Make instant Bags from old T-shirts and knit tops : 2 easy ways

An old t-shirt can be turned into so many things if you employ some ingenuity and some sewing skills. A bag is one of the easiest things you can make with the fabric of your t-shirt or even an old knit top. A few seams sewn and you have an instant bag.

I concede that these bags are not couture stuff, but they make simple lightweight easy to carry market bags, shopping bags – just fold and keep inside your handbag like a handkerchief and you can come back carrying your grocery in your own t-shirt bag. This is a great way to keep old t-shirts with good prints which you do not want to throw away but then, may never wear

2 ways to convert old t-shirts to bags

T-shirt tote bag

To make this easy to make bag, cut off the bottom portion of the top/t-shirt. The bottom edge will be your ready made top edge of the bag. 

You can cut out handles from the same t-shirt/top – from the sleeves or the top portion -plan accordingly. 

You can also use webbing for an easy ready made handle. 

Sew the edges of the handles together to finish the handles.

Sew the bottom edge with a tight zig zag stitch. This stitch is used because the fabric is knit and the zig zag stitch has a stretch suitable for knits. Learn more about sewing with knits here.

Sew the corner across to box the bag’s bottom. The distance from the corner will depend on the size of your t-shirt/top. Do this for both the corners and you get a good flat bottomed bag.

If you do not want the flat bottom, skip this step.

To do this, just pinch the corner with the side seam and bottom seam meeting – and sew across.

Attach the handles to the bag – ensure that you make enough stitches to carry things in the bag. The bag handles shouldnot come off right in the middle of the road.

Take it out for shopping. It fits a lot of vegetables and groceries because of its stretchy nature and when folded fits a small purse (depending on the fabric of your top).

Simple t-shirt bag – sewing tutorial

Cut out the t-shirt with the handles facing the bottom edge. Cut out outside the red lines.

This is how it will look. 

Overlap the handle edges and sew across. 

You can finish the handle side edges and the inside edges by turning the edge to the inside and sewing it along. 

Related posts : Turn jeans into bags : 3 ways; Make an easy carryall grocery shopping bag ; Sewing a tote bag;  What to make from old jeans – easy project ideas ; Make t-shirt yarn; T-shirt cutting ideas