Basic Booty Bag Tutorial (unlined)

Here it is: a first booty bag tutorial.  There are several ways to make these, and if you're going to use jeans, more than likely you will not line it (nor will you really need to).  So this first tutorial is the most basic version of a booty bag: an unlined version.  I will add instructions for a lined version after doing enough such projects to get some pictures.

A note about pants size: the best sizes are juniors 0-5, or misses 0-6.  If you want to use a larger size, keep in mind the overall bag will be larger, and may be much wider than tall.  If you want to use a larger pair of pants, you can bring the proportions in by "boxing" the bottom corners (see Step 5 of the Tote Bag Tutorial).

1. To visualize how the pair of pants you've picked might look as a finished purse, fold the legs back at the crotch. 

   

2. Measure the rise from the top of the pants to the crotch.
3. Measure this distance from the waistband down the leg all the way across and draw a line.  Cut the legs at this line.  If it appears uneven, don't worry.  You will straighten later.

   

4. The pants may still be sewn together at the center.  This is fine.  Cut apart.

   

5. Turn inside out. In order to make the front and back of the pants lie flat, you will need to sew a new, straighter seam down the middle. Lay the crotch area flat, marking the area with a straight line, then sew along that line and trim. 

   

6. Repeat the process on the backside of the pants.  Since the backside is more curved, the line for your new, straighter seam will extend further up the backside.

   

7. Now your pants look more like a skirt.  If the cut across the bottom appears uneven, straighten it with your rotary cutter and ruler now.

   

8. Pin and sew across the bottom.

   

9. You will use the pant legs to make the handles. Cut the desired length and 4x the desired width for each handle (mine were each approx. 6"x22").  Fold in half lengthwise and press, then fold each side into the center, and press again. 

   

10. Since the bag is unlined, here is one area where you can add some color.  Cut and fold another piece of fabric exactly as you have for the handles.  Place this piece of folded fabric on top of your handles and pin in place.  Topstitch these pieces together.  (You can also use ribbon instead)

    

11. To attach handles to the bag, sew each handle with a square and "X" in the middle (if you're using jeans, use a size 16 or "jeans needle" - you may need to hand-turn the sewing needle during this part due to the thickness of material).  All done!

    

Comments

[Alta]

1.

I love it!

[Win']

2.

Your bag is BEAUTIFUL!! This tutorial looks super simple and fun. Thanks for sharing!! I added your tutorial to my blog (xboutiquex) of favorite crafts and tutorials.
Now...I so need a new purse....headed to closet to pick out some jeans & put this tutorial to the test!! :) Thanks again!

[Diane W]

3.

I love this version-makes a change from the denim bags.
I made the same kind of bag with my daughters short denim skirt(age 4 years approx).
I just added a bottom to it from a scrap piece of denim.To save making a belt, I used a knotted leather belt tied thru the belt loops on the waistband.

[Zahid Furkan]

4.

çok malca hepiniz malsınız.pİS ingilizler pis inek ingilizler

[cmites]

5.

I need to give you credit for my current Christmas idea.

I've taken your booty bag and made a few changes.

First off, I haven't seen a junior's size 6 in 25 years, so I took some old pre-baby jeans and created your booty bag, but with a few changes. I made the bag bigger and the straps longer, creating denim shpping bags. I left the pockets on, and embellished them to personalize each bay (i.e. cat lover had cat cutouts), then put an envelope in one back pocket and a small notepad w/ pen in the other. This way, the user will have a place for coupons & their grocery list. For Christmas we put goodies inside each bag: homemade preserves, cheese, bread, hot cocoa & mugs. A perfect gift for those hard-to-buy-for folks, and and easy way to encourage greener shopping.

So, thanks for your FABULOUS idea! It was the catalyst I needed in determining which type of bag to make. You ROCK!

[Phoenicia]

6.

I loved your purse. I have made several of them. Did you take the label out of yours?

[Kay]

7.

just wondering...do you know the game, Big Bootie??

[wiggles]

8.

Love this! I am going to try this....I even have what looks like the SAME EXACT pair of pants!!!!

[Louise]

9.

I really like your instructions on yhis project. I do have a question do you remove the brand labels from the pants?

Thanks for your answer :)

[Louise]

10.

I really like your instructions on this project. I do have a question , do you remove the brand labels from the pants?

Thanks for your answer :)

[samantha]

11.

I just saw this booty bag here today. 2008 and wonder where it was hiding? Your bag is cute, plan to make one and see how it turns out. Praying for so simple, "adorably cute" Thnks - Samantha

[Olivia]

12.

Thanks for the instructions...they will help me a lot. Although, I have never really done any projects like this before and I am somewhat confused on steps 3-6. If you think you can help me, please email meL mivida_feliz@hotmail.com

THANx!

[Sylvia]

13.

Thank you for posting the Booty Bag. I have not made one yet, but I will. This pattern is soooo simple. Thank you for your insite and inspiration.

[V.]

14.

I used a skirt, but your tutorial definitely inspired me! Check out the results at www.repurposed.wordpress.com

[Amanda from PA]

15.

I just used your tutorial to make a bag out of glittery gold pants that I no longer have the guts to wear. It's much more fun as a bag, anyway!

[Jessie Bryson]

16.

This is just fab! I couldn't help but smile at the title! Love it!

[Robin in New Jersey]

17.

Thank you so much for this. I just came over from Sew Mama Sew's holiday blog.

I have a pair of boys wide wale corduroy jeans on my rocking chair in a deep green that I could not throw away. I have now found something to do with them!

[Donna]

18.

I have been wanting to make a "booty" bag for quite a while but did not like the way the crouch hung on most patterns. Thanks for showing how to do it this way. I have a lot of crazy pants to use. Time to get started sewing. :-) Donna

[Carrie]

19.

I love this bag and I love your blog!!! I found you from the handmade holidays link for your apron, which I already have fabric ready to make. I am in the process of making my first "booty bag" now and am struggling to line it! Do you think you'll be adding instructions on how to line anytime soon? I'd love to make more of these for christmas gifts!

[Jennifer from Canada]

20.

Great tutorial! I am going to dig out my old pants I put a hole in the knee but just couldnt bring myself to throw them out cause they were a FAVE pair now I can carry them instead! Cool idea. Cant wait to make this. Thanks for sharing

[Victor]

21.

Your post very interesting, on it is what is not present on other sites.

[ida elopre]

22.

a most creative and fun way to turn discarded pants into something useful again.

[Deborah Robertson]

23.

Very cute and unique! I will have to try this one!

[Henry]

24.

I have already enjoy your website, and it is so nice and cool. I will visit your website again. Thank you. Please More updates

[Lucjan]

25.

Wonderful and informative web site.I used information from that site its great.