How to Turn a T-shirt into a Recyled Tote Bag

Why throw away a t-shirt when there are so many things you can do with them. Besides cleaning rags, pillow cases, and cutting them into strips to make recycled rugs, you can also do this easy tote bag project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• T-shirts
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

1. Lay the t-shirt on a flat surface. Using the scissors, cut off the sleeves 1/4 inch before the sleeve seam. Also, with the shirt laid flat. cut out the neck line below the seam of the front of the shirt. Your t-shirt will now look like a sleeveless t-shirt.

2. Turn the t-shirt inside out and sew the bottom of it closed. For a good bottom seam, you will sew it once, turn it right side out, then sew it again above the previous seam. Then you will turn it inside side out once more and sew it a third time above the previous seam.

3. Turn the shirt right side out and use the sewing machine to make a zig-zag seam on the cut edges to reinforce them.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use an old pillow case to make a reinforced lining for the shirt. Just lay the completed bag on top of the old pillow case and cut out the shape on the pillow case. Place the pillow case inside the t-shirt bag and sew the straps and opening together with a zig zag seam.

[vallain]

on 7/4/2009 Hey, I have some shirts that I want to do this with. They don't fit anymore. I think for the straps, I'll use old belt webbing. Those are strong.