Here it is — for those who have been asking! Honestly the YouTube video where I talked about my field bag made of cargo pants is my most watched video! Crazy!

Many have asked for more specific instructions than I gave in that quick-look. So hang on, . . . here we go!

I’m fortunate that I live near the largest Salvation Army thrift store in Ohio. I can almost always find cargo pants. This pair had a price tag of $3.99 on them, but I was there on 1/2 price day, so I paid only $2.00 for these. If you can’t find cargo pants at your local thrift store, it’s still cheaper to buy a pair than a pricey pre-made bag.

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic Twill Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant, Black, 36W x 32L

I also picked up a small kids bag. Why? This particular bag had a nice, sturdy web strap with a buckle adjustment. It was priced at $1.99, so again 1/2 price day, I paid $1.00 to get a strap — MUCH less than it would have cost for a new strap from the fabric store + the cost of the adjusting buckle.

• 

• 

Most cargo pants have pockets on both legs, so you’ll have to decide which pocket you’re using for the body of your bag and which you’ll use for the flap.

First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide

Once you’ve decided, lay the pants leg flat with the pocket centered (and the other leg tucked up out of the way). In the photo, I’ve drawn a line above the pocket that just misses the crotch seam. You can feel this through the fabric. I want as much fabric above the pocket as I can get.

For the bottom cutting line, I laid down the largest sketchbook I carry to decide how far down below the pocket I wanted to cut.

Repeat the cutting for the other pocket. This one will become the flap for your bag — this one you’ll only need the top part of the leg with the pocket. You can cut off the back part of the leg.

• 

• 

• 

For the body of the bag, lay your cargo pants piece down onto a doubled piece of your chosen lining fabric. (I happened to have this piece on hand, but you could buy a small piece, or if you want to stay with the thrift store items, a large men’s button-up shirt should work.)

Cut a single layer of fabric to line the flap. In the photo, you can see that I’m using a plate to round the edges of my flap. This is just a personal preference — I think it looks more finished than a square edge.

Make sure you know which is the top and which is the bottom of your bag lining. As we’re working with a pants leg, it’s usually a bit tapered.

• 

• 

Place the flap lining right sides together with the flap. Stitch around 3 sides, leaving the top side open.

• 

• 

Now, with right sides together, stitch the flap to the back 1/2 of the body of the bag.

Stitch the strap to the sides of the bag. Make sure to stitch this down in several places — make a square or an ‘x’ or both, as the strap will take a lot of punishment with use.

There are many ways to finish off the raw edges that you’re left with. Since, for me, this isn’t a high fashion bag, it’s a bag I carry on hikes, I’ve chosen the easiest method.

I purchased some ready-made double fold bias binding from my local Walmart. (You should be able to find this anywhere that sells sewing supplies.) It’s easy to use; you simple sandwich your raw edges inside and stitch it down! Easy, peasy.

Jetec 1/2 Inch Double Fold Bias Tape Bias Binding Tape Wide Fold Cotton Tape for Sewing Seaming Hemming Piping Quilting Projects (Black,30 Yards)

• 

• 

And there you have it! A finished field bag that will hold tons of art supplies, nature adventure tools, your sketchbook, sunscreen, and insect repellant!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your bag and get out there with your nature journals. No more excuses that bags are too expensive!

There are so many other ways that you can re-purpose older things! What ideas can you come up with?

Wear, Repair, Repurpose: A Maker’s Guide to Mending and Upcycling Clothes