it to the loops.
And finally, for the third option, I followed the same process as the second option, attaching two belt loops from the waist band.
Then I added a spacer to the loops. For this project, I didn’t have a proper bag spacer (I’m not sure of the proper technical term) so used two keyrings as a temporary solutions.
Then I attached the dog lead, which I had cut to the right length and sewed a loop at each end. This is then attached to the keyring.
Step 5 – Add closers.
And finally, I added some closers.
For one bag, I used a press stud closer.
For the second, I sewed a button onto the outside of the pocket and then a ribbon tie which loops over the button to keep the bag closed.
I didn’t add a closer to the third, smaller bag as it’s only big enough for a mobile phone and didn’t think it needed a closer.
And here they are finished. For a few hours work, I have given two bags to my friend who gave me the shorts and will keep one for myself and give the fourth to a friend.
I hope I’ve inspired you to transform an old pair of shorts you’re no longer wearing.
Watch denim shorts upcycling video.
Why clothes upcycling is important.
Clothes upcycling promotes a more sustainable, creative, and responsible approach to fashion, all of which contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Environmental Impact
Clothes upcycling helps reduce waste by repurposing old or unwanted garments, often diverting them from landfill.
With the fashion industry being one of the planets largest polluters, upcycling and repurposing clothing reduces the need for new materials and decreases carbon emissions associated with the product and disposal of clothing.
Conservation
Traditional clothing manufacturing consumes significant amounts of water, energy, and raw materials.
Upcycling clothing not only extends the life of existing textiles, conserving these valuable resources, but promotes more sustainable consumption patterns.
Creative Expression
Upcycling clothes and other materials encourages creative freedom by transforming old clothes into unique, personalised garments.
Upcycling and sewing fosters innovation and encourages people to experiment with designs, creating one-of-a-kind items that reflect personal style and creativity.
Cost Effective
Upcycling clothing can be very cost-effective by reducing money spent purchasing new clothes but can also assist charities when clothes are purchased second hand from charities.
Quality and Longevity
Repairing and mending clothing enhances the longevity of existing garments, giving them longevity in your wardrobe and limiting the need to purchase new clothes. This contrasts with fast fashion items, which are frequently designed for short-term use.