The best examples of DIY: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags

Let’s start where most tutorials don’t: with real examples. Because “make a tote from an old shirt” sounds cute, but you need to see the different ways it can actually work in your daily life.

Some of the best examples of DIY: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags come from people who were just tired of two things: overflowing closets and overflowing plastic bag drawers. In 2024, with many cities and states in the U.S. restricting single-use bags, these homemade T-shirt totes are showing up at farmers markets, college campuses, and office kitchens.

Here are several real-world styles people are making and using all the time:

No-sew fringe market bag – the classic example of T-shirt upcycling

One of the simplest examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags is the classic no-sew fringe bag. You cut off the sleeves, widen the neck hole to create an opening, then slice fringe along the bottom and tie the strips into knots.

This style:

• Works best with medium to heavyweight cotton T-shirts.
• Stretches enough to hold bulky items like potatoes, oranges, or boxed pantry goods.
• Packs down small enough to live in your car or backpack.

I’ve seen parents turn old school spirit shirts into a whole fleet of grocery bags this way. Kids love the fringe, and the bags become a conversation starter in the checkout line.

Reinforced-strap tote – a sturdier example of DIY: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags

If you’re carrying heavier loads (think glass jars, big produce hauls, or library books), a reinforced-strap tote is one of the best examples of DIY: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags that won’t give out on you.

Instead of relying on the original shoulder seams, you:

• Cut two long strips from the bottom of the shirt or another old tee.
• Fold and sew (or tightly braid) them into thicker straps.
• Stitch or knot those straps securely to the top of the bag.

Even with basic hand stitching, this creates a surprisingly tough tote. People who commute on foot or by public transit often favor this style because it can handle weight without digging into your shoulder.

Mesh-style produce bag – one of the lightest examples of DIY T-shirt bags

Another popular example of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags is the mesh-style produce bag. This one is especially handy if you’re trying to cut down on those flimsy plastic produce bags at the grocery store.

You:

• Cut the T-shirt into a simple tube.
• Snip small slits in a staggered pattern across the fabric.
• Gently stretch the material so the slits open up into a mesh.

The result is a breathable sack perfect for apples, onions, or citrus. Because it’s so light, it barely adds to the weight on the scale. Many zero-waste enthusiasts carry a few of these in their main tote.

Foldable pocket bag – a smart example of on-the-go DIY

If you hate being caught without a bag, this example of transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags is for you. You use a T-shirt and its own pocket (or add a small pocket from another scrap) to create a self-folding tote.

You:

• Turn the T-shirt into a basic tote (no-sew or sewn).
• Attach a pocket to the inside or outside bottom corner.
• Fold the whole bag into that pocket when not in use.

This is perfect for glove compartments, work desks, or clipped to a backpack. I’ve seen college students keep one hooked to their keychains for surprise grocery runs.

Gift bag from a band tee – one of the best examples for special occasions

Some of the most charming examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags show up at birthdays and holidays. Instead of buying gift wrap (which is often not recyclable if it’s shiny or laminated), people are turning old band tees or graphic shirts into gift bags.

The process is similar to the basic tote, but the focus is on the print:

• Center the design on what will become the front of the bag.
• Cut and tie or sew as usual.
• Use the straps as handles or tie them into a bow at the top.

The bag becomes part of the gift. It’s reusable, personal, and way more memorable than a disposable paper bag. This is one of my favorite examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags because it hits both nostalgia and sustainability.

Kids’ mini tote from outgrown shirts – a family-friendly example of DIY

Parents are constantly dealing with outgrown clothes. A fun example of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags is turning those too-small shirts into kid-sized totes.

Because children’s shirts are smaller, they naturally become mini market bags:

• Perfect for library trips, toy storage, or carrying snacks.
• Easy for kids to help make by tying the bottom fringe.
• A gentle way to introduce kids to the idea of reusing rather than tossing.

I’ve watched kids proudly carry their own little T-shirt totes to the farmers market, picking out apples and bread like mini grown-ups. It’s a simple way to teach them about waste and responsibility without a lecture.

Beach or gym bag – a practical example for damp or dirty gear

Another real-world example of transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags is the beach or gym bag. Because T-shirts are washable and breathable, they’re perfect for sandy towels, sweaty clothes, or sports gear.

You can:

• Use a larger men’s T-shirt for extra capacity.
• Cut larger armholes and neck for a wide opening.
• Keep the bottom seam intact and reinforce it with stitching or extra knots.

Throw in your flip-flops, sunscreen, and towel, and you’re done. If it gets sandy or smelly, toss it in the wash. No guilt, no special care instructions.

Why these examples of DIY T-shirt bags matter in 2024–2025

This isn’t just a cute craft trend. These examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags are part of a bigger shift away from single-use items and toward reusing what we already own.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generated 11.3 million tons of textiles in municipal solid waste in 2018, and most of that ended up in landfills or incinerators. You can see the data in their textiles facts and figures here: https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/textiles-material-specific-data

At the same time, many cities and states have passed or are considering restrictions on single-use plastic bags. That means more people are reaching for reusable bags—but buying new cotton totes also has an environmental cost, from water use to dyeing and transport.

Reusing a T-shirt you already own sidesteps a lot of that impact. You’re:

• Extending the life of a garment instead of sending it straight to the bin.
• Avoiding new manufacturing and shipping.
• Reducing your need for plastic or paper bags.

