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Bag from a T-Shirt

Turning an old T-shirt into a trendy bag is not only a fun DIY project but also a fantastic way to upcycle and reduce waste! With just a few simple cuts and stitches, you can transform that favorite tee into a stylish and eco-friendly accessory. This creative idea not only gives your old shirt a new life but also lets you showcase your unique style while being kind to the planet. So, grab your scissors, sewing kit, and let's turn that tee into a fabulous bag that's one-of-a-kind!

Materials
  • Old T-shirt
  • Lace
  • Tools
  • Hot glue and glue gun
  • Scissors

Instructions

If your T-shirt has sleeves, your first step is to cut them off. You simply need to create a straight profile along both sides of your future bag. As the sleeves are protruding, they are in the way. So turn the shirt into a tank top in this step.

To avoid having to sew the bottom of the shirt shut, what we are going to do is instead cut a series of fringes which we will then tie together. So your next step after handling the sleeves is to do just that. Get a pair of scissors and carefully cut a bunch of fringes across the bottom of the shirt.

Make sure the shirt is laying flat when you do this. You need the fringes in the front and back to line up with one another. Also, mind that you do not make the fringes too thin, or they will not be sturdy enough. You can make them as long or short as you like. Just remember that the longer you cut the fringes, the lower the tote bag’s capacity will be.

Once you have your fringes ready, you need to tie them together. Start on one side of the shirt, and take the two fringes there that match up in the front and the back, and tie them into a secure double knot. Then move onto the next pair of fringes and do the same thing. Just keep repeating until you have completely closed off the bottom of the bag.

As one last step, I decided I would glue some lace onto the sides of the bag where I cut off the sleeves. I did this in order to conceal the raggedy edges. You can skip this step if you don’t feel it’s necessary and/or if you started with a tank top to begin with.

You now have completed your own no-sew T-shirt tote bag!

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3 comments
Stephanie
Apr 06, 2025 07:37 AM
+1

What an awesome idea to reuse and old T-Shirt.

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RIO
Apr 07, 2025 03:01 PM
+1

So cute!  I have a mini super hero dress my adult daughter gave me that she will NEVER fit in again, it's sleeveless so I can and will make one of these to gift back to her, and if she doesn't want it, I'll give it to one of my new step grand daughters!  Thanks so much for sharing.

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Leyla
Apr 08, 2025 06:50 AM
0

You’re welcome ☺️ 

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