How to Make T-Shirt Bags for Groceries (and More)
Reusable shopping bags are better for the environment and your wallet compared to single-use plastic bags. An easy way to create your own eco-friendly bags is by recycling old t-shirts. Transforming worn out tees into sturdy totes takes just basic sewing skills and minimal time. The end result is a bag that is durable, washable, and customizable with whatever t-shirt design or logo you choose. Follow these simple steps to sew a t-shirt into a handy reusable bag perfect for groceries and other everyday uses.
What You Need
– An old t-shirt (washed and dried, no stains or holes)
– Sewing machine
– Matching sewing thread
– Fabric scissors
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Pins, clips, or weights for holding fabric taut
– Pencil or fabric marker
Instructions
1. Prepare the T-Shirt
Select a soft, lightweight cotton t-shirt that is intact with no damage, stains, or tears. Wash and fully dry the shirt first. Lay it flat and gently tug to stretch it back into shape. This makes cutting easier.
2. Cut the T-Shirt Panels
Using a ruler and fabric scissors, carefully cut along the shirt’s side seams from the bottom hem up to the armpits. This will give you three panels – the front, back, and a rectangular tube from the sleeves and sides.
3. Trim the Excess Fabric
Measure and mark a 14-16 inch wide panel cutting across the top portion of the front and back panels. Discard any extra fabric above this point. The bottom width is determined by how large you want the bag. Wider bags can hold more weight.
4. Hem the Top Edge
Fold over the top cut edge 1/2 inch and sew a basic straight stitch hem along both the front and back panels. Backstitch over the seam a few times for durability.
5. Mark the Fold Lines
Decide how tall you want the bag to be. Common dimensions are 15-18 inches but make whatever height suits your needs. Measure and mark this distance up from the bottom edge of each panel. Place a second set of marks another 1/2 inch above this to indicate the fold line.
6. Sew the Side Seams
Open up the rectangular sleeve panel and align it with the outer edge of the front panel, right sides facing. The panel will likely be longer than needed. Pin in place, aligning the raw edges and outer marks. Sew together from bottom to top mark.
7. Attach the Back Panel
Repeat step 6 to join the opposite sleeve edge with the outer edge of the back panel, creating a tube. Align raw edges and sew from bottom mark to top.
8. Box the Bag Corners
To shape the flat panels into a bag, you’ll need to box the bottom corners. Fold the bottom corner of the front panel over, aligning the side seam and bottom hem. Measure 2-3 inches up and sew across this square at a 45 degree angle. Trim off excess fabric. Repeat for back corner.
9. Fold and Stitch the Top Hem
Make the casing for the bag’s drawstring by folding over the top edge twice, using the inner mark as a guide. Sew all around this hem. Leave a 3-4 inch opening for the drawcord.
10. Add the Drawcord
Cut a long piece of cording, rope, or ribbon. Attach a safety pin and thread through the hem opening all around the top of the bag. Overlap the ends and knot securely.
11. Add Finishing Touches
Run over all seams again for durability. Consider sewing on buttons or decorative patches. To protect fabrics, apply an all-purpose sealant spray.
Tips and Variations
– For large or heavy items, use thicker t-shirts like beefy cotton or poly-cotton blends.
– Make a lined bag by cutting two shirts and sewing both layers together inside out before turning.
– Personalize with fabric paints, iron-on transfers, applique patches, embroidered designs, tee logos or printed images from the original shirt.
– Make a smaller produce bag perfect for veggies and fruit using just the front panel cut to size.
– For beach days, use a beachy tee and sew a waterproof lining. This creates a wet/dry bag.
– Line bags with a water-resistant fabric so they can carry cold groceries or leaks.
– Make fold-over tote straps by cutting 1-inch wide strips of t-shirt material and sewing a tube shape. Attach straps at the sides.
– For extra strength, use nylon or canvas webbing for long handles instead of t-shirt straps.
– Add a boxy bottom insert of chipboard or heavy cardboard cut to size for a bag that stands upright when full.
– Insert a plastic needlepoint mesh inside for structure and to help drained foods and leaks.
– For accessories, upcycle shirt pockets into small coin purses. Cut off and re-sew tops closed.
Caring for Your T-Shirt Totes
– Turn bags inside out before machine washing in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air dry.
– Avoid bleach and fabric softener which may cause fading or breaks down fibers over time.
– If bags lose shape after washing, iron on medium heat or place damp in the dryer to re set fibers.
– Mend any holes by hand sewing patches of scrap t-shirt fabric on the inside.
With a little sewing DIY spirit, you can give old t-shirts new life as reusable shopping and storage bags. It’s a fun afternoon craft and a great way to reduce waste. Your t-shirt tote bags will get mileage at the grocery store, gym, library, beach and more!
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