How to Make a Bag Out of a Shirt

Sew up an eco-friendly tote bag out of an old T-shirt to help save money. You'll also keep waste out of the landfill. Use your bag to carry groceries, books, or anything else that will fit. Then wash it and use it again.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• T-shirt
• Straight pins
• Sewing shears
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

1. Pick a heavy-duty cotton T-shirt that is too small, or that you never wear.

2. Turn the T-shirt inside out.

3. Line up the bottom hem so it's even and pin it together with the straight pins.

4. Using your sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the bottom hem of the T-shirt together, with at least a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

5. Remove the pins.

6. Turn the T-shirt right-side out. With your sewing shears, cut the ribbing off the neck. This will give the bag a bigger opening than the neck hole.

7. Cut the sleeves off, leaving enough connected to form the handles of the bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a sewing machine and backstitching will give extra strength to the seam at the bottom of the bag If you sew by hand use heavy duty thread and double knot it. Make small even stitches to provide a strong seam. You may substitute a tank top for a T-shirt. The straps will form the handles. A mesh top made out of cotton makes a good beach bag.
• Do not use a T-shirt that is made out of stretchy fabric. It may stretch too much when you place anything heavy in the bag. Do not cut the sleeve handles too thin, or they may break.

References

• T-shirt Bag