Introduction: T-shirt Totebag

By New Moon Technocraft
About: MakerQueen is a mother, a wife, a maker, a martial artist, a software engineer, a biochemist, a cat and dog lover, a cosplayer, a gamer, a nerd, a yogi, and a bit of an eccentric mad scientist. She loves to t…

Sometimes you have T-shirts that you don't like to wear anymore. I had a few where I didn't like the fit but I still loved the logo, so this project allows me to continue to show them off! I have done both the sew and no sew version of this project with many students at my after school Maker club. It is appropriate for ages 5-14.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this project you will need:

No Sew Version:

  • T-shirt
  • Circular item (I used a plate).
  • Chalk.
  • Scissors

Sew Version

  • T-shirt
  • Circular item.
  • Chalk.
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Sewing Machine (The can be sewn by hand as well, but you must be careful of the strength of your seam. Bag seams take quite a bit of stress.)

Step 2: Cut Off the Sleeves

Cut off your sleeves as close to the seam as you can.

Step 3: Mark the Bag Opening

Fit your circular object around the neck of the t-shirt. Draw around it with the chalk.

Step 4: Cut Your Bag Opening

Cut around your chalk line. You can just wipe off the remnants of the line afterwards.

Step 5: Cut Strips

Turn your shirt inside out. Cut strips through both sides of the bottom of the t-shirt. Ensure that your strips are about 1 cm in width.

Step 6: Tie Knots

Starting at one side, take two groups of strips that are side by side (4 strips). Tie them in a tight knot, and then tie again.Continue this all the way across the bottom of the shirt.

Step 7: Turn Right Side Out

Turn your new totebag right side out and fill it with your favourite things!

Step 8: Turn Inside Out and SEW

For the sewn version I cut off the hem. Turn inside out. Sew straight across the bottom. I do a double seam.

Step 9: After Sewing Turn Right Side Out

Turn your t-shirt right side out and enjoy!

Step 10: Enjoy Your New Totebag!

I love these bags. I love that you can wash them. I love that I am upcycling and enjoying it! My students all love this project as well.