From Materials to Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Denim/ Aso-Oke Bag

Good day, @diyhub Family!
I trust we all enjoyed our weekend. It’s the start of a new week, and I wish everyone the very best of it.

Today, I’ll be sharing a simple DIY step-by-step process of how I made this beautiful fabric bag.

About two months ago, my last denim and fabric bag, which I had made myself, finally gave out after five years of use. Yes, it lasted that long. So, I decided to get a simple replacement online, but honestly, that turned out to be one of those “what I ordered vs what I got” situations.

I managed to use the new bag for just a month before the handles began to tear apart. I felt bad because deep down, I knew I could make a much better and more durable one. It had been years since I last crafted a bag, but I decided to make a new one—especially after my mum mentioned she needed a new bag too. That was the push I needed!

So, off to the market I went to get my materials.

List of Materials

Half a sheet of Maco

Full sheet of Carry board

Magnets

Glue

Bag stands

1 yard of denim fabric

1 yard of lining material

From these materials, I was able to make two big bags, two medium-sized bags, and one purse!
Let's get right in.

Step 1: Taking Measurements

Measurements determine the bag’s size.
For mine, I used:

Width: 15 inches

Length breakdown:

Front – 10 inches

Base – 5 inches

Back – 10 inches

Top – 4 inches (for a slightly curved shape)

Flap – 5 inches

That makes a total length of 29 by 15 inches for the bag.

Step 2: Cutting the Board and Maco

After measuring and cutting on the carry board, I used it as a guide to cut the same shape on the Maco (the waterproof material that serves as the bag’s cover). At this stage, you can design your flap. I gave the flap a simple slant cut.

Note: Leave an extra inch when cutting the Maco to allow for folding.

Step 3: Cutting the Sides

Since the bag’s base is 5 inches wide and the front/back are 10 inches tall, the sides will measure 5 inches (width) by 10 inches (height).
Because the top is curved at 4 inches, trim ½ inch off both top corners to achieve the desired slanted shape.

Step 4: Preparing the Fabric

Now that the skeleton is ready, use the exact measurements to cut your fabrics. Leave an extra inch at all edges to fold in after application of your glue.

The carry board serves as the inner part, while the Maco serves as the outer part.
The lining material for your carry board is of your choice; in this case, we have chosen blue denim. You can also use leather, ensuring it's glue-friendly.

Cover both pieces with your fabric, using glue to ensure smooth, neat edges while folding in.

Step 5: Assembling and Decorating

Before assembling, I decided to add some flair using aso-oke fabric (a traditional woven material often used for head ties).
I placed the aso-oke over the denim to cover the top and flap area, giving it a rich, traditional vibe. At this stage, apply glue to the tips at the sides and the carry board, which serves as the frame of the bag.

Step 6: Fixing the Magnet

Find the middle of your flap and measure 1 inch inward from this point.
Cut a small slit using a nail or scissors and fix one half of the magnet there.
Secure the other half to the main body of the bag, aligning it with the flap. Equally, make a small cut to fix the outer part of the magnet.

Step 7: Attaching the Outer Cover

Now the bag begins to take shape!
Apply glue to both the carry board (inner) and Maco (outer) surfaces.
Start by attaching the front. Add bag stands to the base (about 1 inch inward), and then attach the back.

Step 8: Making and Attaching Handles

I made my handles from denim and Maco to make them firm.
After crafting the handles, I sewed them securely to the top of the bag using a needle and thread, before sealing the top with glue.
For a long strap, I sewed metal rings on both sides of the bag to attach hooks later.

Step 9: Making the Matching Purse

The purse followed a similar process but with smaller measurements:

Width: 9 inches

Front: 5 inches

Base: 2 inches

Back: 5 inches

Top: 2 inches

Flap: 3 inches

That’s a total length of 17 inches and a width of 9 inches, with side pieces of 2 × 5 inches.

I designed it to match the main bag, but I made a minor mistake. I missed the flap direction, so the purse flap opens opposite to the bag’s. Still, I love my new denim and aso-oke set!

And that’s how I created my durable, stylish, and budget-friendly DIY denim and fabric bag, complete with a matching purse!