DIY: T-Shirt to Tote Bag Transformation

Earth Day Turns 50!

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:

What You’ll Need

• T-shirt
• Scissors
• Cardboard
• Sewing Machine
• Paint or Markers

Step 1

Cut the sleeves off your t-shirt.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Turn your t-shirt inside out.

Step 4

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!

Step 5

Turn your t-shirt right-side out. Get ready to decorate!

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Color or paint your bag to your heart’s content!

Step 8

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