What you need
Child’s overalls
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Instructions
Transforming your old overalls into a stylish and sustainable tote bag is a fantastic way to give new life to worn-out clothes. This project not only helps reduce waste but also allows you to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s both functional and eco-friendly. Here’s how to turn your overalls into a chic tote:
If your overalls have any front pockets, you’re in luck! These will make a great little mobile pocket on the outside of your bag, perfect for storing your phone or keys. Begin by laying your overalls flat on a cutting surface. Using fabric scissors, cut off the legs of the overalls. Be sure to cut just above the crotch area to avoid any unwanted tufts or uneven fabric. The remaining upper part of the overalls will serve as the main body of your tote.
Turn the overalls inside out so you can start working on closing up the bottom. Using an overlocker or a sewing machine, sew across the bottom edge to close the bag. To ensure your tote is durable and can handle some weight, sew two rows of zig-zag stitches across the bottom. This will help reinforce the seam and prevent any fraying over time. If you’re using a sewing machine, make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches.
After sewing, trim off any loose threads to give your tote a neat finish. Next, turn the tote right-side out, and you’ll see the bag taking shape! If your overalls had adjustable straps, consider using them as handles for your tote. Simply cut the straps to your desired length and sew them securely to the inside top edges of the bag. If your overalls didn’t have straps, you can use leftover fabric from the legs to create sturdy handles. Just fold, sew, and attach them to your tote.
If you have leftover fabric or pockets from the overalls’ legs, why not repurpose them into additional pockets for your tote? You can sew them onto the inside or outside of the bag for extra storage. For a personal touch, consider adding decorative elements like patches, buttons, or embroidery.
This project is adorable! I made a bag for myself and I plan to use it. I’ve also decided to make one for my friend hoping that she’ll love it as much as I do. Also, does any one have an idea on how to decorate it too? I have plenty of extra fabric but I don’t know how to use it on the bag. Thanks!
I have lined mine and added pickets to the inside lining! Love it! I will be using mine for my portable DVD player!
I just received a donation of approximately 15 small to large adult sized overalls and wondered what to do with them, and voila’ here’s your idea. Thank you so much~! Today is Friday, August 10th and we’re going to make one today…
I love it. it’s soooooooooooooooo cute
Love it.
I liked the idea I shop thrift stores and like looking at the baby clothes. I made this to hold my plastic grocery sacks.
What a great idea for an easter basket. I am going to make 2 for the grandchildren out of their overalls outgrown. Could put lots of interesting things in it. Thanks for the awesome idea.
Great Idea! Its so easy and looks so cool!
What a great idea for a crochet bag! Can’t wait to go to the thrift store and stock up on kids overalls with as many pockets as possible to make the tote bags as Christmas gifts!
The pockets would be great places to keep supplies like crochet hooks, small scissors,etc.
So very sweet, cannot wait to hit the thrift store for a pair of overalls! Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Super cute! I’ve made similar purses using the seats of jeans I outgrew. Thanks for the project!
This is so cute and can be used for so many things too. Make a great diaper bag especially if you find a pair that has lots of pockets. Just embellish to fit either boy or girl. i myself will probably make a couple of different sizes. One smaller one to carry my meds when i go to the Dr. and a larger one for the extra things i need when i go and spend the night with friends. They would be great for lots of things if you just think about it. Beach bag, toys bags, over night bag for kids even book bags…the list goes on.
i did this project and its really easy and it holds alot of thing that i need. plus its very cute 🙂
This is a creative project and it nice to see people recycling ………nice job!
this is so cute! especially becoz u used yellow overalls!
This so cute, would make nice gifts, I could go to my favorite thrift store and find lots of old childrens overalls.
very cool
I’ve been waiting for my grandson to grow out of his so that I can make a few.
the instructions weren’t very clear so it wasn’t very easy to follow. However the conSept was very good.
nice but i don’t know anyone w/ child overalls, so i might i have to go buy some =(
luv it !!!
That is a really good idea! It is so cute! I might just make one myself! Thanx!
i love how easy it is to make them!!!!:)
Looks really nice.
Don’t they look great? And who on earth calls them overall? I call em overalls! Great recycling project.
Thanks for the spelling correction with over 2000 projects it’s hard to get them right everytime.
Could it be that you mean crotch? (crutch is that Orthopedic aid…) also the correct term is overall – help the subject-verb agreement.
I wouldn’t point all this out if I had been impressed with the project. (Some cute addition rather than just a seam.
this idea is adorable!! 🙂
i wish i had some overalls to try it 🙁
Every piece made is special and unique!
very cute!!!!!! luv it
super cute!
This is adorable and it looks easy! Can’t wait to try this out for school.
i tryed this with a old mans pair of overalls and made a diaper bag it was awesome…i got so many looks and awwws
this is really good for my project at school
good idea..i will try it
this is a very good idea i love making purses so i will try this and let ya know how it turns out!
i made some with my mom’s old maternity overalls. i love how the handles face the other way so it has a custom fit and how you can partially remove the straps.
cool I have done similar things this is nice
I really like this idea!!!
very cute and easy to make. I used my daughter’s favorite overalls. Now she can still enjoy them.
Virginia
i love it!!! extra fendy and when you add neon paint it makes a great combination. thanks a bunch 4 the idea! keep em comin’!!
how about trying them on denim jeans (not the overall, the pants)? any ideas?
the parts below the crotch could be sewn into straps..
sweet
SOUNDS LIKE FUN TO MAKE AND PRACTICAL AND USEFUL
Love this quick and easy project.I didn’t even have to buy the overalls as I had several on hand from my grandkids:)
An overall skirt or dress could also be used. It doesn’t have to be pants overalls. This is a cute project. Thanks for the inspiration
This was SO easy and Cute as a buton! What a GREAT gift to give a child care provider who LOVES kids!!
That is a cute and very unique purse. I plan to make me one.
I love this idea. I am going to make one for myself and my daughter to use as a library bag and beach bag. Thanks!
Absolutely wonderful!I just couldn’t get rid of my boys things & now that they’re grown, I can carry something of theirs with me all the time! I watch the CLEARANCE racks & buy the overalls dirt cheap (mismatched outfits are the best)…make them & gift e
very nice
I inserted a oval piece of cardboard to allow the purse to stand when placed on any hard surface.
LOVE IT! I had FLASHES of Overall outfits I saved of My little girls’.. NOW I know something I can do with a few! THANKS!
Too Cute.
i’ll definately try this
I love it when i get home i am so going to try it!
This looks so cute! I never would have thought of this! The only thig:It looks like it might be weird to carry…maybe its just how she is holding it in the picture…
What a great way to use my son’s old overalls. Can’t wait to try it.
this craft is awesome.i always wanted a bag like that but my mom wouldnt allow me to buy them.this is just fab!!!
This was great!!! I’ve made 3 so far and am scouring the thrift stores for more overalls. I’ve sold them for 8.00 each
i truly like this project, it’s easy and it was a good idea
This workered great with my stained maternity overalls. Everyone loved it!
Thank you for the idea of using the outgrown overalls.
I like this type of bag as it can be made out of denim jeans and cords in many collours as wll and looks good for shopping or the beach.
Iona