Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bag

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Going green? It’s great to have reusable shopping bags handy. How about one that’s DIY, upcycled and customizable? All the better! 

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

YOU CAN NOW SHOP AT MICHAELS.COM online! YES! Find a project, simply add the supplies to your cart or shop for similar supplies for your own spin, check out and begin your DIY project the day your materials arrive at your home! You can now purchase all of your favorite arts and crafts supplies on any computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also check out what’s trending on Michaels Pinterest page by scrolling and shopping through the “Favorite Pins” section. Free Shipping on $50+ at Michaels.com.

This upcycled t-shirt market bag project from Michael’s was the perfect inspiration.

ordering online at michaels

My take on the Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bag

Materials I used:

  • short sleeved sport gray adult medium t-shirt
  • black parachute cord 
  • black distressed iron on letters
  • gray thread 

upcycled tshirt tote back supplies 

Skill Level: Easy

Project Time: 30-60 minutes

You’ll also need:

  • scissors
  • sewing machine (optional) 
  • needle
  • iron

Michael’s Coupons: 

What I did:

1. Start with a washed, dried, and ironed t-shirt then flip inside out. 

easy tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

2. Next sew the bottom hem of the shirt closed using a sewing machine (you could also do this by hand).

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

3. Cut off the sleeves.

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

4. Cut off the neckline (squared).

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

5. Flip t-shirt right side out. That easy – it’s a bag! 

The following steps are optional. Use your imagine to come up with your own creative take on it!

6. Embellish! I chose to use iron on letters (apply to t-shirt according to package instructions) but you could also decorate with fabric paint and/or stamps as shown in Michael’s instructions. 

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

7. Cut two 12″ pieces of parachute cord and knot each end of each piece.

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

8. Using a needle and thread or sewing machine, attach the parachute cord for bag ties between each of the handles (at one knotted end). 

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

All done! Place near the door, ready to toss in the car for shopping.

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

Cute, cute, cute! Love it! Easy to do with so many possibilities…love that kind of DIY, don’t you?  

easy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.comeasy DIY tshirt tote bag tutorial at diyshowoff.com

Michaels.com: Your 24-hour Arts & Crafts Store

I recently joined the Michael’s Makers team which means I receive a gift card to complete and share fun craft challenges.