It’s not a magic fix for the climate crisis, but it’s a practical, visible step that adds up—especially when it becomes a habit.

Step-by-step: turning old T-shirts into shopping bags like the examples above

Let’s walk through a basic method you can adapt to almost all of the examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags we’ve talked about.

Choosing the right T-shirt

Look for:

• Material: 100% cotton or a cotton blend works well. Too much polyester can feel slippery and stretch out oddly.
• Weight: Medium-weight tees are ideal. Very thin shirts can work, but you may want to double-layer them or use them for lighter items.
• Size: Larger shirts make roomier bags, but even a small shirt can become a handy produce or kids’ tote.
• Condition: Stains and small holes are fine; just avoid giant rips at the bottom where you need strength.

Basic no-sew fringe tote (the foundation for many examples)

Spread the shirt flat.

Trim off the bottom hem so the fabric can stretch and knot easily.

Cut off both sleeves following the seam to create handle openings.

Widen the neck hole into a U-shape. This will be the top opening of your bag.

At the bottom, cut vertical strips through both layers of fabric, about 3/4–1 inch wide and 3–4 inches tall. You’ve now made a fringe.

Tie each front strip to its matching back strip in a tight double knot. Then, to close any gaps, tie neighboring pairs of knots together. This reinforces the bottom so small items don’t slip through.

Flip the bag inside out if you want a cleaner look. That’s it—you’ve created the basic style used in several of the best examples of DIY: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags.

Customizing your bag like the real examples

From here, you can tweak the design to match the examples we covered:

• For a reinforced-strap tote: Cut two long strips from another T-shirt, braid or fold and sew them into straps, and attach them securely around the armhole openings.
• For a mesh produce bag: Before tying the bottom, cut small slits all over the body of the shirt, then gently stretch the fabric so the slits open into a mesh.
• For a gift bag: Focus on centering the graphic on the front panel and consider tying the top closed with a ribbon made from leftover T-shirt strips.
• For a foldable pocket bag: Sew or hand-stitch a pocket from scrap fabric to the inside bottom corner. When the bag is empty, fold it into that pocket.

You don’t need fancy tools. Sharp scissors, a needle and thread (if you want extra strength), and a little patience are enough.

Tips to make your DIY T-shirt bags last longer

If you’re going to put in the effort, you want these examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags to hold up over time.

• Double-knot everything. Whether it’s the fringe bottom or added straps, tight double knots make a big difference.
• Reinforce stress points. A few extra hand stitches at the base of each handle can prevent sudden rips.
• Wash gently. Turn bags inside out and wash in cold water. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that cold water saves energy compared with hot: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/efficient-water-heating
• Air dry when possible. High heat can weaken fibers over time. Hang them on a line or over a shower rod.

Over time, your bags will soften and mold to what you use them for, just like a favorite tee did.

How these DIY bags fit into a low-waste lifestyle

Using these examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags is one small part of a broader low-waste mindset. No one is saying you have to fit a year’s worth of trash into a mason jar. But small, repeated choices matter.

By carrying a T-shirt bag, you’re:

• Cutting down on plastic bag use, which supports broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides accessible information on marine debris here: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov
• Keeping textiles in use longer instead of sending them straight to landfill.
• Signaling to others—subtly—that reusing what you already own is normal and doable.

It’s also a low-pressure way to get into DIY if you’re not a crafty person. If you mess up a cut, you haven’t ruined anything precious; you’ve just experimented on a shirt you weren’t wearing anyway.

Frequently asked questions about examples of DIY T-shirt shopping bags

Q: What are some easy beginner examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags?
The easiest examples include the no-sew fringe tote and the basic kids’ mini tote. Both rely on simple cuts and knots, no sewing machine required. Start with a shirt you don’t care about, follow the basic fringe method, and you’ll have a usable bag in under 30 minutes.

Q: Can these DIY T-shirt bags really replace store-bought reusable bags?
For most everyday errands, yes. A reinforced-strap T-shirt bag can handle groceries, books, or gym clothes just fine. If you regularly carry very heavy items, you might still want one or two heavy-duty canvas bags, but many people use these DIY versions as their primary everyday totes.

Q: What’s an example of a T-shirt that works poorly for this project?
Very thin, extremely stretched-out shirts can be tricky, especially for heavy loads. They’re better suited to light produce bags or gift bags. Shirts with brittle screen prints that are already cracking may also shed flakes in the wash.

Q: How many DIY T-shirt bags should I make?
Think about your routine. If you do a big weekly grocery run, having 4–6 sturdy totes plus a few mesh produce bags is usually enough. The nice part is that you can add more slowly as more T-shirts wear out.

Q: Are there other creative examples of using T-shirt bags beyond shopping?
Definitely. People use them as laundry sorters in dorm rooms, toy organizers in kids’ rooms, car organizers for snacks and supplies, and even as casual plant pot covers. Once you start making them, you’ll find yourself reaching for them anywhere you’d normally grab a plastic bag.

Q: Is this really better for the environment than recycling T-shirts?
Reusing is generally preferred over recycling because it keeps the item in use longer and avoids the energy and infrastructure needed to break materials down and remake them. When your bag is truly worn out, you can still look for textile recycling options in your area. The EPA’s textiles page (linked above) is a good starting point for understanding why reuse matters.

If you pick even one of these examples of diy: transforming old T-shirts into shopping bags and actually use the result, you’ve already done more than most people who just think about living more sustainably. Start with one shirt, one bag, one errand—and let it grow from there.