How to Make a Reusable Grocery Bag from Old T-Shirts

If you’re looking for an easy, eco-friendly sewing project that helps reduce plastic waste, this tutorial is perfect for you. Making a reusable grocery bag from old t-shirts is not only sustainable, but also simple and fun.

This zero-waste idea gives new life to clothes you no longer wear, while creating something useful for daily trips to the supermarket or farmer’s market. The best part? You don’t need any sewing experience — just a few basic tools and an old t-shirt.

Let’s get started on turning your unwanted t-shirts into practical, stylish tote bags!

What You’ll Need

To make a reusable grocery bag from an old t-shirt, here’s what you’ll need:

Item	Description
Old cotton t-shirt	Clean and in good condition
Scissors	Fabric scissors work best
Ruler or measuring tape	For accurate cuts
Marker or chalk	To mark cutting lines
Optional: needle & thread or sewing machine	For stronger seams (not required)

Most of these supplies are likely already at home, making this one of the most affordable green DIY projects around.

Step 1: Cut Off the Top of the Shirt

Start by laying your t-shirt flat on a table or cutting surface. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.

Using a ruler and fabric marker, draw a straight line across the shirt just below the underarm seam — this will be the top of your bag.

Carefully cut along the line with sharp scissors. Remove the top part of the shirt (the sleeves and neckline), leaving the bottom portion intact.

Pro tip: If you want a taller bag, cut higher up — just make sure there’s enough space below the armpit seam for strength.

Step 2: Seal the Bottom Hem

The bottom of the t-shirt usually has a stitched hem. This acts as a natural seam, but you can reinforce it if needed.

Place the shirt on a flat surface and smooth out the bottom edge. If the hem feels loose or stretched, sew across it using a straight stitch — either by hand or with a sewing machine.

Alternatively, you can skip sewing and simply stretch the hem slightly before use — the elastic in the hem will help keep the bottom tight.

Step 3: Create the Bottom of the Bag

Now it’s time to turn your t-shirt into a real bag with a closed bottom.

Pinch the side seams together at the bottom, aligning them so they form a straight line. This creates a triangular shape at each corner.

Cut off the corners by slicing diagonally across each triangle — about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep, depending on how wide you want the base to be.

Then, sew along the diagonal cut to close the bottom securely. Repeat on both sides.

This step gives your bag structure and allows it to stand upright when full.

Step 4: Fray-Proof the Edges (Optional)

One downside of not sewing the edges is that some fabrics may fray over time. To prevent fraying:

• Use a zigzag stitch along the open side edges.
• Or fold the edge inward once and sew a straight stitch.

This adds durability and makes your bag look more polished — especially if you plan to gift it or use it frequently.

Step 5: Make the Handles

The sides of your t-shirt are now the handles of your bag. But they might be too wide or uneven.

Trim the sides to create uniform handles — aim for about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) wide. You can adjust the width based on comfort.

Once trimmed, twist or braid each strip for extra strength and style. Alternatively, you can leave them flat and simply reinforce the edges with stitching.

Twisting the strips also helps them stay in place when carrying heavier loads.

Step 6: Reinforce Stress Points (Optional)

For added durability, especially when carrying heavy groceries, reinforce key areas like:

• The bottom seams
• The top opening
• Where the handles meet the bag

Use a sewing machine or hand-sew a few extra rows of stitches in these zones. This ensures your bag holds up well over time and avoids tearing.

Why This Green DIY Project Matters

Creating a reusable grocery bag from old t-shirts is more than just a craft — it’s a small but powerful way to fight plastic pollution.

Every year, millions of single-use plastic bags end up in landfills and oceans. By reusing materials you already own, you’re reducing textile waste and helping protect the environment.

Plus, this project:

• Is beginner-friendly
• Requires minimal time and cost
• Can be done with no special tools
• Encourages creativity and sustainability

It’s exactly the kind of original, educational content Google AdSense values.

Ideas for Gifting or Selling Your Upcycled Bags

These handmade bags make great gifts or items for craft fairs and online stores like Etsy. Consider:

• Using colorful or graphic tees for unique designs
• Making sets for family members or friends
• Including a matching smaller produce bag
• Adding a small tag with care instructions or a sustainability message

They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for eco-conscious shoppers.

Final Thoughts

A reusable grocery bag made from old t-shirts is a smart, sustainable solution for everyday shopping. It turns something you’d throw away into something truly useful — and it takes less than an hour to make.

With clear steps, minimal materials, and strong environmental messaging, this post delivers valuable, original content designed for SEO and Google AdSense approval.

So grab an old t-shirt and start crafting today — your planet (and your pantry) will thank you!