Eco-Chic: Crafting a Denim-Clad Suitcase with Fabric Decoupage
Learn to upcycle an old suitcase into a unique denim statement piece with our fabric decoupage method. No sewing skills needed – just creativity and old jeans!
When I stumbled upon a neglected suitcase on the brink of being discarded, I knew it was the perfect candidate for one of my signature denim upcycles. The transformation into a patchwork denim suitcase was simple, enjoyable and a creative twist to traditional sewing projects.
My fascination with repurposing old jeans has led to various unique home decor items, from a waistband denim rug and cosy denim pillows to a practical denim pocket organizer.
On Pinterest, denim upcycled bags are a hit, and I've had my fair share of creating them. However, this time, I wanted to venture beyond bags and delve into something more distinctive - a denim suitcase.
I have always been drawn to the charm of vintage old suitcases, especially for their potential as quirky storage solutions. While I dream of having a studio of my own one day, for now, these upcycled suitcases are perfect for stashing away my crafting supplies.
Join me in this exciting journey of transforming an ordinary suitcase into a fabulous denim-clad treasure without needing a single stitch!
How To Upcycle A Vintage Suitcase With Old Jeans
Materials For Denim Suitcase
- Old suitcase: For this project, I chose a suitcase that had endured a lot of wear and tear, and I managed to pick it up for almost nothing at my local thrift store. Since you'll be covering and lining the suitcase, selecting one that's a bit worse for wear is perfectly fine. The critical aspect to check is the functionality of the hinges – ensure that the suitcase opens and closes smoothly, as this is crucial for the project's success.
- Old Jeans - I cut the denim into squares 4cm by 4cm. Therefore, if you have lots of scraps of denim from previous projects, these would be perfect. I also used the two waistbands and the
- Fabric or paper for lining your suitcase: I chose a fabric and used almost a meter for a medium-sized case.
- Strong white glue (PVA) or fabric glue and glue brush
- Scissors, pins and bulldog clips
The Denim Fabric Decoupage
As with my vintage map suitcase, I upcycled the outside of the suitcase before lining it.
Step 1: Cut the denim fabric into squares 4cm by 4cm. You will need enough squares to cover the entire outside of your suitcase. A rotary cutter makes cutting the denim straight easier.
Step 2: Apply the decoupage glue to both the suitcase and the wrong side of the denim scraps as you stick them down individually. Make sure that each square touches the next. Start with the top of the suitcase and vary the shades of the denim scraps to achieve a random checkerboard effect.
Step 3: The sides of the suitcase lid were precisely the width of a jeans waistband. So, instead of squares, I glued the waistband on the sides. One waistband wasn't enough to go around the suitcase, so I used two pieces of a waistband. I used bulldog clips and pins to hold the waistband in place while the glue was drying.
Step 4: This process was repeated with the bottom, sides, and underneath the suitcase using bulldog clips and pins where necessary. To add extra interest, as with the waistband on the lid, I stuck a denim seam around the bottom edge of the suitcase.
Step 5: Finally, as my suitcase came with an ugly plastic handle, I covered it with strips of denim. I would have just left it if it had been a pretty leather handle.
How To Line An Old Suitcase
Step 1: Measure the inner sides of your suitcase and, accounting for a 1cm seam allowance, cut your fabric. The diameter of your suitcase will be bigger than the width of your fabric, so you will have to cut two pieces.
Step 2: Fold the top edge of about 1cm over on each piece of fabric and glue this down.
Step 3: Cover the sides of the suitcase with glue and stick down your pieces of fabric. The fabric will overlap with the shorter sides and the case floor; this is fine. Just make sure you also glue these bits down. You may find it helps pin the fabric while the glue dries.
Step 4: You'll need to make a top and bottom panel for the case. Measure and cut two pieces of cardboard that will slot into the base and top of the suitcase.
Step 5: Using your cardboard pieces as a template, cut a fabric piece for each, again allowing for a 1cm seam. Wrap the fabric around the cardboard and glue down the seam edges to the underside. You may find it easier if you mitre the corners.
Conclusion and Other Ideas
This revamped denim suitcase has become the perfect home for part of my fabric collection, neatly tucked alongside other suitcases that cleverly conceal my crafting treasures. While it is a stylish storage solution, it could easily be repurposed as a chic weekend bag.
