Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Make a T-shirt bag without sewing
• Method 2 of 3: Make a drawstring bag
• Tips
• Necessities
• Making a T-shirt bag without sewing
• Making a drawstring bag
• Making a shopping bag

Whether you want to make a gift or store things; making your own bag is a great way to save money and recycle. A T-shirt bag is one of the easiest things you can make, as it requires no sewing. However, if you want to get a little more creative, you can also try making a simple drawstring bag or grocery bag!

To step

Method 1 of 3: Make a T-shirt bag without sewing

1. Pick a T-shirt you don't mind entertaining and turn it inside out. The size of the T-shirt does not matter. You can use a small shirt for a small bag, or a large shirt for a larger bag. However, it is best to use a regular T-shirt instead of a fitted T-shirt.
   • Consider using a shirt with an interesting print or image on the front. This will be visible on the outside of the bag once you are done.
   • If the shirt is white, possibly tie-dye it first. If the shirt is black, you can use reverse dyeing by bleach!
   • The shirt may be old, but make sure it is clean and without holes or stains.
2. Trim the fringe if you wish. Depending on how short you want to make the bag, the fringe can be very long or very short. If you want your fringes to be shorter, cut them to the desired length. However, don't make them shorter than an inch!
   • If the tassels stay on the inside of the bag, you still have to trim them so they don't get tangled.
   • If you want the tassels to be long, you can also attach pony beads. Make knots under the beads, if necessary, to keep them in place.

Method 2 of 3: Make a drawstring bag

1. Cut a 25 by 50 cm rectangle from a desired piece of fabric. Choose a durable fabric, such as cotton, linen, canvas, or jersey. Draw a rectangle with tailor's chalk or a pen and a ruler, measuring 25 by 50 cm, on the back of the fabric. Cut out the rectangle with fabric scissors.
   • The fabric can be plain colored or provided with a print.
   • This pattern already includes seam allowances so you don't have to add more.
   • You can make a larger / smaller bag if you wish, but the proportions will remain the same. Make the bag twice as long as it is wide.
2. Cut a long piece of ribbon or string 50 cm long. Choose a piece of ribbon or string that is no more than 1/2 inch wide. Measure 50 cm and then cut it. This will be the drawstring for the bag's closure.
   • Match the color to your bag, or use a contrasting color. For example, if you have a blue canvas bag, a thin white rope would look nice.
   • If your ribbon or string is made of polyester, sear the cut ends with a flame to keep them from fraying.
   • If your ribbon or cord isn't made of polyester, seal the cut ends with fabric glue or fraying glue. Let the ends dry before proceeding.
3. Cut a piece of fabric twice as high as you want the bag to be. The fabric should be the same width as your desired bag, plus an inch for the side seam allowances. You should also add an inch to the total height for the hems.
   • For example, if you want to make a bag measuring 15 by 30 cm, then your fabric should be 17.5 by 32.5 cm.
   • Use a sturdy fabric, such as canvas, cotton, linen, or canvas.
4. Cut a long strip of fabric for the handle or shoulder strap. The strip can be any length, but should be twice as wide, plus have a 1/2 inch seam allowance. You can cut a long strip to make a shoulder strap or two short strips to make handles.
   • The strap or handle does not have to match your bag. You can use a contrasting color to make your bag look more interesting.
   • Use a sturdy, woven fabric, such as cotton, linen or canvas. Do not use stretchy fabric.
5. Add a Velcro closure if you want to open and close the bag. Cut a 2.5 by 2.5 cm piece of Velcro. Find the center of the front and back of the top hem. Glue each piece of Velcro to the inside of your bag, right to the top edge of the seam. Wait for the glue to dry and then press the Velcro together to close the bag.
   • Avoid using self-adhesive Velcro. The glue will eventually come off.
   • Use fabric glue for best results. However, you can also use a little hot glue.
6. Ready!

Tips

• Decorate your bag with embroidery, stamps or beads.
• You can also use some staples quickly, but your bag will not become very strong.
• When making a T-shirt bag, you can also sew the bottom seam closed instead of making a knotted fringe.
• Make a few bags and give them away as gifts.

Necessities

Making a T-shirt bag without sewing

• T-shirt
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pen

Making a drawstring bag

• Dust
• Ribbon or string
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Sewing machine
• Safety pin

Making a shopping bag

• Dust
• Scissors
• Sewing pins
• Safety pin
• Iron
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Velcro (optional)