It's never easy to part with a favorite pair of jeans. But this quick sewing project makes it a cinch to recycle them into a hip book bag.

First, zip the jeans and turn them inside out. With a pair of fabric scissors (a parent's job), cut off both jean legs 3 inches from the crotch. Next, fold the cutoff jeans, matching up the side seams as you would to press front and back leg pleats.

Using a sewing machine (or a close, even hand stitch), sew closed each leg opening 1 inch from the cut edge. Then, trim the denim 1/2 inch from the stitching. Turn the jeans right-side out. For a handle, thread a cotton belt through the belt loops and tie the ends together.

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