That no sew t-shirt tote bag you keep meaning to make is ten minutes away. Your concert-tee drawer is overflowing, plastic sacks are piling up, and the fix needs zero needle, zero sewing skills, just scissors and simple knots.
Why reuse a T-shirt?
- Cuts single-use plastic.
- Costs nothing.
- Shows off that Metallica ’98 graphic again.
Gather your gear
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sharp fabric scissors | Clean edge, less fray |
| One cotton T-shirt | 100% cotton drapes well and knots tight |
| Ruler or tape | Keeps cuts straight |
| Chalk or pen | Mark before you snip |
That’s it.
Step-by-ste
- Lay the shirt flat. Smooth wrinkles so the front and back line up.
- Slice off the sleeves. Cut just inside the seam; instant tote handles.
- Open the neck. Trace a plate for a neat oval, then cut. Wider hole = wider opening.
- Mark the fringe. Draw a line 6 inches (15 cm) up from the bottom hem.
- Cut fringe strips. Snip 1-inch-wide vertical strips through both layers up to your line.
- Tie the knots. Pair front and back strips and double-knot each set. Work left to right.
- Flip and tug. Turn the bag inside out so knots hide inside. Tug each knot tight once more.
Done, load it up.
Strength check
I carried a gallon of milk and a sack of apples. The knots held; the shoulder seams didn’t stretch. If your shirt is thin, tie an extra half-knot for insurance.
Add pockets (optional, still no sewing)
- Cut the leftover sleeve straight across.
- Flip it inside out, line the raw edge with fabric glue, and press onto the bag’s interior.
- Let dry for 30 minutes.
Keys now have a home.
Wash & care
Turn the bag inside out, knot side exposed, and machine-wash cold. Air-dry to avoid shrink.
Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will the fringe unravel? | Double knots stop most fray; trim fuzz if it appears. |
| Can I use polyester? | Yes, but cotton knots tighter. |
| How big is the finished tote? | Roughly half the shirt’s height and full width. A men’s medium fits a laptop. |
You just made a tote, cleared drawer space, and dodged the sewing machine. Next grocery run, skip the plastic, your old tee has it covered.
See Also:
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
