If you’ve ever stared at your worn-out jeans and wondered if they could become something fresh and functional, you’re in the right place. Across Lagos, upcycled denim pieces have become the sustainable style statement that’s stealing the spotlight at fashion gatherings like Lagos Fashion Week. By giving pre-loved denim a second life, you not only curb fast-fashion waste—you also create a bag that’s 100% your own.
What You’ll Do
In just one afternoon, you’ll break down a pair of old jeans, repurpose the panels, and sew them into a sturdy, stylish tote bag you can use every day. Our step-by-step guidance ensures that even if you’ve never touched a sewing machine, you’ll finish with a polished accessory and newfound confidence.
Who It’s For
This session welcomes absolute beginners and seasoned DIY fans alike—no prior sewing experience is needed. If you love hands-on crafting, want to ditch textile waste, or simply crave a creative afternoon with like-minded makers, you’ll feel right at home.
Event Details & Registration
Date, Time & Venue
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm WAT
Venue: Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), 6th Floor, 294 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.
How to Register
Ticketing Platform: Secure your spot on Eventbrite: STAYFOU POP-UP: Upcycling Workshop
Pricing (per attendee)
Workshop fee: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000, based on topic and instructor level.
Group Discount: 10% off for groups of 3 or more.
Payment Methods: Paystack (card, USSD), bank transfer, or on-site POS.
Why Attend? Key Benefits
Hands-On Skill Building
You’ll learn to deconstruct denim—removing seams, pockets, and belt loops—then cut and stitch panels into a sturdy tote bag. This practical, machine-sewing experience demystifies heavy-duty stitching on thick fabrics.
Sustainable Fashion Principles
Discover zero-waste layouts and visible mending techniques inspired by Japanese Boro and Sashiko traditions. You’ll leave with eco-DIY methods that reduce landfill waste and elevate your style with artisanal flair.
Take-Home Creation
By workshop’s end, you walk out with a one-of-a-kind denim tote bag—complete with reinforced straps, interior pocket, and signature visible stitching. It’s both a functional accessory and a testament to your new skills.
Community & Networking
Join a circle of fellow DIY & Craft enthusiasts. Share ideas, swap material-sourcing tips, and build connections for future collaborations. Past attendees cite the communal vibe as inspiring and supportive.
Workshop Curriculum
| Module | Description |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Denim Prep & Deconstruction | You’ll learn to safely cut apart old jeans—removing seams, pockets, belt loops, and waistbands—so your fabric lies flat and is ready for design. |
| Module 2: Design & Layout | Explore creative layouts: position pocket panels for exterior pockets, experiment with patchwork patterns, and plan embellishments like embroidery or painting. |
| Module 3: Heavy-Duty Machine Sewing | Get hands-on with industrial-style needles and walking-foot machines. Master straight seams, topstitching, and bartack reinforcements to ensure your tote holds weight. |
| Module 4: Finishing Touches | Attach sturdy straps (webbing or denim), add interior linings or pockets, and apply visible mending techniques (inspired by Japanese Boro/Sashiko) for extra flair. |
Every module balances demonstration, guided practice, and individual coaching—so you leave confident in each step.
Materials & Tools
Provided by Organizer
Recycled Denim Panels sourced from pre-loved jeans, washed and pre-cut for easy handling.
Heavy-Duty Thread & Notions (reinforced thread, rivets, metal grommets) suited for thick fabrics.
Sewing Machines equipped with denim needles and walking feet to tackle multiple layers without strain.
Basic Tools: fabric scissors, seam rippers, measuring tapes, pins, and marking chalk.
What to Bring
Your Own Jeans (optional): non-stretch denim works best—bring any color or wash to personalize your tote.
Special Trims or Embellishments: patches, fabric paint, embroidery floss—anything you’d like to incorporate.
Comfort Items: a notebook for sketching designs and a USB stick if you want digital patterns or resources.
With everything at hand, you’ll focus on creativity and technique—no hunting for materials mid-workshop.
Instructor Profile
Meet Your Teacher: Nedoux of Nedoux Sews
Nedoux Sews is run by a passionate Lagos-based sewing tutor who specializes in beginner-friendly machine-sewing and upcycling techniques. With monthly workshops on Victoria Island and Yaba, she’s built a reputation for clear, patient instruction—her last class filled up within 48 hours at a fee of ₦25,000.
Credentials & Local Roots
Nedoux trained under veteran Lagos fashion tutors and has been featured in Spottr’s roundup of Unique DIY Crafting Classes in Lagos for her upcycling series. She leverages her network at Yaba’s fashion schools (e.g. KG School of Fashion) to source recycled denim and notions, ensuring quality materials for each participant. Her classes consistently earn 5-star reviews on Superprof, with learners praising her organized, personable style and incredible patience during machine-setup tutorials.
Testimonials & Past Projects
Real Feedback from DIY & Craft Lovers
“I never thought I’d master sewing denim—Nedoux made every step clear, and I walked away with a tote that actually holds my groceries!”
