My two oldest girls came home with a super-fun craft after camp last summer, and I have been wanting to try it out for myself for a while now. With summer break almost here (one more week for my kids!) I figured it was a perfect time, especially since these bags are perfect for carrying towels and sunscreen back and forth to the pool.
I love to create, but I do NOT love to sew, so the fact that these t-shirt bags require no sewing is a huge plus in my book. No-sew also means that kids of almost any age can make these on their own (well, except for a little help with the cutting, I suppose…). I am also totally in love with ways to recycle things that are lying around my house. Recycle = no or very little cost.
How to make super-easy t-shirt bags:
Supplies: One old t-shirt, a pair of good, sharp scissors, a ruler, and some ribbon (if desired).
Start with an old t-shirt. I chose a shirt that had a stubborn stain on the bottom half. I didn’t want to wear it out anymore, but I still love the color and fabric.
To start, lay your shirt flat and then set a ruler parallel to the bottom of your shirt about 5-6 inches above the bottom hem.
Cut 1/2 inch strips up to the ruler (I used my thumb as a rough guide). It’s great to be as straight and consistent as possible, but luckily, these strips are very forgiving.
Now for the top of the bag. First, cut each of the sleeves off (I followed the seam line where the sleeve was sewn on to the body of the shirt).
Cutting the neck hole is a little more up in the air. I recommend leaning towards cutting less rather than more. I wanted to keep the “give hope” logo on my bag, so I cut a wide loop just to the top of the words. You really don’t need a wide space to have full access to the bag.
Now you’re ready to start tying. Knot the two end strips by themselves, and then carefully match each top strip to each bottom strip, double knotting each tightly as you make your way across.
The final (optional) step is to add a little embellishment. You can add colorful beads to the strips (some or all strips) and then knot again at the end. I tied ribbon to the very top of the “handles” to finish it off.
That’s it! In just about 15 minutes, you’ve got a new bag, perfect for carrying toys or towels around all summer.
This No-sew t-shirt bag tutorial is being featured on Skip to my Lou’s Craft Camp (this is my 3rd year participating!). Go check out the other amazing crafts….
30 days, 30 bloggers, 30 crafts.
© 2012, Lolli. All rights reserved.
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fashion blogger´s last [type] ..fashion blogger
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Very good idea of reusing the old t.shirts.Thanx for sharing.
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This is a great idea and an easy project. I hate seeing good t-shirts go to waste.
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Simply brilliant. I thank you in the name of all sewing-challenged people!
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That is seriously so cute! &I love the shirt you chose to use
Shell Fruscione´s last [type] ..New Quaker Soft Baked Bars: A Wholesome Breakfast Snack!
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This is super cute. Would be fun to do with a school shirt. (I would have loved it with a sorority shirt in college!)
Jen´s last [type] ..Free Pampers Gifts to Grow Code
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cute idea
Corey Feldman´s last [type] ..Cymbalta update
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super, super cute. i love it
Brett´s last [type] ..Barney: Planes, Trains & Cars #Giveaway
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Um, that is totally cute!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy´s last [type] ..My Trusted Work Companion
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What a cute idea!
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What a cute way to upcycle a shirt that they have outgrown! I have been saving some of my tshirts to make a quilt. I love finding a new way to use stuff too!
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