tutorial: skirty bag
I am a chronic recycler and so I put together this tutorial of one of my favorite recycling projects – a mini skirt into a cute bag.
Start with a mini skirt that is on the smaller side and has some pleating. Pockets and other detailing makes for a really unique bag as well. Cotton, corduroy, line or wool skirts are usually easier to work with than denim, unless it is really lightweight. I used a size 7 fine wale corduroy skirt with two side seam pockets and a side zipper. I removed the zipper and sewed the seam back together. If you like, you could cut the skirt apart where the zipper is and sew it back together if it doesn’t work to take the zipper out, or alternately you could add a secret pocket that is accessed through the zipper (the secret pocket is another tutorial though!).
Next, turn the skirt inside out, press the pleats so that they lie evenly, and pin the bottom right sides of the skirt together. Stitch along the bottom of the skirt. If the hem appears too bulky, you can trim it and ziz zag or serge along the bottom to finish the seam.
If you want to add more depth to the bag you can box the corners by aligning the lower edge with the adjoining side edge to form a point, then stitching across the point forming a triangle. Turn bag to right side.
(there is a good tutorial here on boxing corners)
To make a lining, lay the bag on two layers of lining fabric and cut around the bag, leaving 1-2 inches around the three edges and and about 5 inches along the top edge. Sew the lining right sides facing and box the corners. Turn lining and insert into bag, wrong sides together. Fold over lining and pin so that the top edges are even, or leaving a small bit of the lining showing. Set aside.
Sew handles by cutting two strips of fabric and medium to heavyweight interfacing 25″ x 4″ each. Lay fabric right side down, place interfacing on top and fold in half lengthwise. Press, forming a long strip. Open and fold long edges in to meet center fold, hiding all raw edges. Stitch along the edges and down the center of the handle a few times. Attach handles to the bag on each side in between the outer and inner layers. Stitch all layers together following the stitching lines of the skirt’s waistband.
Your new bag is ready to show off! This project has endless modification possiblities. You could add pockets, applique, snaps, or buttons. Look for skirts with unique detailing to create a different look every time. Good luck!
About the designer: Amy likes to make stuff. She believes in thrifting, improvising, recycling and making it up as you go along. She also believes that creating connects people and makes life so much sweeter. One-of-a-kind is her favorite kind and handmade is where it’s at. Currently, she spends a lot of time sewing handbags and accessories, aprons, baby and toddler clothing and some other random things as the spirit moves her. Website
November 7th, 2008 at 8:35 am
thanks that’s a fab idea! i love recycling too! i usually turn my shirts into skirts and vice versa when i’ve worn them for a while. so much fun to look for new ideas of what something can be used for!
November 7th, 2008 at 10:05 am
That is so cute and I have about a thousand of those skirts around here that we don’t wear anymore!
November 7th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I have been contemplating donig this with a beautiful pink polka dotty dress of my daughter’s that is too small for her, but I cannot bear to part with it….I was thinking HOW could I repurpose it??
THIS is the perfect idea!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
November 7th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Thanks so much for this tutorial and the awesome idea! I may have to go skirt-shopping at the thrift store this weekend.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
What an awesome project! I love this idea!
November 7th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
sooo stinkin cute! I’d never thought of that. Makes me want to go hit the thrift stores! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 7th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I’ve made these from my daughter’s outgrown pleated wool and velvet skirts. The heavy fabric gives them good body and are nice for the Autumn season. Lovely tutorial.
November 8th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Cute idea and so thrifty!!
November 8th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
i stumbled upon your blog via “one pretty thing”…and i am loving this tutorial. perfect for the khaki pleated mini from my pre-preggo days which is actually sitting in a giveaway bin by the back door as i type. after all these years, i could never give it up, with all it’s sweet pleats and side buckles (three, to be sure)…now i can keep the features i love, but not have to pounce around like a bubbly schoolgirl :P thank you for sharing your creative genius!
November 9th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Another reason I wished I sewed!!!!!
November 10th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Wow I love this, thanks for sharing!
November 12th, 2008 at 4:02 am
Clever! I live in a college town and am forever finding darling skirts that are just too short for me to wear as a thirty-something. Now I’ll snap them up and make purses out of them!
November 12th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
[...] If you happen to have skirts or sweaters sitting around and are not sure what you want to do with them check out this site for some great ideas. She also has a tutorial here. [...]
November 12th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I can vouch for her site, it is very cool and this bag was very easy to make. I ran out and plundered my local goodwill store the day after I saw her post.
November 17th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I LOVE this idea! I’m the cheapest sort of crafter, refusing to buy anything for my projects. This is a wonderful re-use! Thanks!
January 28th, 2009 at 9:38 am
[...] Skirty Bag – gained a few? :) Recycle your skirts! [...]
June 28th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
First nice looking upcycled skirt purse. congrats!