This simple project shows how to turn an old t shirt into a bag using basic sewing. It is an easy beginner project that creates a practical t shirt tote bag from something you already own.
How to Turn an Old T Shirt Into a Useful Bag
I am pretty excited about this little project.
I lost enough weight from exercising that this shirt is too big! YAY! That made it a perfect candidate for turning it into something I really did need. A bag to hold my kickboxing gloves.
I had seen so many creative ways to turn old shirts into bags that I finally decided to try it myself and add a few of my own tweaks.
Sew the Bottom of the Shirt
The first step is very simple.
Turn the shirt inside out and sew the bottom of the shirt closed using a straight stitch. This creates the bottom of your bag.
I pinned the bottom hem before sewing, although I later realized I pinned it incorrectly. I recently learned (from this book) that pins should usually be placed vertically instead of horizontally so they are easier to remove while sewing.
Beginner moment.
For this project I used a Brother sewing machine that I bought about twenty years ago from Walmart.
Trim the Shirt
After sewing the bottom seam, trim off the extra fabric from the hem.
Do not throw that piece away.
I saved the strip from the bottom of the shirt and cut it into smaller pieces so I could make fabric bows for the handles later.
At first the bag looked a little plain. The bows helped it look much more finished.
Adjusting the Shape of the Bag
Technically the bag is finished once the bottom seam is sewn.
However, when I turned mine right side out the shape looked a little awkward. The sides were wider than I liked, so I decided to taper them slightly.
I turned the t shirt bag inside out again, pinned the sides, and sewed new seams along both sides.
After sewing, I trimmed the excess fabric just like I did with the bottom of the shirt.
That small adjustment made a big difference in how the finished t shirt bag looked.
Tools for Cutting
To trim the fabric I used my Fiskars rotary cutter along with a self healing cutting mat.
These tools make cutting fabric faster and much more accurate, especially if you sew or quilt regularly.
Adding Fabric Bows to the Handles
Remember the strip of fabric from the bottom of the shirt?
That leftover piece became simple bows tied around the bag handles.
They add a nice detail and help disguise the fact that the bag used to be a loose fitting shirt.
Plus it feels good to reuse almost the entire shirt instead of throwing it away.
How Well Did the T Shirt Bag Work
Making the bag was a lot of fun.
I enjoyed putting it together, experimenting with a few adjustments, and actually using my sewing machine.
And technically it worked. The bag held everything I needed it to hold.
However, once I carried it around for a while I realized something.
It looked like I was carrying a shirt full of fighting kittens.
The bag worked, but it was not exactly stylish when it was actually being used. I suspect the issue came from the stretchy fabric in this particular shirt, which had probably stretched out over time.
So after one trip out with it I came home and ordered a proper gym bag that looked a little nicer.
Still, this project is a great DIY t shirt bag idea and a fun way to reuse clothing you already have.
A Tip Before You Make Your T Shirt Bag
If you want to try this project, here is a helpful trick.
Tie a knot in the bottom of the shirt first and place the items you want to carry inside it. This will give you a quick preview of how the bag will look and whether the fabric will hold its shape well.
It is a simple way to test your idea before you start sewing.
Why This Is a Great Beginner Sewing Project
Turning an old shirt into a t shirt bag is a simple project that helps you:
• practice basic sewing skills
• reuse clothing you already own
• create a reusable tote bag
• experiment with easy sewing projects
If you are just getting started with sewing, projects like this are a great way to build confidence with your machine.
More Upcycling & Sewing Ideas
If you enjoyed turning an old shirt into a bag, here are a few more creative projects you might like.
Create a Coke Bottle Soap Dispenser
Turn a unique soda bottle into a fun DIY soap dispenser that adds personality to your craft room or kitchen.
Pokemon Team Rocket Grunt Costume with Iron On Vinyl Tutorial
Learn how to make a Team Rocket costume and apply iron on vinyl to create a bold custom shirt.
Cork Bulletin Board Makeover Using FrogTape Shape Tape
Give an old cork board a fresh look with paint and FrogTape Shape Tape to create fun patterns and clean lines.
Turn Used Candle Jars Into Pretty Bathroom Storage
Reuse empty candle jars to create attractive bathroom storage for cotton balls, swabs, or small essentials.
Twine Vase from a Coke Bottle
Wrap twine around a recycled bottle to create a rustic DIY vase inspired by a magazine design.
Happy Crafting!
Joy, that is rather unseamly of you. You had me in stitches with your “hideous” comments. But I think you are doing sew well. 😉 Anyhow, you reminded me of high school, did a similar project, however, we did ours upside down. Sewed straight across from armhole to armhole, then slit the hemline open at the side seams and ran two pieces of cording to draw it shut…Home Economics 101.
Blue Rose,
You’re so much Pun! 😉 I should try a drawstring bag. That’s what I ended up buying after all. LOL! Sad that I missed out on Home Ec. Now I’m doing “at home” ec. LOL! 😉