Upcycling: T-shirt Bag
July 25, 2011 by Jessica Christman
Filed under General Crafts
This simple, easy to make bag is one of the most useful little sacks you can have. It stretches to hold a large load, crushes up to store in a small space is great for groceries, craft projects, pool gear and just about anything you might need to tote around.
Things you’ll need:
Men’s T-shirt, the bigger the better
Scissors
Sewing Machine
Thread
Things to do:
1. Lay the shirt out on a flat surface. Cut off the sleeves about an inch away from the stitch line in a smooth cut.
2. Trim around the neck, dropping the cut line at the bottom to be about as low as the bottom of the sleeve holes.
3. Cut 3 inches or so off of the bottom of the shirt. You can cut more if you want to make a shallower bag or eliminate this step for a deeper bag.
4. Turn the shirt inside out and sew from one side seam to the other along the bottom edge.
5. Use the discarded bottom to fashion a flower to dress up your bag or just use it as is!
I think I know what i am making for Christmas gifts! This is so simple! get T-shirts at the thrift shop or yard sale! Cheap!!!
Take two t-shirts and make it a reversible bag. Use your childrens outgrown t-shirts!
Oh my word… I LOVE that idea!! and totally didnt even think about it! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas!
love this. wish I knew how you made the rosette-bow?!?!?
What a brilliant idea. Going to use it for my Girl Scout Troop – Have a bag to keep their GS stuff in one place AND earn a bag making it BONUS!!
What a great idea!!! Its as good an idea as making onesies out of t-shirts.
what a fantastic idea – great fun.
What a cute idea! Going to make matching one for my daughter and I.
Great Idea!! Luv this one.
I really like your idea, but have you thought about using a serger instead of a sewing machine because youre working on a knit fabric t-shirt? I just thought a serger would give flexibility and strength without breaking stiches…
Very cool! I need to give this one a try!-)
i tried mking this today but found that the bag was super stretchy and flopped around. i wonder if it was the type of material in the tshirt
stretchy tshirts flop around..i used a wal mart tshirt and it didnt flop so much )
love this!!!!!! great for a beach bag for just sunscreen and sunglasses and towel!!!
Like Angie, Id like to know how to make the rosette. Please?
A better stitch would be to use a zig zag stitch across the bottom to allow for the give that knits have. It is less likely to rip out when placing items (especially heavier ones) into this bag! Great idea and have made a number of these bags in a variety of styles. Have taught several youth groups how to do this!