[title subtitle=”words & image Catherine Frederick inspiration Pinterest®”][/title]
We are a t-shirt loving family, meaning we all have too many of them lying around. I’ve been saving any of my son’s t-shirts that hold sentimental value to make him one of those awesome t-shirt quilts I see on Pinterest® – but there are many more of his, and ours, that need to find new life. You can guess how happy I was when I found this upcycle t-shirt project, turning old ones into usable tote bags. Better still? It’s a no-sew project!
Materials:
T-shirt
Tip: Don’t have a t-shirt to use?
Check your local resale shops!
You can also use a tank-top.
Scissors
Embellishments or paint
(optional)
Remove Sleeves
Turn t-shirt inside out. Cut sleeves off at seams. Fold shirt in half and cut both off at once, or remove one at a time using the cut side as a guide for the other sleeve.
Remove Neckline
Trace outline of a round shape onto fabric, using chalk or washable marker. If you prefer an oval shape as I do, trim by hand.
Bag Depth
Determine how long you want the bag to be and mark a line across the intended bottom.
Tip: Depending on the fabric used, the bag will stretch when items are placed inside – keep this in mind when determining depth.
Cut Strips
Cut 3/4” vertical strips from the bottom of the shirt up to the line you marked. Make sure you are cutting through both the front and back of the shirt at the same time, so the strips match up perfectly.
NOTE: If you want your strands to show, be sure to turn your shirt back right side out before tying strands together!
Tie Together
Start on the left side, tie the front and back strip into a knot, then continue, tying two more pairs of strips into knots. (As you tie, you may notice that your strips get longer, don’t worry!) You’ll also notice that although the strips are tied together, there’s a tiny hole in between each knot. Take one strip from the middle knotted strand and tie it in a knot with a strip from the left knotted strand. Then, take the other middle strip and tie it in a knot with a strip from the right knotted strand. Repeat this process until you reach the other end of the shirt. Inspect for missed holes. If you find any, tie adjacent strands together to close them.
Finish It
Turn your bag right side out after tying the strips. If your shirt was plain, you may chose to embellish with paint pens, iron on transfer, monogram, or another item of your choice.
HALLOWEEN
CANDY BAG IDEA!
Now’s a great time to upcycle an old t-shirt into a Halloween candy bag for trick-or-treating! Let the kids embellish an old t-shirt with paint pens or puff paint for a one-of-a-kind, custom bag, or use an inexpensive Halloween t-shirt!
Make a tote? Show us!
Tag Do South® Magazine on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
