the DIY: NO-SEW T-SHIRT TOTE

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We've been meaning to make totes and produce bags out of t-shirts but it has taken us forever to actually do it. I don't know why... this is sooo easy. Especially since you don't have to sew anything! All you will need is a big XL t-shirt (one you are okay with cutting up), a Sharpie and some scissors.
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We are using a blank t-shirt so we can put our own design on it later. If you only have a shirt that is printed on, that'll totally work.
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Draw the shape of the bag on the shirt. We've seen bags made out of t-shirts where the straps go up to the shoulder (and the bag ultimately looks like a tank top) but, we wanted our straps to be more tote-like rather than grocery store plastic bag-like. Make sense? Eh.. doesn't really matter. This is how you make this bag!
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Cut out your bag.
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Cut strips upward from the bottom of the bag. Make sure you cut through both layers. There will be a top layer of fringe and a bottom layer right under it.
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You will tie each front piece to each back piece. To do this, you may need to stretch the pieces out by pulling them downward. They will roll up- like in the picture.
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Tie a knot.
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And tie another knot!
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Tighten the knot and repeat on all of the strips.
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It should look something like this at the bottom. At this point, you could turn your t-shirt inside out to hide the fringe OR you could keep. We kind of like the look to we're keeping it like it is.
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You could be finished here but we wanted a fun bag! Put something between the layers so your marker doesn't go through to the back.
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Draw whatever design you'd like with a Sharpie.
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Make sure to let the Sharpie dry on the bag. It will smudge and get on things if it hasn't completely dried. Shouldn't take too long.
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Wear the bag!
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9 comments

  1. Very nice idea, and awsome sharpie drawings!!! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day

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  2. This is such a great idea! It could even work with old shirts that have awesome designs/patterns on them! That way you wouldn't have to get rid of that favorite t-shirt just because it has a hole in the armpit! I really like that the straps are "more tote-like" instead of very thin. I think that the thinner the straps are the more it will dig into your shoulder and start to hurt. I have got to try this! Thanks for the great ideas!

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  3. I have to try this! I love when I can make something without sewing. Needles never get along with my fingers. They want a pokey relationship.

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  4. LOVE the idea! I will have to try this, is there a way of making the strap slightly longer? I am quite tall and would like the bag to come down a little further and have the mouth of the bag rest about two inches above my hip bones. Love the design you drew!

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  5. I did it and it is awesome.I am making another for my little sisters 21 birthday.

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  6. btw I am not old. I am only 23

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  7. when giving corporate gifts, you should also be creative to find the best gifts to give;; edbagleyblog.com

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