Rejean: Denim Upcycling Course

A four-week creative sewing workshop with Designer Sharon Sweeney

Join fashion designer Sharon Sweeney for a hands-on workshop exploring the creative possibilities of reclaimed denim. Over four weeks, you’ll transform unwanted jeans into your own oversized, fully lined tote bag, complete with durable denim handles.

Experiment with contrasting shades, colour blocking and geometric patchwork to create an individual design. Using an original supplied pattern, Sharon will guide you through each stage, from taking apart your jeans and assembling your patchwork to constructing, lining and finishing your bag.

With just eight places, there’s plenty of room for individual guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting.

At a glance

• Dates: Mondays, 16 November–7 December 2026

• Sessions: 16, 23 and 30 November, and 7 December

• Time: 18:00 - 21:00 · 3 hours per session

• Location: Flux Studios D2, 4 Chatham Row, D02PA06

• Price: €200 per person for the full four-week course

• Tuition: 12 hours

• Level: Basic sewing experience recommended; confident beginners welcome

What you’ll learn

• How to deconstruct and repurpose unwanted jeans

• How to design with contrasting denim shades, texture and geometric patchwork

• How to cut, arrange and sew denim panels

• Techniques for working with heavier fabrics, including seams, pressing and topstitching

• How to construct an oversized tote using the supplied pattern

• How to prepare and insert a fabric lining

• How to make and attach durable denim handles

• Finishing techniques to bring your bag together

Your four weeks

Week 1 — Deconstruction, design & cutting
Take apart your jeans, explore colour combinations and plan your patchwork layout. Cut your denim shapes and begin assembling panels where time allows.

Week 2 — Patchwork & panel construction
Build your patchwork panels, joining contrasting fabrics, pressing seams and adding topstitching. Prepare the completed panels for the tote pattern and cut your handles and lining.

Week 3 — Bag construction
Cut and assemble the outer bag using the supplied pattern, prepare your denim handles and begin constructing the lining.

Week 4 — Lining & finishing
Complete the bag construction, attach the handles and insert the lining, with guidance on finishing your individual tote.

Is this workshop for me?

This course is suitable for people with basic sewing experience and confident beginners who are comfortable learning new techniques. Step-by-step demonstrations and individual support will be provided throughout.

It’s ideal if you’d like to build your sewing confidence, explore patchwork or take a more creative approach to upcycling.

What to bring

• Two pairs of clean, unwanted adult-sized jeans, ideally in contrasting shades. Please choose non-stretch denim.

• Lightweight cotton or cotton-blend fabric for your lining

• Fabric scissors, pins and a measuring tape

Before the first session, have a think about the denim colours, patchwork arrangements or design details you’d like to explore. There’s no need to cut or prepare your jeans in advance.

What’s included

• Use of sewing machines during class

• An original oversized denim tote bag pattern

• Step-by-step demonstrations

• Individual guidance and technical support

• Tuition in denim reconstruction, patchwork, bag construction and finishing

What you’ll take home

You’ll work towards completing your own oversized, fully lined denim tote, made from your chosen reclaimed fabrics. You’ll also leave with practical patchwork, upcycling and construction skills to use in future sewing projects.

Book your place and turn your old denim into something new.