Refresh a Tired Tote with a Denim Applique from Upcycled Jeans

Denim Bloom Applique

Supplies

The point of upcycling is using what you have, so I always give a couple different options when it comes to supplies. As we get to each step I’ll explain how to use each one.

• Click here to get the Denim Bloom template 
• 1 pair of jeans – fabric content doesn’t matter (yep, you can use those stretchy ones)
• A sturdy tote bag, jacket, or anything that can have denim sewn onto it. Which is basically anything that’s about the same weight as the denim (more on that next)
• 2-sided fusible interfacing (HeatnBond Lite is ideal but you can use any kind, or even try without). If you are not using a 2-sided interfacing you will need fabric glue or pins
• Iron
• Fabric scissors and paper scissors
• Your favorite pencil, chalk or erasable pen
• Optional: 8” circle (ruler, plate, whatever)
• Thread – you can use cotton or polyester. I love a cotton 40wt or 50wt for the final step.
• Sewing machine needle – you do not need a denim/jeans needle. Anything sharp and on the stronger side (like a 90/14, or 80/12 should be fine if it’s new)

What should you applique? You can add a denim applique to almost anything. But if it’s your first time I’d recommend starting with something easy. That means something that has a nice flat surface that’s easy to access and no stretch! You need it heavy enough to provide a sturdy foundation for all that denim and your satin stitch, but light enough that you can sew through it. A canvas tote bag is perfect. Tip: if you are concerned your foundation item is too light you can add an additional layer of 1-sided interfacing on the back side to reinforce it, but that only works if the back isn’t going to be seen. 

Step 1: Find your Lights, Mediums & Darks

No one’s old jeans are going to be exactly the same (which is what makes every project unique!). But whatever jeans you use, the goal is to find areas to cut from that have some variation in light, medium and dark. So how are you going to do that?

1. Find the fading. Before you even bought your jeans they were probably “distressed” using wet and dry processes at the factory. The most common area to get lightened is the front thigh, so use that for your light petals. (Figure 1)
2. Find the hidden spots. For your darkest petals you will want to find those areas that have been hidden from the light, like under the back pocket (Figure 2). You can also usually use the bottom of the leg around the ankles.
3. My favorite tip? Use the inside as well as the outside of the jeans! So your jeans aren’t faded? No problem, you can always use the reverse of the fabric as a great option for lighter petals. (Figure 3)
4. Cut out large rectangles(ish) in the light, medium and dark sections and put the rest of the jeans away for future projects.