If you love turning old clothes into something fresh and useful, this crochet upcycle project is such a fun one to try. This purse takes old denim and gives it a whole new life with a handmade crochet look that feels creative, practical, and a little bit one of a kind. It has that nice mix of sturdy fabric and soft yarn texture, so the finished bag feels both casual and stylish. Projects like this are especially satisfying because you are not just making a bag, you are rescuing material that might otherwise sit unused. It is a great choice for crocheters who enjoy wearable, everyday pieces and want a project that feels different from a standard yarn-only purse. If you have old jeans tucked away somewhere, this is a lovely excuse to finally use them.
Why You’ll Love This Project:
This project is a great mix of crafty and practical. You get the fun of crochet, the structure of denim, and the satisfaction of making something useful from old materials. It also has plenty of room for personal touches, so no two finished bags need to look exactly the same.
Materials Needed:
- Old jeans for the upcycled fabric pieces
- Yarn for the crocheted sections
- Crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Sewing needle or a way to attach fabric and crochet neatly
- Stitch markers if you like using them for cleaner edges
- Measuring tape
- Optional lining, button, zipper, or strap details if you want to finish it your own way
If the exact yarn weight or hook size is not obvious, use a yarn and hook size that matches your desired fit and texture.
Best Yarn for This Project:
For a denim purse like this, cotton yarn or a cotton blend works especially well because it gives a neat stitch definition and holds its shape nicely. If you want the bag to feel soft but still sturdy, a medium-weight cotton is a good place to start. You can also use leftover yarn if it feels strong enough for bag making. Since the denim already gives support, you do not need anything too fluffy or stretchy.
Skill Level:
This feels best for confident beginners or easy-level crocheters. The crochet itself is not the hardest part, but combining crochet with fabric takes a little patience. If you are comfortable with basic stitches and you do not mind checking your shape as you go, you should do just fine.
Size and Fit Guide:
Since this is a purse, the easiest way to adjust the size is to decide early how roomy you want it to be. You can make the body wider, taller, or more compact depending on your needs. Lay your denim pieces out first, then build the crochet sections to suit that shape. Keep checking the bag while you work so the panels and crochet edges line up neatly.
Stitches Used:
The tutorial centers on simple crochet construction, so the project is built in a beginner-friendly way with basic foundation work and joining rather than anything overly fancy. Keep your stitches even and firm so the bag feels tidy and strong once assembled.
How to Make It:
Step 1: Prepare the Denim
Start by choosing old jeans that still have strong fabric, especially around the flatter sections. You want pieces that are clean, not too worn out, and large enough to cut into usable purse parts. Before cutting, think about the shape of your bag. A simple rectangular or softly rounded shape works very well for a first upcycle purse.
Cut away the sections you want to use and trim them into matching pieces for the front and back of the bag. If there are bulky seams, decide whether you want to keep them for character or cut them away for a smoother finish. This part is worth doing carefully because neat fabric pieces make the whole project easier later.
Step 2: Plan the Crochet Sections
Once your denim pieces are ready, decide where the crochet will sit. In a project like this, crochet can frame the denim, connect separate pieces, form the sides, or create part of the strap. This is what gives the bag that handmade upcycle charm. The denim adds strength, while the crochet softens the look and lets you shape the project more freely.
At this stage, it helps to hold the materials together and imagine the final purse. You might want a narrow shoulder bag, a small everyday purse, or something a bit roomier. Let the denim guide the structure, then use crochet to build around it.
Step 3: Start the Foundation
Begin your crochet section with a foundation that matches the area you need to cover or attach. Keep the tension steady. Bags usually look better when the stitches are not too loose, especially if you want the purse to hold its shape well. If the tutorial’s bag uses straight panels, work in rows and check the width often against your denim. If a border is being added around fabric, pause regularly to make sure the crochet is lying flat and not pulling.
This part does not need to be rushed. A bag project always looks cleaner when the early rows are even and the corners stay consistent.
Step 4: Build the Main Body
As you continue, the body of the purse starts to come together. Work enough rows or rounds to create the height you want, or enough crochet to balance the size of your denim panels. If the purse is designed with denim on both sides and crochet as the connector, this is where the project really begins to take shape.
Try holding the pieces together while you work. That makes it easier to judge whether the proportions look right. If the bag seems too tall, stop earlier. If you want more room inside, add a little more length before joining. This kind of project is very forgiving as long as you keep checking your shape before finishing.
Step 5: Shape and Adjust
One of the nicest things about a crochet upcycle purse is that you can adjust it to suit your style. If you want a cleaner, more minimal look, keep the crochet simple and fitted. If you like more texture, you can lean into a more handmade finish with visible edging or a chunkier yarn.
