MAKE! Recycled T-shirt Tote Bag

Create a wonderful bag from recycled t-shirts without any need for sewing in our latest Make! tutorial.

10 Pins

Step 4

Knot the strips together, tying one strip from the back to one strip at the front). Use double knots to make it nice and strong!

an image of a shirt tote bag made with crayons and construction equipment

MAKE! a recycled t-shirt tote bag

Create fantastic tote bags from old recycled tshirts in this simple Make! tutorial.

two women's tops sitting on top of a wooden floor next to each other

You will need

An old t-shirt, scissors, and optional decorating materials – we used fabric pens (or permanent markers), fabric paint, pom-poms and fabric glue or PVA glue.

a pair of orange scissors sitting on top of a blue t - shirt that has been cut

Step 1

Find an old t-shirt that you don’t wear any more. Cut out the sleeves, (it might be best if an adult does this with big scissors).

Step 2

Cut out the neck.

a pair of scissors sitting on top of a table next to a piece of cloth

Step 3

Turn the t-shirt inside out and cut a fringe along the bottom edges (the strips should be about 1cm wide and about 4cm deep).

someone is holding onto the top of a dress

Step 5

Make another row of knots, this time tying one strip from the previous knot to a strip from the next knot. (This closes up any little holes).

an apron with crayons, pens and markers on it sitting on a wooden table

Step 6

Turn the bag the right way round and smooth out the fabric. Before you decorate, slide a piece of scrap cardboard inside to protect the other side. Use fabric pens or permanent markers to draw a picture on the side. (Some fabric paints and pens require fixing, check the instructions when using them!).

someone is drawing on a tank top with markers

Step 7

You can also stick pom-poms or offcuts of fabric onto your bag using fabric glue or PVA (be aware that these might come off if you wash your bag).

Step 8

Try making different sized bags. Use small t-shirts to make bags for little people, and large t-shirts to make bags for adults! Enjoy using your t-shirt bag!