From Rags to Bags: The Art of Upcycled Accessories

Hello, Snazzie People,

In the world of creative crafting, there’s an old saying that goes, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” When it comes to making bags and accessories, truer words were never spoken. Repurposing and giving items new life is not only an eco-conscious endeavor but also a gateway to crafting something truly unique.

In this adventure we are going to explore the world of crafting with recycled materials, we’ll look at the art of breathing new life into old jeans, transforming vintage linens into stylish bags, and discovering the untapped potential in forgotten shirts, sweaters, blazers, and even upholstery fabric. And that’s just the beginning!

Join me as we delve into the world of sustainable crafting, where creativity knows no bounds, and the beauty of repurposing knows no end. We’ll not only learn about the different materials at our disposal but also share a few of my personal experiences along the way. So, grab your scissors, dust off your sewing machine, and let’s embark on an adventure that combines ingenuity, sustainability, and a dash of thrift store treasure hunting. It’s time to create, reduce, reuse, and reimagine. Let’s get started!

 1. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Jeans, Pants, Skirts 

 Transforming Old Denim:  

Don’t toss those worn-out jeans or skirts! They can be repurposed into stylish totes, backpacks, or trendy patchwork handbags. The durability of denim makes it an excellent choice for bag exteriors, and you can get creative with pocket details and seams.

Don’t forget to hold on to the zippers and unused pockets; you might find creative uses for them later.

Personal Touch:

I love making purses, backpacks, and tote bags from thrifted pants and jeans. My father-in-law always gives me his old jeans, which are usually stained and ripped, but I can usually find enough fabric to make small cases. These old jeans are also great for practice prototype making.

 2. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Sheets, Blankets, Drapes, and Tablecloths 

 Reviving Old Linens:  

Vintage sheets, blankets, drapes, or tablecloths can find new life as beautiful, eco-friendly bags and accessories. The soft and unique patterns of these fabrics add character to your creations. Consider using them for linings or as a statement piece in your bag’s design.

Even if you find some that you may not like or don’t think will work for your project, it’s a good idea to keep them on hand for practice. If you are making a new design, it’s always wise to create a sample before cutting into that vintage tablecloth.

A Note from Experience:

Personally, I feel that handmade quilts should be preserved and never cut up for other sewing projects. Quilts are a work of art, and someone put a lot of work into them. They also serve as a snapshot of history.

 3. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Shirts 

 Shirts to Chic Totes:  

Old button-down shirts, especially those with interesting textures or prints, can be upcycled into fashionable tote bags or stylish clutch purses. Don’t forget to repurpose the shirt pockets as exterior or interior compartments for added functionality. You can even find creative ways to use cuffs and collars, and make sure to save any buttons you don’t use as they may come in handy later.

My favorite way to use shirts in bag making is as the lining for the inside of my bag. I like to leave the button placket for a surprising detail when you open the bag. Most of my bags have some internal slip pockets, and this is a great way to repurpose the shirt pocket.

 4. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Sweaters 

 Cozy Creations:  

Retired sweaters can be transformed into cozy accessories. Consider crafting soft and warm handbags, mittens, or even hats. The ribbed cuffs can become stylish bag closures, and the body of the sweater can be used for bag exteriors.

Textured totes are very popular, and sweaters are perfect for this style. Even a button-up cardigan can add an interesting feature to a bag. You will want to make sure you have a strong, well-structured inner lining as it will be what holds all the weight. The sweater exterior will just be decorative.

 5. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Blazers, Jackets, and Coats 

 Elegant Upcycling:  

Old blazers, jackets, or coats provide a wealth of fabric for making elegant bags and accessories. The structured nature of these garments is perfect for creating structured handbags or messenger bags with a touch of sophistication.

From My Journey:

When I first started making bags, I wanted to make myself a purse out of tweed, which can be pricey. One day I found a wool tweed blazer at the thrift store, and the fabric was just what I was looking for. This marked the beginning of my journey into using upcycled materials for bag-making. Most blazers are lined and have ready-made pockets and decorative buttons. I try to incorporate all these elements back into the bag I’m making. I use the blazer pocket as an exterior pocket, which is perfect for cell phones. The lining is repurposed into zipper pocket lining, and sometimes I add buttons to the bag as a decorative element.

Remember to wash any thrifted materials you use before making bags. Many blazers and jackets are made of wool and may say “dry clean only.” I still wash everything. Sometimes, you may experience a little shrinkage, but this is great in the long run because you can create a bag that is machine-washable.

 6. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Upholstery 

 Durable and Decorative:  

Upholstery fabric, with its durability and rich designs, is an ideal choice for crafting statement bags. Consider using it for large totes, weekender bags, or upholstery-inspired accessories that exude elegance and sturdiness.

I love the look of a bag made from upholstery fabric. I buy upholstery remnants to make bags. If you ever come across an old ripped couch cushion, you may find that there’s just enough fabric there to make a bag. Just remember to wash the fabric first, especially if you find it on the side of the road.

 7. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Scraps 

Piece Together Art: Gather your fabric scraps, even those too small for larger projects, and turn them into patchwork wonders. These can be used for unique coin purses, keychains, or even as decorative accents on larger bags, adding a touch of personality.

If you’ve been around the sewing community, you’ve heard the phrase “scrap busting.” Even the smallest amount of fabric can be used to make something, so sewists tend to keep all their scraps until they are almost overwhelmed. There are plenty of small items you can make with scraps. Sometimes you may have to think outside the box.

 8. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Signs 

 Creative and Unique:  

Old signs, made from materials like vinyl or leather, can be repurposed into one-of-a-kind bag exteriors. These unique materials add an element of creativity and individuality to your bags, making them true conversation starters.

Signs, such as those made of vinyl, have the added advantage of being water-resistant. This makes them great for all-weather items like bicycle bags, commuter bags, lunch bags, and even rain hats. Check with your local grocery store and see if they can give you some signs they are planning to toss.

 9. Making Bags and Accessories from Recycled Towels 

 Beachy Vibes:  

Old towels, especially those with vibrant colors or beach-themed prints, can be turned into beach bags, poolside totes, or even bathroom organizers. Their absorbent nature can make them practical choices for damp environments. Towels can also be used to make beach covers and robes. One idea I like is to make reusable cleansing cloths and headbands for cleaning your face and putting on makeup.

We have reached the end of our journey but for you, the adventure has only begun. Let me know if you were inspired by this list.

What type of items have you repurposed? It doesn’t have to be sewing-related.

What kinds of things do you plan to repurpose in the future?

Good luck with your sewing adventures!

Kelly