DIY Upcycled Denim Satchel

I hate to say it but getting "back to school" ready is already in full swing. I have thoroughly been enjoying my summer a bit too much because it hit me like a bag of rocks when I just heard a back to school commercial...I am not ready! I know that may seem a bit strange for a mom of 3 boys, but it's been a wonderful break thus far. We've done A LOT but also have enjoyed these carefree, schedule free days of summer. To get myself ready (and inspired) for the upcoming school year I wanted to make something. I saw this Indigo Junction Side Note Satchel pattern using upcycled denim and it got me inspired. I love a pattern that encourages repurposing and I have a bucket of denim scraps that needs to be used. It's a nice size for all the necessary items you need for school or mom life.  I wanted to incorporate the new Dritz 1 1/2" message belting that said "original" in black and white. They also have a tan and grey that say "maker" and "one of a kind". Cute for belts too!  

Get the details below on how to make your own. 

Supplies:

• denim scraps or fabric
• liner fabric
• interfacing
• Indigo Junction Side Note Satchel Pattern
• Dritz 1 1/2" belting (I love the new ones with wording like this "Original" design)
• Dritz Rectangle Rings
• Dritz D-Rings
• Dritz Adjustable Slide Buckles 
• Dritz Swivel Hook
• Dritz Magnetic Snap

*The pattern includes thorough instructions to complete the bag. The only thing I changed was the side/bottom panel to fit the width of the Dritz belting and the hardware that goes with it. This was simply done by cutting the pattern dimensions down to measure the 1 1/2" belting plus seam allowance. 

Piece together denim scraps to form the front and back. I like the look of different shades of denim sewn together. The pattern instructions includes ways to use jean pants. 

Cut out the liner. I made sure to use a heavy interfacing to give the bag a bit more structure.

For the side/bottom panel hack: 

Cut a 2" tab from the belting and add over the rectangle rings.

Attach to the side so right sides are together and baste stitch (1/4" seam allowance).

Follow the pattern instructions to sew the liner and main exterior together. Leave an opening at the bottom of the liner to flip right sides out. 

Another thing I altered on the pattern was the front tab. I wanted to incorporate the belting instead of fabric. I cut the strip to the same length as the pattern tab x 2. Fold over a D-Ring.

Pin on the back of the satchel folding the raw edge under and sew a square. 

Sew just along the D-Ring to keep it from sliding. 

Add a magnetic snap to the front and front tab according to the magnetic snap instructions. Go through the opening in the liner to secure before sewing the liner opening closed. 

For the belting tab go through the back strip only. I used a seam ripper to cut the little slits into the belting for the magnetic snap. 

Last, create a strap using the strap adjuster and swivel hook following the instructions here.

Okay I'm still not ready for school to start mentally but at least I have my cool "mom satchel" to hold all the necessary stuff that comes with lugging 3 kids around from school and activities once it does start!