The best examples of DIY shopping bags: 3 practical, real-life ideas

1. T‑Shirt Tote Bag – The Easiest Example of a DIY Shopping Bag

Let’s start with the gateway project: the T‑shirt tote. When people ask for simple examples of DIY shopping bags: 3 practical examples that even a beginner can handle, this one is always on my list.

You know that stack of free event shirts, old gym shirts, or faded band tees? They’re perfect. Cotton T‑shirts are soft, washable, and already shaped like a bag. You’re basically just closing the bottom and turning the top into handles.

How to make a no‑sew T‑shirt shopping bag

This is the “I don’t even own a sewing machine” version. It’s not just an example of a DIY shopping bag; it’s the example I recommend to anyone who wants a low-barrier start.

1. Pick your shirt. Medium to large adult shirts work best. The thicker the fabric, the stronger the bag.
2. Cut off the sleeves. Follow the curve of the sleeve seam to create handle openings.
3. Shape the neckline. Cut a deeper U-shape around the collar to widen the opening.
4. Turn the shirt inside out. This hides the fringe.
5. Cut fringe at the bottom. Snip 3–4 inch long strips along the hem, front and back together.
6. Tie the fringe. Tie each front strip to the matching back strip in tight double knots. For extra strength, tie neighboring knots together.
7. Turn right side out. You now have a surprisingly strong grocery bag.

This no‑sew method is one of the best examples of DIY shopping bags for kids, teens, or anyone who wants a quick win. It’s also a great way to keep textiles out of landfills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that textiles make up millions of tons of municipal waste each year, and reuse is a key way to cut that down (EPA, Textiles: Material-Specific Data).

Sewn T‑shirt tote for heavier groceries

If you have a sewing machine (or patience for hand sewing), you can upgrade this example of a DIY shopping bag to handle heavier loads like glass jars.

• Cut the sleeves and neckline as above.
• Turn the shirt inside out.
• Sew a straight line across the bottom hem with a tight stitch.
• For extra structure, sew the corners into small triangles (a “boxed” bottom) so the bag stands up better.

This version is sturdier and lasts longer, and it still counts as one of the simplest examples of diy shopping bags: 3 practical examples you can make in under an hour.

Real-life tip: Keep one T‑shirt tote rolled up in your work bag, one in your car, and one by the front door. The best examples of DIY shopping bags are the ones you actually remember to bring.

2. Upcycled Jeans Market Bag – A Heavy-Duty Example of DIY Shopping Bags

If the T‑shirt tote is your starter project, the jeans market bag is your “I’m serious about this” upgrade. Denim is tough, forgiving, and everywhere. When people ask for the best examples of DIY shopping bags that can handle heavy produce or bulk items, I always point to old jeans.

You’re turning the top half of the jeans into a roomy tote. The pockets are already there, which is perfect for keys, a phone, or a folded shopping list.

Turning jeans into a grocery-ready tote

Here’s a simple way to transform jeans into a sturdy bag:

• Choose your jeans. Adult jeans give you more capacity, but kids’ jeans can make cute gift or lunch bags.
• Cut across the legs. Cut straight across both legs about 3–4 inches below the crotch. You now have a “denim skirt” shape.
• Sew the bottom closed. Turn inside out and sew across the cut edge. Go over it twice for strength.
• Box the corners. Pinch each bottom corner so the side seam and bottom seam align, forming a triangle. Sew across about 2 inches from the tip. This gives your bag a flat base.
• Add straps. You can:
  • Cut strips from the removed jean legs,
  • Use an old belt (woven belts work great), or
  • Use leftover webbing from an old backpack.

Sew the straps securely to the inside of the waistband. Test by loading the bag with something heavy—like a stack of books—before trusting it with glass jars.

Why this is one of the best examples of DIY shopping bags

This project checks a lot of zero-waste boxes:

• Extends the life of denim. Denim production is water- and resource-intensive. Reusing it matters.
• Built-in pockets. You don’t need to add extra features; they’re already there.
• Strong enough for real shopping. This isn’t a “cute but flimsy” craft. It’s a workhorse.

As a bonus, this example of a DIY shopping bag is very customizable. You can:

• Add a button or snap for closure.
• Sew on a patch or embroidery to cover stains.
• Line the inside with an old pillowcase if you want a smoother interior.

This is one of those real examples that often becomes someone’s favorite bag, not just a zero-waste experiment.

3. Grain, Rice, or Pet Food Sack Bag – A Waterproof, Practical Example

For the third in our examples of diy shopping bags: 3 practical examples, let’s talk about something less cute but incredibly useful: woven plastic sacks. Think 10–50 pound bags of rice, birdseed, flour, or pet food.

These bags are usually made from woven polypropylene. They’re light, waterproof, tear-resistant, and unfortunately often end up in the trash. Turning them into shopping bags is one of the best examples of upcycling that actually fits a zero-waste lifestyle.

How to turn a feed or rice sack into a shopping bag

• Clean the bag. Rinse with mild soap and warm water, then air dry completely.
• Trim the top. Cut off the original stitched closure so you have a clean, straight edge.
• Decide the height. Cut down if it’s too tall. Keep in mind you want room for handles.
• Fold and sew the bottom. If the bottom is already sealed and strong, leave it. If not, turn inside out and sew a double seam across the bottom.
• Create handles. Options include:
  • Cutting two long strips from the excess top portion and folding them into straps.
  • Using old backpack straps.
  • Reusing webbing from an old duffel bag.
• Sew handles to the inside. Reinforce with multiple lines of stitching.

