Reusable Shopping Bag: Another Crafty Reuse for T-Shirts

by Jamie Ervin July 29, 2009, 9:52 am 10 Comments

I’m always on the lookout for creative uses for t-shirts. We have a bunch collecting dust in our closets and they are readily available at resale shops.

We’ve all heard about the shirt quilt (it’s fun to make for a new college student’s dorm room), but what about curtains, valance, bedskirt, children’s clothing, diapers or dresses?

Martha Stewart has a fabulous idea for making a reusable shopping tote out of t-shirts. What a fun way to reuse all those souvenir and college tee’s. This bag is simple to make:

There is only one line to sew and a couple of places to cut (sleeves and neckline). I’m already thinking up ways to fancy this up (reinforcing the top and using ribbon trim and handles, etc…). Visit Martha’s link to watch a video and get step by step directions.

This project is simple, so even my youngsters can make these with minimal help… the bags make wonderful sleepover packs. (Pssst… you can also make pillowcases.)

If you are looking for more ideas, check out Skye’s post with several reuse ideas and there is also t-shirt yarn options. Need more ideas? Grab a hold of Generation T’s 108 ways to transform a t-shirt.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart’s Good Thing T-Shirt Bag

Written by Jamie Ervin

Being green comes naturally for Jamie, a Native Oregonian. Educated at Oregon State University she is now a UofO Ducks fan, but remains true to her Alma Mater, the Beavers. Jamie lives vicariously through her husband, a developer of shoes for little feet, who travels the world over and prays she doesn't blog about him. She is the mother to five children, aged 4-16 and a Registered Daycare Provider. Her long term goals include traveling Asia, completing her first novel, obtaining her Master's Degree in English Lit and Education, in addition, Jamie would love to start a natural household and body product line, or maybe just pour some (organic soy) candles. Visit Jamie's personal blog, Looks Good In Polka Dots where it's not just about mothering, gluten free cooking and socially conscious living.