From Denim to Drying Day: Stitching a Cheerful Peg Bag from Old Jeans

A peg bag is one of those humble things that quietly earns its place. It hangs by the back door, holds the pegs through wind and drizzle, and gets squeezed into the shed when the line comes in. So it may as well be cheerful. This project turns a tired pair of jeans into a sturdy, pocketed peg bag that is far more characterful than a plastic one from the shops.

The best part? You do not need to be a tailoring wizard. If you can sew a straight-ish line and backstitch at the ends, you can make this. It is a good first upcycling project because denim is forgiving, the shape is simple and any wonky seams will be outside in the garden before anyone has time to inspect them.

Why old jeans make good peg bags

Denim is tough, washable and already has useful details built in. The back pocket can become a little front pocket for odd pegs or a clothes line clip. The waistband can be reused as a handle loop. The seams are strong, and the fabric can take a bit of weather without falling apart.

Look for a pair that has worn through at the knees or frayed at the hems rather than one that is still perfectly wearable. Charity shops are ideal hunting grounds: check the label for a high cotton content, feel for a decent weight and avoid very stretchy jeggings if you want a bag that holds its shape. Men's jeans often give generous, sturdy panels, and a £4 pair from a local charity shop is perfect for a first attempt.

What you will need

• One worn pair of jeans, washed and dried
• Paper and pencil for a simple template
• Fabric scissors and pins
• Denim or heavy-duty needle, size 90/14 or similar
• Strong polyester thread
• Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
• About 45cm of cotton webbing, or a strip of strong cotton fabric for the handle
• Optional cotton lining fabric
• Iron and ironing board
• A handful of pegs for testing

A quick note on weather: this bag is weather-friendly rather than waterproof. Use polyester thread, finish raw edges and choose quick-dry cotton lining if you add one. Avoid cardboard stiffeners or iron-on plastic, which can trap damp. Bring the bag in during heavy rain and it will last much longer.

Step 1: Cut your panels

Cut one leg open along the inner seam and lay it flat. Decide on a finished size; roughly 30cm wide by 38cm tall works well for a family peg bag. Cut two panels of that size, using the existing seams where you can for extra strength. If your jeans have a nice back pocket, cut around it with a generous margin so you can stitch it onto the front panel later.

If you prefer a paper template, draw a rectangle with a little extra for seam allowance, usually 1.5cm on each side. Pin it to the denim and cut carefully. Denim can be thick at the seams, so snip in small steps and avoid forcing the scissors.

Step 2: Rescue the pocket

Place the back pocket on the right side of the front panel, roughly centred and a little below the top. Pin it in place. Stitch around the pocket sides and bottom with a backstitch at each end, leaving the top open. If the pocket came with a button, keep it. A pocket is handy for the pegs that always seem to escape, or for a small clothes line clip.

This is also the moment to add a simple patch if the denim has a thin spot. A square of contrasting cotton, stitched on with running stitch, adds colour and strength at the same time.

Step 3: Make the handle

You have options. The simplest is a loop of cotton webbing, about 45cm long, folded in half. A fabric handle looks softer: cut a strip about 8cm wide and 45cm long, fold it in half lengthways with right sides together, stitch along the long edge, turn it right side out and press. Topstitch along both edges for neatness.

Attach the handle ends to the top corners of the front panel before you join the bag together. Pin each end about 4cm down from the top edge, then sew a box shape with an X through it. This box-X stitch is a small thing that makes a big difference to strength. If you are hand sewing, use backstitch and go around the square twice.

Step 4: Join the bag

Place the front and back panels right sides together. Pin along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Sew with a 1.5cm seam using a straight stitch. Backstitch at the start and finish. If you are hand sewing, a sturdy backstitch is better than a long running stitch for these seams.

Clip the bottom corners diagonally, taking care not to cut through the stitching, then turn the bag right side out and press. The corners should sit a little neater, and the pocket should now be on the outside where you want it.

Step 5: Finish the top edge

For a clean top edge, fold the opening under by 1cm, then another 1cm, and stitch all the way around. This encloses the raw edge and gives the bag a tidier look. If you are adding a cotton lining, make a second bag from lining fabric in the same way, slip it inside wrong sides together, and stitch the top edges together before turning and pressing.

A small hanging loop at the centre back is useful if you want to hook the bag onto a line or shed hook. Use a short loop of webbing or folded fabric and stitch it firmly into the top edge.

Step 6: Reinforce and test

Give the handle attachments and top corners a second pass with the machine, or a few hand stitches if you prefer. Fill the bag with pegs and hang it on the line. Does it tip forward? Move the handle slightly towards the back. Is the pocket too high? It is easier to notice now than after the first windy day.

Weather-friendly finishes matter more than fancy ones. Zigzag or overcast the inside seams if you can. Use polyester thread rather than a soft cotton that may rot when damp. Let the bag dry fully before storing it, and keep it out of constant rain.

A small upcycle with a long life

This is a satisfying weekend make: one old pair of jeans, a pocket that gets a second job, and a peg bag that looks good hanging by the back door. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a neighbour, a allotment friend or anyone who has quietly admired your washing line setup. Fill it with a few wooden pegs, tie on a ribbon and call it a housewarming present with proper British practicality.