#upcycled denim

 Upcycling jeans to make a backpack   Part 1

Πως φτιάχνω μία τσάντα πλάτης επαναχρησιμοποιώντας ένα παλιό παντελόνι τζιν    Μέρος 1

The textile industry is one of the world’s top 5 polluters and unfortunately the denim jeans that we all love to wear are one of the worst polluters.  According to Christina Dean,  the Founder and CEO of Redress, a Hong Kong-based NGO working to reduce waste in the fashion industry – “Just one pair of regular jeans requires 3,625 liters of water which is the same amount of water one person requires for basic survival for around 2.5 years”

For further information that you will not regret reading:

A Conversation with Christina Dean    and       Redress     her environmental NGO is which working to reduce waste in the fashion industry.

So, upcycling our clothes and especially our jeans is one of the easiest and most approachable ways to help the environment, everyone can do it!

Here is part 1 of a little tutorial showing how it’s possible to upcycle denim jeans into a backpack. 

As the aim is to make a bag that reaches professional standards and lasts a long time,  most of the sewing was done with professional, industrial machines. During the Upcycling Workshops on Milos people will have the opportunity to learn about professional level design and construction methods as well as learning about professional techniques and industrial machines.

 Suggested equipment

          a seam ripper , 

        

         thread snips   (or scissors)

       

         fabric marking pencils

1.  We aren’t going to undo the lovely “flat fell seam” that is found on the inside leg…not only because it looks nice but also because it’s much more difficult to rip up as it’s actually a double-seam

–see here to understand how a flat fell seam is made. 

2.  We’re going to start ripping the outside seam with the seam ripper.

3. Starting at the hem, then slowly cutting the threads  4. &  5.  until the seam is completely opened.

6. Next we’ll mark our design onto the denim fabric and lining fabric 7. with a fabric marking pencil.

8. Now we cut the holes for the zips   9.  and make the zip pockets 

10. & 11. Next we attach the zips and zip pockets to the main body of the bag.

Almost there….we just have to attach the red zip and zip pocket and then…

“I’m Ready for My Close-Up, Mr. DeMille”

Upcycled denim jeans backpack with a BIG mouth….oh dear! This may be a very nasty backpack    for a very nasty woman!  

Part 2 soon

 

Εργαστήρια Δημιουργικής Επανάχρησης – Μήλου Upcycling Workshops – Milos  Upcycling jeans to make a backpack   Part 1 Πως φτιάχνω μία τσάντα πλάτης επαναχρησιμοποιώντας ένα παλιό παντελόνι τζιν    Μέρος 1…