DIY Recycled Jeans Purse (No Sew) * Moms and Crafters

I made this really simple recycled jeans purse for my niece, believe it or not, without touching a needle or thread (well, besides for the embroidery)! Read on to find out how…

(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.)

Recycling denim can be a challenge when you don’t have a sewing machine. While some fabrics can be reused with decoupage, real jeans are a bit thick for that.

I made this purse using the pocket from a pair of overalls, with the attached material. I embroidered a little red heart, because my niece’s favorite color is red. You can go a little simpler, and sew on a cute button, pull out some fabric markers (perfect for allowing a kid to decorate), or just leave it as is. You can even add a little interest using a bleach pen.

The handle is made from heavy chain, but you can use alternatives that are lighter (such as aluminum.) You can even use leather cord, or crochet a simple chain stitch. Since I work with jewelry a lot, I simply used a piece of chain I had with my jewelry making supplies.

I made this for my little niece, but it’s adorable for anyone! Match a larger pocket with brown leather and a bleach pen pattern to make a hands-free “grab ‘n go” handbag for your cell phone, driver’s license, and keys. You can even use it as a cell phone-only pouch. I used a pocket from my son’s size 12 months overalls, but if you use full-sized jeans, you’ll fit much more in.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A DIY NO SEW RECYCLED JEANS PURSE:

Jeans pocket
Embroidery floss and embroidery needle
Fabric shears and detail scissors
Clear or coordinating nail polish (yup, you heard right!)
Strong jump rings (plus pliers for opening and closing them.)
Chain (as many feet as you’d like it long… I used about 36 inches.)
Permanent marker

HOW TO MAKE A DIY RECYCLED JEANS PURSE

You need a pair of jeans with a pocket sewn on. These baby overalls with a small double-stitched pocket are perfect for a kid’s purse. The corners are reinforced too.

2. Cut out the pocket together with the fabric that it’s sewed to. Cut close to the pocket, but be careful not to nip the pocket itself.

3. Flip your pocket over, and apply a thin coat of nail polish along the edges to stop the fraying. You can read more about this nail polish hack here.

4. Add your design. For the heart that I embroidered: draw a heart shape using a permanent marker.

5. Thread your embroidery needle through the pocket from back to front. Make sure you are only sewing the outer pocket layer, or you won’t have access to your purse…

6. Sew along your design. I used a simple split stitch, where I brought the needle back up halfway through a simple stitch, splitting the threads of the stitch.

7. I didn’t have any punching equipment handy, and this was a spontaneous project. so, I cut a hole in the corner of the pocket using the detail scissors, and it worked out just fine! Stick it through one layer at a time, just enough to poke a thick piece of wire through.