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Luggage Tags from Jeans Pockets - an Upcycle Tutorial



We're off on a family holiday to Japan in a couple of weeks time, so I finally got around to making some luggage tags that will be easy to spot when we're collecting our luggage at the airport.

Since I do a lot of jeans upcycling, I thought, what would be better than some upcycled tags from jeans!

So here's how to make your own distinctive luggage tags from jeans pockets.

You will need.

A pocket unpicked from a pair of adult jeans, a length of jeans seam (around 20 cm (8")) scraps of co-ordinating fabric, a little clear vinyl, slightly bigger than the size of a business card (you can cut a piece from the packaging of something like a sheet); and a business sized card to write your address on.


First take your piece of clear vinyl and sew fabric strips onto two opposite sides.

Open up those fabric strips, then pin and stitch another two on the other two sides of the vinyl like this.

Now trim the border you have stitched around your vinyl so the edges are all straight.


Now place this 'window' on the front of your jeans pocket with the card with your address on underneath so you can read the address through the window. Fold the edges under and pin then stitch all the way around.

I stitched a double row of stitching around my window.


Now take your jeans seam and fold it in half. Place the ends at the top back of your jeans pocket. Pin then stitch into place.


Finally lay your pocket face up on your co-ordinating fabric. Trim the edges of the fabric so it is around 2 cm (1") wider than the pocket.  

Fold the raw edges in behind the pocket and pin then stitch in place all the way around.

Again I did a double row of stitching - just as is used on a jeans pocket itself.

Now you can attach your tag to your bag and you're ready to head off travelling!




If you liked this tutorial, there are over 100 Free Sewing Tutorials to explore here on my blog, for all levels of sewing ability.
Please do take a look at 





18 comments:

  1. This is SUCH a good one, Jill! I love the self-hanging loop. Who doesn't have old jeans and untagged luggage? A perfect match!

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    1. Thanks so much Michelle! I can't wait to attach them to our bags and head off now!

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  2. As always a wonderful idea and a great way to spot your luggage coming through. I love your tutorials, I read them all avidly, one day I'll try to copy something of yours. Have a wonderful tine in Japan, how exciting! thank you for joining me for #Trash2Treasure

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  3. I love the size of these! Great idea!!!! Way to go!!! Hope you guys have the best trip EVER...my daughter and I are EXTREMELY jealous, as this is a trip we are planning as soon as we gather the funds to go!!! YAY!!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Julie - we're so excited about the trip. Will be sharing photos on my Facebook page and Instagram as we go!

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  4. You know, these would be really neat made from the pockets of corduroy pockets as well. I was thinking about my daughters fav color (pink), and how pairing up a pink printed fabric with white corduroy would look really pretty!

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    1. Any pockets would work well I think! - you could make some really bright and colourful ones!

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  5. What kind of needle do you use on your machine???

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    1. For these I used a denim needle - or just a size 14 I think. There's not too much thickness to sew through - just the hanger from the jeans seams. A bigger needle than for regular sewing is recommended anyway!

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  6. Such a cute idea. Have a good safe trip! I am sure this tag will make it easy to spot your luggage. Best wishes!

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  7. What a clever idea Jill!
    Thanks for sharing this at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
    Enjoy the week and we hope to see you again.
    Julie

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  8. Haha...I so love this idea! :)

    I would LOVE for you join and share this at my DIY and Recipes FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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