• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Pieced Brain

All about quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, free tutorials, quilting and crafting book reviews.

  • Start Here
  • Design a Quilt
  • Featured
  • Patterns
    • Patterns
    • Pattern Updates
    • Free Patterns
  • Tutorials
  • Programs & Workshops
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Upcycling blouse

By Denise Russell

My sister had a blouse which she loved but the silky fabric frayed after a while. She was about to throw it away when I snagged it with the intention to turn it into something else to prolong its life. That was YEARS ago! No idea what do do with the blouse. Until yesterday, that is.

Pretty cool, huh? I looked through bag pattern books, then through my loose leaf patterns, and found Whistlepig Creek Productions’ Scrap Bag Cuties. The Small Messenger Bag was perfect.

Here is a look at the back. The quilting is very simple because the fabric was so delicate. I used embroidery thread to quilt it…
… turning some of this blouse into something she can use. 
I used Soft & Stable which you can find at byAnnie.com. It is my favorite for bags and other projects. I made some other changes to the pattern, too: I did not add an outside pocket and changed the way the handles were made (see below).

. 

Introducing the buttonhole foot for my Bernina! I practiced a few times before making the buttonhole on the flap because I had not done this in a VERY long time. Super simple, though.

Now, for today’s ‘sewing hack’. I did not have interface for the handle. Crud. I wanted to use batting but there was no way I could sew a tube with it, then turn it inside out – you know the drill. So, I cut a long 3/4″ strip of batting, put it on the wrong side of the strip of fabric, folded fabric over batting strip and zigzagged it all the way through. Works like a charm!

Oh, yes, the button is courtesy of Lots of Buttons. They have super fun buttons which I have used on many different projects.

So, don’t throw away your favorite blouses. You can still enjoy their fabric if you turn them into cute bags. I hope Miriam likes it!

Have a fun weekend,

Share This:

Share
Pin
Post
Print

Filed Under: crafts, Uncategorized

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Needled Mom says

    at

    What a great way to upcycle the fabric. That is really cute and so useful now.

    • Denise Russell says

      at

      Thank you! It was really fun to make…

Primary Sidebar

Denise Russell

Hello, I’m Denise and I love to design and make quilts. You can also find me knitting, crocheting, and making other crafts. Join me!
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

My Patterns On ETSY!

Fantastic Sales! Click to Save!

Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
Lowest prices on the best yarn - guaranteed at knitpicks.com
Various Logos for Indygo Junction
300 X 250 banner

QuilterBlogs

Footer

Disclosure of Material Connection:

The links above and some of the links in my posts are affiliate links: if you click on the link and decide to purchase something, I may receive a commission. I often receive books from publishers so I can review them on my blog and, at times, I may receive products to use and write about my experience with them. Read my privacy policy.

Recent Posts

  • Scrappy quilt with stars
  • Flannel quilt for beginners
  • Black and White modern quilt
  • Free star quilt pattern
  • Free pattern for a panel quilt
  • Scrappy Quilt with Liberty of London

Search

Archives

Categories

Copyright © 2025 Pieced Brain Quilt Designs LLC. All rights reserved. · Designed by Wacky Jacqui's Designs