Make sure both sides match in size before joining anything permanently. If one side looks slightly wider, it is much easier to correct it now than after assembly. This is also the point where you can decide how deep you want the bag to be. A flat purse is great for essentials, while extra side space makes it better for daily use.
Step 6: Join the Pieces
Now bring the denim and crochet sections together. Join carefully so the edges look neat and the purse feels secure. Depending on the construction, the crochet may be attached directly to denim pieces or used to connect the front, back, and side sections. Take your time here, especially around corners and the upper edge of the bag.
If you plan to carry the purse often, strong joining matters. A tidy finish is lovely, but strength is even more important. Make sure the stress points, especially near the strap area, are reinforced well.
Step 7: Add the Strap
A crochet strap can make the bag feel softer and more handmade, while a denim strap can give it a slightly more structured look. Either way, check the length before fully attaching it. Try it over your shoulder and see where you want the bag to sit. Some people like a shorter purse tucked close under the arm, while others prefer a slightly longer everyday shoulder fit.
If your strap is crocheted, keep it firm and not too stretchy. A dense strap usually wears better over time.
Step 8: Finish the Edges
Once the purse is assembled, tidy up the top edge and any visible joins. This is where the project starts looking polished. A simple edging can make the whole bag feel more finished and help smooth out places where denim and crochet meet.
Weave in all yarn ends carefully and trim any loose fabric threads. If you want, you can add a closure such as a button, zipper, or tie. A lining is optional, but it can make the inside feel more professional and help the bag keep its shape.
Step 9: Final Look
The finished purse should feel sturdy, creative, and full of character. You will still see the charm of the old jeans, but now they are transformed into something useful and stylish. That balance between recycled fabric and handmade crochet is what makes this kind of project so satisfying.
Helpful Tips:
Use denim that still feels strong, not overly thin or worn out. Keep your crochet tension steady so the purse does not sag. Check the size before joining the pieces. Reinforce the strap area well. If you want a cleaner finish, add a lining after the main bag is complete. And if your edges look a little wavy at first, a light block or careful shaping can help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
A very common mistake is choosing denim that is too bulky in some areas and too thin in others. Another is making the crochet too loose, which can leave the bag floppy. It is also easy to forget to compare both sides before joining, which can make the purse look uneven. Some makers rush the strap attachment, but that is one place that really needs strength. Skipping edge cleanup can also make an otherwise lovely project look unfinished.
Customization Ideas:
You can make this purse more personal in lots of easy ways. Try using contrasting yarn for a bold look, or go with a neutral cotton for something simple and modern. Add a flap, a button closure, a zipper, or even a pocket using extra denim. You could also make the bag smaller for a cute everyday purse or larger for a roomy market-style bag.
Style Ideas:
This kind of bag looks great with casual outfits, especially denim, linen, simple dresses, or everyday basics. It also makes a sweet handmade gift for someone who loves practical accessories with personality. Because it has that upcycled feel, it works beautifully as a statement piece without looking too fussy.
Care Instructions:
Spot clean when possible, especially if the bag includes mixed materials. For a fuller wash, gentle hand washing is safest. Reshape it afterward and lay it flat to dry. Avoid high heat, especially if your yarn is not fully cotton. If the denim wrinkles, smooth it out gently once dry.
Time Needed:
This may take a few hours depending on your speed, yarn, bag size, and how much finishing detail you want to add. If you include lining or extra hardware, give yourself a little more time.
Conclusion:
A crochet upcycle purse is such a rewarding make because it turns something old into something handmade and useful. It gives you room to be creative, play with texture, and make a bag that feels personal from start to finish. You can keep it simple or dress it up with your own finishing touches. Either way, it is a lovely project for anyone who enjoys crochet with a practical twist.
FAQs:
1. Is this beginner-friendly?
Yes, for confident beginners. The crochet is approachable, but working with denim takes a little extra care.
2. What yarn works best for this kind of bag?
Cotton or a cotton blend is a great choice because it gives nice structure and holds up well.
3. Can I change the size of the purse?
Yes. You can adjust the denim panel size and crochet more or fewer rows to get the look you want.
4. Do I need perfect old jeans for this?
Not at all. You just need sections that are still sturdy enough to hold shape.
5. Can I add a lining?
Yes, and it is a nice idea if you want a cleaner inside and more support.
This article is based on the recent full YouTube tutorial “How to Crochet a Purse (Made From Your Old Jeans)”. Search results show it as a 44:16 tutorial uploaded about two months ago, and the video snippet notes that the project uses two pairs of old jeans.