Tote Bag: Upcycle A T-shirt

*This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that for every purchase we get a little commission at no extra cost to you.

I bet you have a blouse, a t-shirt or a dress that you don’t like, except for the print. Maybe the design isn’t flattering, or the fabric isn’t comfortable, or the print is pretty but not to wear it. Have you been there?

I found this blouse the other day and I don’t like it that much, but I don’t hate it either. So I thought… What can I do with it? Well… a tote bag! I don’t have to wear it and it looks cute!

If you want to upcycle one of your old items, let me show you how to do it. It takes less than an hour, it has only a few steps and it’s practical and useful!

Let’s get started with the tutorial!

What do I need?

-A blouse or a t-shirt.

-Scissors.

-Chalk or something to trace.

-Thread.

-A sewing machine or a needle.

If you don’t have your basic sewing tools, I recommend investing in them. They are not expensive and you will use them a lot. Find everything you need here.

Step 1

Turn your T-shirt or blouse inside out and sew the bottom part of the blouse. The front and the back sides together (sewing right sides of the fabric together). I followed the curved line because I thought it looked pretty. If yours has excess fabric you can cut it.

Step 2

Cut the sleeves in a straight line.

Step 3

Make a hem where you just cut.

Step 4

Cut 2 strips of 25 inches x 5 inches each from your leftover fabric.

Fold them in half and sew them together to form the strips.

Turn it around to the front side of the fabric.

Step 5

Measure 3 inches from each side to the center. That’s where every strip end should be.

Sew the strips on every mark you made in a square shape to make them more resistant. Like this:

Do it on the 4 ends of the strip and you’re done!

This is one of the easiest sewing projects to make. Since the sides are already sewn there’s not a lot to add. The best part is, you can give a new purpose to an old abandoned item!

I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and if you make your own tote bag, we would love to see it! Tag us on Instagram if you can.

Now you know what to do with old t-shirts and blouses. It can work with shirts as well or dresses, so feel free to use whatever you have.

*This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that for every purchase we get a little commission at no extra cost to you.

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