Step-by-Step Tutorial

Repurpose an old t-shirt by making your own no-sew t-shirt tote bag. These totes can be used as an every-day tote, storing plastic bags or as a replacement for small trash bags.

Materials: Short or long-sleeved t-shirt and fabric shears or scissors

 

Step 1

Cut the sleeves off — Fold t-shirt in half and match up the seams of the sleeves. Cut along the inside of the seam

Step 2

Now the t-shirt is a tank top. Unfold and cut-out the neck. Be sure to cut a deep “U” for the handles!

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Step 3

Flip shirt inside-out and ensure that the bottom edges are even and smooth.

 
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Step 4

Cut the strips — Starting from the bottom of the shirt, cut slits into the shirt. (Make slits about 2 to 3 inches long and roughly half an inch wide!) This will create the fringe.

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Step 5

Tie the strips – Tie the strips together (I double-knotted) to create the bottom of your bag. Note: If the bottom of your bag is still loose or you notice gaps, then begin tying the top strip to the bottom adjacent strip (diagonally to cross over the gaps). Make sure all knots are tight, especially the ends!

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Step 6

Reverse shirt again – Voilà! Once you’ve reversed the shirt after cutting, you should have a usable t-shirt tote bag! (Notice the secure bottom of the bag once you reverse it.)

 
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Tote Ready!

Great option for everyday use.

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Plastic Bags?…

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Consolidate & Store!

Replace Small Trash Bags

Afraid of that reuse smell? This is a t-shirt, so just throw it into the wash when dirty!

Plastic Bag Recycling

  • Most of you probably know that single-use plastic bags are not recyclable via curbside bins. This is mainly because these bags are soft, flimsy plastic, so they’re highly difficult to sort and often jam machinery.

  • No matter how good you are about using reusable bags, sometimes those plastic bags still accumulate! To reduce overflow, use your tote to carry plastic bags to a local drop-off recycling bin!

  • Go to plasticfilmrecycling.org and under “Recycling Bags and Wraps” →  “Find a Drop Off Location”, type in your zip code and find your closest drop-off bin! This website is also a great resource for plastic film and recycling education in general.