As I've been cleaning out the closet and dresser drawers, I've come across quite a few t-shirts that are beyond their prime. I cut most of those shirts into rags but there are a couple of really cool printed shirts that I wasn't willing to let meet that fate. A t-shirt tote will give the shirt new life!
The process for creating a t-shirt tote is unbelievably easy. All you need is a shirt, scissors, a sewing machine, and fifteen minutes.
After selecting the shirt you want to turn into a tote, cut off the sleeves. Then, cut a big square where the neck is. Next, turn the shirt inside out and stitch along the bottom hem. Turn your new t-shirt tote right-side-out and you're done! See, I told you it was easy.
This idea originally came from Martha Stewart. She suggests using a bowl to cut out the top of the bag but I prefer a larger opening for the bag.
Images: Jason Loper
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Comments (7)
Great idea! You might want to check out mayamade.com for her wonderful Reinvention Skirt made from a t-shirt. She also turns leftover t-shirt sleeves into instant kerchiefs!
You can also do this with wool sweaters, then felt them in the washing machine. They get smaller, but they're very sturdy!
I saw this first on http://ambataliafabrics.blogspot.com/2010/07/produce-bag-made-from-tee-shirt.html
Molly has lots of wonderful idea - especially love her produce baqs (and her generosity in sharing them!)
I don't have a sewing machine but recently read on a blog the idea of putting a rubber around the fabric instead of putting in the seam - works like a charm!
Becca
You could even make a small drawstring bag out of the sleeves to stuff the tote into and slip it into your purse. You could then sew the sleeve bag into the inside of the tote like the Chico Bags!
note, you do NOT even need a sewing machine.
all you need is a needle and thread, and a bit more time than a sewing machine would take.
i produced 6 in an hour by stitching the bottoms shut by hand.
easy peasy.
These are great, even for a terrible seamstress like me! I'm in the middle of cleaning out my closet and I have so many fun tee shirts that I don't wear anymore but can't seem to give up. Found my solution! Thanks, AT!