Classic hobo bag

Classy and so on trend, this denim hobo bag from a pair of jeans is easy to match any outfit. And it is easy to make too. You will need a pair of large jeans with wide straight legs.

Sewing pattern bags from jeans

The pattern can be used to make this hobo shoulder bag in other fabrics. But sing old jeans for your craft projects helps our Mother Nature in a very big way! This bag is a great DIY sewing project for the green crafters :))

But I really would like to show you how it’s made with jeans legs. Denim is never out of fashion and denim bags go well with almost any outfit!

Hobo bag made from old jeans

I will also show you how to make an absolutely neat handle, which you can use in other bags too. I know there are some tutorials about how to make a handle like this, and there different ways to do it. And I also know that the way I make it gets the most tidy result and all seams are 100% enclosed. The handle is strong and professional looking. For those who have already been trying sewing this type of bag – yes, there is a trick in the order of sewing parts together.

handle for bag
inner of the handle

I’d rate the difficulty level as medium. It’s not too complicated, but you do need some sewing experience.

Size of the finished bag –

Width when flat 17″ (43 cm)
Height when flat from the opening 15″ (38 cm)
Handle drop 12″ (31 cm)
It becomes smaller once filled and draped down, as there is depth added then. I’d call it medium or slightly larger then medium.

DIY jeans bag how to

To make this bag you will need –

To make this denim hobo bag from a pair of jeans you’ll need… a pair of jeans 🙂 The size of the jeans should be Large. But due to so many shapes and leg widths, I’d rather give you the following measurements. Those are minimum for the pattern to fit. The larger — the better and easier to work with 🙂 Leg length measuring from bottom hem to the bum pocket — minimum 72cm (28”). Leg width just below the knee — minimum 23cm (9”).

You might wish to have a magnet clasp for this bag, but it is optional.

You will also need some fabric for the lining – two pieces of 50×75 cm. If you are buying it from a roll, get 0,5m. But if there is a direction of print on the fabric, pay extra attention, as you might need 0,75m. Not much anyway, and all details will be described in the tutorial.

sewing pattern handbag

Buy this pattern:

OR

Adding some décor onto bags sometimes is a pure necessity! You’d find some imperfections on old jeans very often and instead of giving up on your sewing project, just think how you can cover it up by adding something on 😉 If you wish to learn more about decorating and painting on your bags, visit my lesson here >>>.

How to sea a hobo bag from old jeans

Check out other ideas on upcycling jeans into cool stuff here>>>

Or get some knowledge on handling denim here>>>

47 thoughts on “Classic hobo bag

  1. Do you have a paper copy of the pattern available? My printer is not working. Let me know what you would charge for that.
    Thank you.

        1. Hi! Thank you for your interest in my patterns.
          I don’t make them on paper. Only digital for you to print at home.
          I can though print it on my home printer and ship it to you.
          If you are in USA (I am in Europe) the small package will cost 5 USD, tracked and priority, and it will take 2-3 weeks to arrive.
          Plus the cost of the pattern itself, same as digital – 11 USD.

          One more important thing –
          When the pattern is bought digitally, I provide there two files:
          1 is the patternt to print in 4 pages,
          2 is the tutorial with photos which you don’t have to print, you can just read it on your screen. There are 20 pages full of photos, which, as you can imagine, will be quite bad quality after printed on a normal printer.

          So my suggestion is to print and ship only the 4 pages for the pattern to cut out (or I can outline it for you on a larger paper) and the other 20pages you can download and read on your screen, just as it was designed for.

          So, it’s kind of possible 🙂
          Let me know, Kat

        1. Hello, Michelle! Thank you for buying the pattern! You should of received an email with files. Check the spam folder too. Feel free to contact me if you still can’t find the download.

  2. I love your classic hobo bag. Do you sell any of them? I would buy one from you.
    Thank you,

  3. Hie…….I like it so mch…… Will u please provide proper marking and measurement on paper……
    Or a video of cutting…… please I m fully confident I can make it…. so please help a bit

  4. It’s гeally a nice and helpful pіece of info.
    I am һappy that you simply shаred this usеful information with us.
    Please stay uѕ up to date lіke thіs. Thank you f᧐r sharing.

  5. Hi I bought the hobo bag pattern but I am having trouble following the lining bit, I can’t find the extra file on this, can you help thanks

    1. Hello, Julie! Thank you for the message! I have just sent you an email with the neccessary file. Happy sewing!

  6. Lütfe kot çantsların kalıbını gönderiemisiniz ölçüleri ve çizimi yapamadım lütfe gönderirmisiniz şimdiden teşekkürler çok beğendim

  7. I’m in the US and cannot print on A4 paper – only 8 1/2” x 11”. Will your A4 files print all wonky on US 8 1/2” x 11”?

    1. Hi, Melody! Unfortunately I don’t have US Lettern Paper to check. But I dont think it will print wonky, I think it will print either slightly squashed either eat up some at the borders. In any case if you are ok with drawing, you will be able to correct the pattern with the measurements provided. If you decide to risk it, do not hezitate to contact me for any assistance!

      1. Thank you for your reply! I’ll risk it, as I really love this bag’s shape! Heading over to your shop now to purchase the pattern! I’ll let you know how it prints and what we “Yanks” need to do to adjust the pattern from A4 paper to 8 1/2” x 11” paper!

  8. I find your hobo bag interesting. Would like to make it. Please mail the pattern and tutorial. Thank u

  9. Buenas, como puedo obtener el patrón hace mucho tuve uno pero del uso ya no lo tengo y me encantaría hacerme uno ya que tengo muchos vaqueros para reciclar y me da pena tirarlos.
    Gracias

    1. Hello! Thank you for your interest! You can buy the PDF pattern with instructions as stated higher on the page. Have a great day!

  10. Bjr j habite a l’île de la Réunion et je boss en psy je me debrouille un peu et votre sac hobo…je le cherche depuis un moment pourriez vous m envoyer le patron ou comment faire pour l imprimer je peux l’imprimer a mon boulot en tout cas….bravo

  11. I am having some problems with the strap I have purchased the pattern and made 2 but could not get the strap and lining as you do from the printed info. Would be so grateful to see the video tutorial. Tried following the given link but you tube tells me the video is no longer available. Is it still possible to view it anywhere?

  12. Mi nombre es Rosario aguilar hace tiempo yo pague por el patrón de esta bolsa y nunca lo recibí estoy interesada en hacer esta bolsa me puedes decir cómo la puedo obtener no hablo inglés solo español

  13. Hallo, Kat! I have purchased your pattern several years ago. I think 1 or 2 years ago. I can’t find it now. Where shall I look for it?

  14. Hi Make it in denim,
    I purchased the hobo bag pattern, and made two denim bags that turned out beautiful for a silent auction. Since the purchase states “never expires” I read from my computer as to save paper. When going back in to make another bag the link is not available. Please advise what I can do to get the tutorial instructions back.

    Thank you

    1. Hello, Donna! Thank you for buying the pattern! I am now sending you an email with files of the pattern and instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience, I really don’t know why it had expired. Happy sewing! Kat

  15. Such an awesome tutorial, thank you! In a world of fast fashion and throwing stuff away, it’s really great to have these ideas. Thanks so much for sharing.

    1. Hello, Cyndi! Thank you for buying! I have sent you the files to download again to the email which you have provided with your order. Check spam too. Happy sewing! Kat

    1. Thank you for buying! I have just sent you another email with the files of pattern attached. Check spam too. Happy sewing!

  16. would you send me the pattern please? that is so cute and would love to help my granddaughters make one. thanks

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