How to Make a Braided Rug Purse

The number of T-shirts needed can vary according to the gauge of the braid.

Creating a purse from recycled jersey T-shirts can combine the ancient art of braiding rugs with a modern commitment to green living. While the rug-braiding technique used to develop the fabric of the purse can be extremely time-consuming, the simple technique can easily be mastered by beginning and intermediate crafters. If a tight gauge is used while braiding, the resulting purse is extremely durable. Search local secondhand stores for used cotton T-shirts to dramatically reduce the cost of the project.

Things You'll Need

• 15 to 20 jersey T-shirts
• Measuring tape
• Rotary cutter
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Lay a T-shirt flat in the work station, smoothing out any wrinkles. Use the rotary cutter to remove the hemmed edge from the bottom of the T-shirt. Cut a series of 4-inch strips from the bottom of the T-shirt, ending just below the armpits.

2. Cut off the bottom of an additional 10 T-shirts into loops, cutting the loops open to form long strips. Tie together four strips. Take the right strip of fabric and weave under the strip immediately to the left, over the center strip and under the strip furthest to the left.

3. Form the fabric of the purse by continuing to weave the right strips toward the left, forming a thick, braided section. Continue braiding until the fabric strip is 12 inches long. Extend the length of each of the four sections as necessary by tying on an additional strip to the bottom with a simple granny knot and trimming the ends.

4. Flip the braided section around and begin weaving the right strip through. After pulling the fabric under the left strip, hook it over and through the adjacent piece of the previously braided section. Continue this pattern until a 12-inch square of fabric is formed.

5. Fold the braided rug in half and sew into place using a simple whip stitch. Braid an additional 18-inch strip of fabric into a handle, adjusting the length according to personal preference. Attach the handle to the sides of the purse with a few additional stitches.

References

• Little House in the Suburbs: Secrets of the No-Sew Rag Rug
• Make it and Love it: Repurposing: Tshirts Into 5-Strand-Braided-Headbands