Easy No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag: A 10-Minute Upcycling Project

Got an old t-shirt you love but just don’t wear anymore? Maybe it’s a favorite concert tee that’s seen better days or one that just doesn’t fit right. Don’t let it clutter your closet or head to the landfill!

With this super-easy, 10-minute DIY project, you can upcycle that t-shirt into a strong, stylish, and surprisingly durable tote bag. The best part? There is absolutely no sewing required.

This is a perfect beginner-friendly craft that’s frugal, eco-friendly, and leaves you with a truly useful item. It’s perfect for carrying groceries from the souk, packing for a day at the beach, or just as a unique everyday bag.

Why You’ll Love This Project

• 100% Frugal: It’s completely free! You’re using an item you already have.
• Zero-Waste: You’re saving a piece of clothing from the landfill and turning it into something new.
• Beginner-Friendly: If you can use a pair of scissors, you can make this bag.
• Super Fast: You can finish this project in about 10 minutes.
• Surprisingly Strong: The knotted design at the bottom is incredibly sturdy.
• No Special Tools: All you need is a t-shirt and scissors.

What You’ll Need

• An old T-shirt: Any cotton t-shirt will do. Note: Thicker cotton (like an old band t-shirt) will create a sturdier bag. Avoid very thin or super-stretchy fabric if you want to carry heavy items.
• A good pair of scissors: Fabric scissors are ideal, but any sharp pair will work.
• (Optional) A ruler and marker/chalk: Only if you want perfectly straight lines, but free-handing works just fine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lay Your Shirt Flat
   Spread your t-shirt out on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Cut Off the Sleeves
   Cut off both sleeves along the inner seam. This will create the bag’s “handles.”
   
3. Cut Out the Neckline
   Cut out the neckline. A wider, deeper U-shape (like a tank top) will create a larger opening for your bag.
4. Mark Your Bottom Line
   Decide how deep you want your bag to be. You’ll be cutting the bottom hem off. About 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) above the bottom hem is a good place to start. You can use your ruler and marker to draw a straight line across the shirt, or just eyeball it.
5. Cut the Fringe
   Now, cut the bottom hem off the shirt and discard it (or save it for another project!). Then, begin cutting vertical strips from the new bottom edge up to the line you marked (or about 5-8 cm deep). Each strip should be about 1-2 cm (1/2 inch) wide. Make sure you are cutting through both layers of the shirt.
6. Tie the Knots!
   This is the magic part. You have a front fringe and a back fringe.
   • Take the first front strip and the first back strip that lines up with it.
   • Tie them together in a simple, tight double knot.
   • Repeat this process, tying each front strip to its corresponding back strip, all the way across the bottom.
     
   WiseHomist Tip (For a No-Hole Bottom): To make sure small items (like keys or coins) don’t fall through the gaps, you can add a second set of knots. Simply take one knot-tail and tie it to the knot-tail next to it. This “weaves” the bottom of the bag together and closes any small holes.
7. Turn It Inside-Out (Optional)
   For a clean, “finished” look, simply turn your bag inside-out. The knots and fringe will be hidden on the inside, and you’ll have a smooth bottom on the outside. (Or, leave the fringe out for a fun, boho-style look!)

---

And that’s it! In about 10 minutes, you’ve saved a t-shirt from the trash and created a unique, frugal, and eco-friendly tote bag.