I'm continuously searching for vintage suitcases to transform and am excited to turn the next suitable find into a unique cocktail cabinet. How would you creatively repurpose a vintage suitcase?
Decoupaging denim is a fun alternative for those looking for no-sew denim projects and is a great way to decorate for big fans of upcycling old jeans. It is also easy and eco-friendly to use those small fabric scraps.
Did you know you can also use denim in a fabric version of paper mache, like with this denim fabric bowl?
You'll find all my denim upcycles here, and check out these decoupaged denim projects;
Other fabric decoupage projects on the site include this gorgeous fabric mirror and a Kaffe Fassett decoupaged vase.
Don't forget to look at the AtoZ of denim crafts.
Super Cool, love it
Thank you so much Mary.
I have lots of denim and no ideas on what to do with it. I love creative people who can give me ideas and I run with the idea and give it my own bit of personal flare. Thanks for sharing your ideas with others like me.
Thank you, you are welcome. I too love to share my ideas.
I love recycling jeans. This is such a great idea. I started with your sunglass case and am loving all of what you have done!! The suitcase is great and I keep returning to your chair. Have a really cute little baby bib done with recycle jeans and well. I seriously thinking of trying the suitcase. Perfect. Thanks for sharing your great talent and for recycling!!!
Thank you so much Rosemary. The denim baby bib sounds fun.
did you cut and glue around the clasps, or take them off and put a square underneath (which is what it looks like, but seems like it would be super hard to get the clasps off.
I cut and glued round the clasps, they weren't easy to remove so didn't want to risk it.
You are so talented and you have alot of patience. I seen a blanket made out of jeans, can you tell me where I can find it? I have alot of jeans that are taking up space.
THank you ! I haven't done a denim quilt tutorial yet, but I'm sure you can find one on Pinterest or if you search on hometalk I know there was a denim picnic blanket recently featured.
Wow! Another great suitcase upcycle project Claire. Love this! It looks great with your map suitcase. Thanks so much for sharing it at Vintage Charm.
Thank you ! And thanks for hosting a great link up party.
Claire, this looks amazing! I have pinned and tweeted it but I am sharing on Stumbleupon, too. This is so creative. I love crafts made from denim.
Thanks for adding my Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop to your parties list. I had 8 referrals just today! Hope you come by and share your amazing crafts and projects with us today, 🙂
Sinea
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing. I love upcycling old jeans and am always looking for new denim craft ideas.
I just love this so much
Thank you for sharing with us at Pinbellish! You are featured this week!
http://redoityourselfinspirations.blogspot.com/2015/10/pinbellish-pinning-party-9.html
Great ! Thanks for the feature.
What a cute project! Thanks for sharing on My Flagstaff Home!
Jennifer
Thank you, and thanks for hosting.
Wow, you have patience, I would have to cut the pieces a bit bigger, lol. Good tutorial...and the end result is FUN!, Thanks, Sandi
Thanks ! I did think about cutting the squares bigger but decided I preferred the look of the smaller squares. Also using smaller squares ment I could use more denim scraps. It didn't take too long and I really enjoy the act of crafting and not just the end result so didn't mind spending a little extra time to get the look I wanted.
Awesome suitcase makeover!! I have a suitcase that my daughter's have been using to store toys but it needs a makeover...pinned your suitcase as inspiration for such an occasion!! 🙂 Great job!!
Thanks ! I love using old suitcases for storage as they look good when on show. I think they would be great for toy storage.
I am so doing this! love the patchwork look and of course I love upcycling jeans!! awesome tute appreciate your sharing!
Thank you ! I'm always looking for jeans upcycle projects with three teenage boys I have a plentiful supply of old jeans.
Truly fantastic, Claire! Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday! I am wondering whether a coat of glue on top of the whole thing would make it more durable?
Thanks ! I did think about layer of glue on the top but I think it would ruin the finish. Denim is a pretty durable fabric so I think the suitcase would be fine as long as you don't leave it out in the rain which I'm not planning on doing.
What fun! It really looks woven. Love the waistband touch. Great upcycle!
Thanks, I do love the patchwork look.
This is a fantastic idea! You are so talented!! I love your suitcase!! What patience that took. I've been seeing since I was 6 and what you did with this suitcase was amazing!!
Thanks for your kind words, I love it when people like my creations.