How to Make Easy Bags Out of Your Clothes

You can salvage old clothing by turning them into bags.

When you have old clothing that does not fit anymore or are worn out, you might think of discarding the clothing in the trash. However, this may be disheartening, especially if you really like a certain pattern or texture in a piece of clothing. One alternative is to use the old clothes as a craft material to make tote bags that can be used as shopping bags or bags to carry school or library books.

Things You'll Need

• Old clothing
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Thread, quilt weight
• Needle

Instructions

1. Cut out two rectangles from old clothing, each measuring 12 inches wide and 18 inches long. Cut out a long strip from the clothing to measure 4 inches wide and 18 inches long.

2. Place the two rectangles with the right sides together, lining up the edges.

3. Pin three of the edges using straight pins, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance on each side. Sew around the pinned edges, then remove the straight pins.

4. Turn the bag right side out. Roll the open edges in by 1/2 inch, then sew the folded edge in place.

5. Fold the long strip of fabric over with the right sides together. Pin the edge, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance, then sew the pinned edge. Remove the pins, and turn the resulting tube right side out again. This will be the strap of the bag.

6. Sew one end of the strap onto the inside of one side of the bag, then sew the other end of the strap onto the inside of the other side of the bag. You can now use the clothing bag to carry your items.

References

• The Family Homestead: Make a Totebag