We can all repurpose t-shirts and other clothing that we cannot wear anymore by fashioning them into tote bags, pot holders, patchwork, rugs, chew toys, bags, other clothing, and so much more! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn an old T-shirt into a tote bag:
Materials Needed:
- Old T-shirt
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Fabric marker or chalk (optional)
- Pins (optional)
Instructions:
- Select your T-shirt:
- Choose a T-shirt that you no longer wear but is still in good condition. It can be any size or color, and you can choose whether you want to use a plain or graphic T-shirt.
- Prepare the T-shirt:
- Lay the T-shirt flat on a clean surface. Ensure that the front and back of the T-shirt are aligned.
- Mark the cutting lines (optional):
- You can use a fabric marker or chalk to mark the cutting lines. Create an outline for the shape of the bag you want. You’ll typically cut off the sleeves and create a neck opening for the tote bag. Leave the bottom seam intact as it will form the bottom of the bag.
- Cut the T-shirt:
- Cut along the marked lines, removing the sleeves and creating a neck opening.
- You can cut the neckline to create a larger opening if you want.
- Prepare the straps:
- Cut the sleeves you removed earlier into strips. These will be used to make the tote bag’s straps. You can cut them to your desired length, keeping in mind that they’ll be folded in half to create the straps.
- Sew the straps:
- Fold each strap in half lengthwise and sew along the long edge to secure it.
- Attach the straps:
- Position the ends of the straps at the top of the T-shirt, near the shoulder seams. Make sure they’re evenly spaced on each side.
- Sew the straps securely to the T-shirt, reinforcing the attachment to ensure the tote can carry weight.
- Finish the edges (optional):
- If you want to prevent the edges from fraying, you can sew around the cut edges using a zigzag stitch.
- Turn the bag inside out:
- Turn the T-shirt tote bag inside out, and it’s ready for use.
Your repurposed T-shirt tote bag is now complete and can be used for grocery shopping, carrying books, or as a reusable and stylish bag for various purposes. This DIY project not only reduces clothing waste but also adds a unique, personal touch to your accessory collection. You can get creative with different T-shirt designs and sizes to make a variety of tote bags.
