Here are tote bags that I made using jeans, shirts and other old clothes like pyjamas, pants even tablecloths. I aim to use 99% of upclycled materials. The only thing I have to buy to make an upcycled tote bag is thread.
I like to use narrow strips of colorful fabric to perk up the denim.
Upcycling is a little more work than just using regular fabric because you have to piece together what you need. The joy is worth it! It forces you to be creative!
After piecing together the outer panels and lining panels, I use this type of tote bag construction:
Upcycling is reusing waste without destroying it in order to form something new. Upcycling is more energy efficient as recycling takes waste products, breaks them down, then forms them into something new.
Creating diagonal pieces and folding over the edge of the fabric to create a textured seam makes this tote look rather classy!
I like to incorporate the back pockets from trousers. I like to use batik strips to brighten up the denim for the outside of the tote. The lining of the tote on the left is a blue shirt with shirt pocket as inside pocket.
