Introduction: Old T-Shirt Reusable Grocery Bag W/ Fringe!

These are the DIY instructions for creating your very own reusable grocery bag. The bag is complete with handles and a sassy fringe trim. If you use a t-shirt that already has a chest pocket, your bag can have a pocket, too! Keep in mind that this bag is washable, so it's great as a sweaty gym bag or an enviorment-friendly grocery bag. This is extremely easy, and only requires two things!

Materials needed:

  • 1 adult size t-shirt (medium size minimum - or else the bag is too small! I use size "large" or "x-large")
  • 1 pair of full size scissors
  • A pair of working hands on a human body
  • A nice, flat surface - like the ground or a kitchen table

Step 1: Cutting the Neck and Sleeves

Cut out the neck seam about 1 inch from the seam itself. You'll have a collarless neckline after this. This is the bag opening.

Step 2: Trimming the Sleeves and Bottom Seam

Cut 1 inch out from the seam on the sleeves and discard the arm cuffs. Your t-shirt should now look like a 'muscle tank top'. Trim the very bottom seam off an inch out, also. Now, your shirt should have a clean, straight bottom with no thick seam.

Step 3: Cutting the Fringe Strips

Cut strips up the bottom waist of the shirt - this will create a dangly thread/fabric strip look, also known as fringe. Make sure the width of the strips are no more than 1 inch, and no longer than 5 inches. (The longer the strips, the less space you'll have in your bag - so listen to our measurements!)

Step 4: Pulling the Fringe Strips

Pull on the strips so they become slightly longer and skinnier. They should naturally curl up a little, and become noddle-like.

Step 5: Tying Your Fringe Knots

Match up the first front strip with the first back strip. You are going to tie this in a knot. Do the same with the second front and second back strips, etc. Continue going down the line of strips. This will close off and secure the bottom of your bag.

Step 6: Making the Two Handles

Cut the top seam of the shoulder straps in half. This way, you have four straps to work with: a left front and back and a right front and back.

Step 7: Tying Your Handles

Tie the front left and the front right in a knot. Then, tie the back left and the back right in a knot, too. This creates the 2 handles for your bag.

Step 8: Yay, a Finished Bag!

Now, you may leave your bag alone, or you can decorate it with sharpies, fabric marker, or tie-dye.

Note: if you're not a fan of the fringe, you may tie the fringe knots and then cut off the excess, leaving little fring knots with only 1 inch of strip hanging off. Turn your t-shirt back inside out, and you can't see the fringe!

If you're using a regualr cotton t-shirt, the bag is washable!

Home Remedies Challenge 2016

Participated in the
Home Remedies Challenge 2016