“The atmosphere was so supportive; I loved swapping material-sourcing tips with fellow makers. My patchwork panel came out even better than I imagined.”
Showcase: Past Tote-Bag Creations
| Attendee | Creation Highlight |
| Chioma E. | Two-tone denim tote with embroidered pocket accents |
| Tunde A. | Tote featuring visible Sashiko stitching inspired by Japanese mending |
| Funke O. | Custom lining made from Ankara scraps, plus metal grommet straps |
These real projects underscore how beginners leave not just with a tote, but with new skills—and a community cheering them on.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| Do I need any prior sewing experience? | No. We guide you through every stitch, from threading the machine to topstitching denim seams—perfect for first-timers. |
| What if I don’t own a sewing machine? | No worries—industrial and domestic machines (with denim needles) are provided, so you can focus on learning, not on sourcing equipment. |
| Can I bring my own jeans? | Absolutely. Bringing non-stretch denim lets you customise color and fit; otherwise, we supply washed, pre-cut panels for you to use. |
| What materials are included? | We provide recycled denim panels, heavy-duty thread, notions (rivets, grommets), and all basic tools (scissors, chalk, pins). |
| Is parking available? | Limited street parking surrounds Co-Creation Hub; we recommend ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) for convenience and safety. |
| What is the refund/cancellation policy? | Full refund if you cancel 7 days before the event; 50% refund up to 3 days prior; no refund thereafter. |
| Are children allowed? | To ensure safety around machines, this workshop is 18+ only. Kids can join our future family-friendly sessions—stay tuned. |
| Will refreshments be provided? | Light snacks and bottled water are included; feel free to bring your own beverage. |
| Do you cover health and safety? | Yes. We run a 10-minute safety briefing on machine handling, tool use, and workspace etiquette before drilling into denim. |
| Can I work on other projects? | While the focus is tote bags, you’re welcome to experiment with visible mending or small patchwork projects if time allows. |
Community & Continued Learning
Join Local Upcycling Circles
Facebook: “Upcycling In Lagos”—share your tote-bag photos, swap denim-sourcing tips, and ask fellow members for creative input.
Africa Upcycle Community—a growing network of eco-artists and makers that hosts regular pop-ups and material-swap meets in Lagos.
Follow Inspiring Instagram Feeds
@zannytecture showcases upcycled furniture and fashion in Lagos—tag #YabaDenimWorkshop to get featured.
@upcyclingjed posts bite-size sewing tips and reels from recent workshops, perfect for quick inspiration between sessions.
Ongoing Learning Resources
“What Is Upcycling? 10 Common FAQs” on Paguro Upcycle Blog—for deeper context on upcycling vs recycling and method tips.
Scratch and Stitch: 30 Denim Upcycling Ideas—project recipes from simple coasters to bags, to keep your creativity flowing.
By tapping into these communities and resources, you’ll keep growing as a maker—and you’ll always have support when you take your next pair of jeans from wardrobe cast-off to statement tote.
Call to ActionSpots are strictly limited to 12 participants—our last session filled up within 48 hours due to enthusiastic demand.
In fact, these hands-on upcycling workshops often sell out fast, so register as soon as possible to guarantee your place.
To reserve your seat, simply email nedouxsews@gmail.com or send a WhatsApp message to 08108730803—we’ll reply within 24 hours.
The workshop happens at Co-Creation Hub, 6th Floor, 294 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos Mainland—right in the heart of the city’s maker scene.
Co-Creation Hub is Lagos’s premier innovation ecosystem, renowned for bringing together creatives, technologists, and sustainability champions.
Bring your friends: groups of three or more receive a 10% discount, making it even more fun (and affordable) to craft together.
We provide all materials—recycled denim panels, heavy-duty thread, sewing machines, and notions—so you can focus on creativity, not prep.
Stay in the loop by following @cchubafrica on Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks, last-minute spots, and post-workshop showcases.
Have questions? Drop us a message on our Facebook page (Nedoux Sewing Club) and we’ll walk you through everything you need.
Don’t let those jeans sit idle—transform them into a bespoke tote bag, build new skills, and join a community of makers who care about style and sustainability.
Next Steps
You’re all set to turn those forgotten jeans into a stylish, sustainable tote—backed by expert guidance, quality materials, and a community of fellow makers. By joining this Yaba workshop, you’ll gain hands-on sewing skills, insight into zero-waste design, and a tangible keepsake that reflects your creativity and commitment to eco-friendly fashion.
Ready to make your mark? Register now and secure your spot before May 10 to enjoy early-bird pricing and join a growing movement of DIY & Craft Lovers transforming Lagos’s fashion scene one stitch at a time.
Have questions or need help with registration? Reach out via WhatsApp at 08108730803 or email nedouxsews@gmail.com, and we’ll guide you through every step.
We can’t wait to see what you create—your bespoke denim tote is just an afternoon away!
Ruth Aafa
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