Apr 22
DIY: T-Shirt to Tote Bag Transformation
by: Shari Hersh and Norah Langweiler
by: Shari Hersh and Norah Langweiler
Bring Your Own bag, bag-making and the Trash Academy board game, January 10, 2019. Photo by Steve Weinik.
To celebrate, we’re featuring a quick DIY from Trash Academy, a Mural Arts initiative that uses art and creativity as a vehicle to turn the concept of ‘trash’ on its head and help our communities imagine a new way of caring for our neighborhoods. Haul out that old sewing machine, grab a stack of old t-shirts, and get yourself some brand new tote bags!
Follow along with our instructional video:
Bring Your Own bag, bag-making and the Trash Academy board game, January 10, 2019. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Cut the sleeves off your t-shirt.
Cut the neckline out of the shirt. It has to be a little wider than the original neckline. Make sure you don’t cut it too wide or the straps will be too narrow and flimsy.
Turn your t-shirt inside out.
Sew the bottom of the t-shirt closed using two rows of zig-zag stitch on the sewing machine. You don’t need to be a skilled sewer for this project – it’s easy enough for anyone to try it!
No sewing machine? Give hand-stitching a try. It may not be as strong but it will certainly do the trick!
Turn your t-shirt right-side out. Get ready to decorate!
Slip a piece of cardboard into the shirt to ensure and lay it flat. This will ensure your paint or markers do not seep to the other side.
Color or paint your bag to your heart’s content!
Download and print Reusable Bag Jeopardy.
Put Jeopardy in your bag so that when friends compliment your bag you can whip it out for a quick game! Did you know 2 million plastic bags are used every minute? Challenge your friends’ knowledge with the game to spark a conversation about climate change. Making a reusable bag is a great way to do your part and an easy craft anyone can do.
Don’t forget to post your DIY bag to social! #BYOBagPHL
Bring Your Own bag, bag-making and the Trash Academy board game, January 10, 2019. Photo by Steve Weinik.
Last updated: May 11, 2020
Sounds great. I believe you could use any shirt, even a button up. Just sew up the front to make it like a T shirt.
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