Shirt Bags: Convenient and Eco-Friendly Easy DIY

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Learn how to transform a shirt into convenient and eco-friendly “shirt bags” with this step-by-step DIY tutorial. Perfect for grocery shopping and school gear, repurpose your favorite shirt into a practical and stylish bag. Easy-to-follow instructions for beginners, plus optional decoration ideas. Reduce waste and get creative with these eco-friendly DIY shirt bags.

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Learn how to transform a shirt into convenient and eco-friendly "shirt bags" with this step-by-step DIY tutorial.

Are you tired of using plastic t-shirt bags at the grocery store? With our DIY Shirt Bags tutorial, you can create your own reusable cart accessories! These mil lightweight bags with handles are a durable and economical choice for your shopping needs. Say goodbye to plastic bags that puncture and tear easily. Our shirt bags offer exceptional customer service with their expandability and extra storage space.

Choose from different sizes and colors to match your preferences. Whether you need smaller dimensions for quick purchases or larger bag sizes for bulk shopping, DIY shirt bags have you covered. They are perfect for convenience stores and retail businesses alike.

How do you make a shirt into a bag?

Shirt Bags Materials Needed:

  • Shirt (any size, from small for a lunch box to large for groceries)
  • Sewing machine or hand-stitching supplies
  • Fuse fabric (optional)
  • Glue (optional, not recommended for durability)
  • Sharp scissors (preferably fabric scissors)
  • Iron-ons, fabric paint, or fabric markers for decoration (optional)

Shirt Bags Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Shirt – DIY Shirt Bag Tutorial for Grocery Shopping

Before you begin, make sure your shirt is washed and dried. This will ensure a clean and ready-to-use fabric for your shirt bag.

Step 2: Turn Your Shirt Inside Out – Step-by-Step Guide to Repurpose a Shirt into a Bag

Start by turning your shirt inside out. This will ensure that the final bag has the right side of the fabric facing outward, showcasing the original design or pattern of the shirt.

Step 3: Close the Bottom of the Shirt – Easy Craft Project: Transform a Shirt into a Reusable Bag

There are several ways to close the bottom of the shirt. Choose the method that suits you best:

a) Sewing: If you have a sewing machine or can hand stitch, this is a great option. Using a straight stitch, sew the bottom of the shirt all the way across. If you’re new to sewing, don’t worry! You can learn the basics easily.

b) Fuse Fabric: Alternatively, you can use fuse fabric by ironing and fusing the fabric together. Please note that using glue might not provide the most durable result, but it can be an option if you prefer.

Step 4: Turn the T-Shirt Right Side Out – Eco-Friendly DIY: How to Make a Shirt Bag for School Gear

After closing the bottom, turn the shirt right side out. This will bring the original design or pattern of the shirt to the outside of your bag, giving it a polished look.

Step 5: Trim the Neck – Repurposing Clothes: Turn a Shirt into a Practical Bag

Using sharp scissors, preferably fabric scissors, carefully cut out the neck of the shirt. If you feel that the original opening is too small for your bag, you can widen it slightly. Be cautious not to cut too much, as the weight of the contents inside may cause the opening to stretch further.

Step 6: Personalize Your Bag (Optional) – Simple Sewing Tutorial: Create a Shirt Bag with a Sewing Machine

If your shirt doesn’t have a design on it or if you want to add some extra flair, feel free to decorate your bag. You can use iron-ons, fabric paint, or fabric markers to customize your shirt bag. Get creative and let the kids add their own school spirit to their bags or decorate them for yourself.

Your bag is ready to go. Grab the handles and fill it up. Optional - if your shirt does not have a design in it, feel free to decorate it. I used some iron ons and fabric paint. You could also use fabric markers as well. Let the kids add some school spirit to theirs or decorate your bags for you.

And there you have it! Your shirt bag is now ready for action. Simply grab the handles and fill it up. These shirt bags are not only practical but also a great way to reduce waste and repurpose old shirts. No more plastic shopping bags are needed, and no more grocery bags that get tears in them! You can make a range of sizes and make several plain t-shirt bags. Enjoy your new eco-friendly accessory, and stay tuned for more economical and creative DIY projects!

Shirt Bags Tutorial Video

You can see me create this bag in the video I was contracted by Hometalk to do!

Shirt Bags Q & A:

What is the best size for T-shirt bags?

The best size for T-shirt bags can vary depending on your specific needs and purposes. However, there are a few commonly used sizes that work well for different purposes:

  1. Small T-shirt Bags: These are typically around 8 inches by 10 inches (20 cm by 25 cm) or smaller. They are great for packing lunch boxes, carrying small items, or as gift bags.
  2. Medium T-shirt Bags: These are usually around 12 inches by 15 inches (30 cm by 38 cm). They are versatile and can be used for grocery shopping, carrying books, or as general-purpose bags.
  3. Large T-shirt Bags: These bags are larger, usually around 15 inches by 18 inches (38 cm by 46 cm) or bigger. They are ideal for carrying larger groceries, bulky items, or for storing clothes and accessories when traveling.

Ultimately, the best size for T-shirt bags depends on your personal preferences and intended use. Consider the items you typically carry and choose a size that accommodates them comfortably. Remember, the beauty of DIY T-shirt bags is that you have the flexibility to customize the size according to your needs.

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Learn how to transform a shirt into convenient and eco-friendly "shirt bags" with this step-by-step DIY tutorial.

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12 Comments

  1. Stephanie says:

    It’s fabulous, my friend! I have a bag in this shape that I love so I may have to make a few more with your simple and fun t-shirt idea.

    Thanks for the inspiration. Hugs! Stephanie-The Enchanting Rose

    1. Thank you Stephanie, I’m sure with your wonderful sewing skills you’ll fancy it up even more! Please send me pictures if you decide to do it, I’d love to see what you make! Hugs!!!

  2. Wow! What a simple but great idea! I’ll have to check though my older T-shirts to see what I can find. 🙂

  3. I’m sure I have some old t-shirts I could do this to! Great idea, and super easy!

    1. Thank you Heather and I’m so pleased you want to give it a try 🙂

  4. Very good and practical idea for our old t-shirts! Thank you for sharing with us on Party in Your PJ’s.

  5. Very creative for sure, never thought of recycling a Tee other than as a Floor rag. Epic. Thanks for sharing at the Pit Stop!

    Syl

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