This example of a DIY shopping bag is perfect for:

• Wet or muddy produce from the farmers market.
• Frozen items that might sweat.
• Beach or pool gear (sand shakes right out).

Because these bags are made from plastic, it’s worth washing them regularly and letting them dry fully to avoid bacteria buildup. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that reusable bags should be washed frequently, especially if they carry raw foods (CDC: Food Safety and Reusable Bags).

More Real Examples: How People Actually Use DIY Shopping Bags

So far we’ve talked about examples of diy shopping bags: 3 practical examples you can make from T‑shirts, jeans, and grain sacks. But in real life, most people end up with a mix of different DIY bags for different purposes.

Here are several more real examples of DIY shopping bags and how they fit into everyday routines:

• Old curtain or sheet bag. Lightweight cotton curtains and sheets make great foldable totes. They’re especially good for dry goods or as backup bags that live in your car.
• Mesh produce bags from lace or netting. Cut up old sheer curtains or mesh laundry bags to make drawstring produce bags. They’re perfect for apples, onions, or citrus.
• Wine or jar carrier from a felted sweater. Felted wool (washed hot so it shrinks and thickens) can be sewn into padded sleeves for glass bottles or mason jars.
• Bread or bakery bag from a pillowcase. A clean cotton pillowcase can become a simple drawstring bag for bread or baked goods.
• Library or errand tote from a canvas apron. Fold and sew the bottom of an old canvas apron, add a side panel from scrap fabric, and you’ve got a narrow book bag.

These aren’t just cute crafts; they’re the best examples of DIY shopping bags when you want a system that replaces single-use bags in multiple parts of your life.

How to Make Your DIY Shopping Bags Last Longer

One of the most common questions I get—right after, “Can you show me more examples of DIY shopping bags?”—is how to keep them clean and safe.

A few simple habits go a long way:

• Wash fabric bags regularly. The USDA and other food safety agencies recommend washing reusable grocery bags often, especially after carrying raw meat or produce (USDA: Basics for Handling Food Safely). Hot water and a full dry cycle help.
• Use dedicated bags. Have one or two bags you only use for non-food items like cleaning supplies or shoes.
• Air out plastic-based bags. For grain sack or feed bag totes, wipe them down and let them dry fully before storing.
• Check stitches and seams. Every few months, look for loose threads or weak points and repair them before they fail in the parking lot.

If you’re making your own, you’re already ahead of the curve. You can choose washable fabrics, avoid weird coatings, and design bags that suit your actual shopping habits.

Zero-Waste Mindset: Why These Examples of DIY Shopping Bags Matter

It’s easy to feel like one person’s bag habits don’t matter. But small, consistent shifts add up—especially when they become normal for your household.

A few reasons these examples of diy shopping bags: 3 practical examples are worth your time:

• They reduce single-use plastic. Even if your city has banned plastic bags, paper bags still require resources to produce and transport.
• They extend the life of materials. Turning T‑shirts, jeans, and sacks into bags keeps them in use longer and out of the waste stream.
• They make reuse visible. When you walk into a store with a clearly DIY bag, you’re quietly signaling that reuse is normal.

Sustainability research from universities like Harvard highlights how everyday behavior changes—like consistently reusing bags—play a role in reducing overall environmental impact (Harvard University: Sustainability at Harvard). Your handmade tote might not save the world, but it’s part of a much bigger pattern.

And honestly? There’s something satisfying about dropping heavy groceries into a bag you made from an old pair of jeans that were headed for the trash.

FAQ: Examples of DIY Shopping Bags and Practical Questions

What are the best examples of DIY shopping bags for beginners?

For beginners, the best examples of DIY shopping bags are:

• A no‑sew T‑shirt tote (fast, forgiving, and uses something you already own).
• A simple sheet or pillowcase tote (just a few straight seams).

Both are low-pressure projects that still give you a sturdy, usable bag.

Can you give an example of a DIY shopping bag that can handle heavy items?

Yes. A jeans market bag made from the top half of old denim is a strong example of a DIY shopping bag that can handle heavy items. Reinforce the bottom seam and use wide, sturdy straps, and it will carry jars, cans, and produce without stretching.

What are some examples of materials I can reuse to make shopping bags?

Good examples of reusable materials include:

• Old T‑shirts
• Worn jeans
• Curtains or bedsheets
• Grain, rice, birdseed, or pet food sacks
• Pillowcases
• Old canvas aprons or tote bags that need repair

If the fabric is strong enough to hold a full load of groceries and can be washed or wiped down, it’s a good candidate.

How many DIY shopping bags do I actually need?

Most households do well with 4–8 main grocery bags plus a few smaller produce or specialty bags. Think about your biggest weekly shop and make enough to cover that, plus one or two extras. The best examples of DIY shopping bags are the ones you can rotate while others are in the wash.

Are DIY shopping bags hygienic for groceries?

They can be, as long as you care for them. Wash fabric bags regularly, especially after carrying raw meat or unwashed produce. Keep separate bags for food and non-food items. Following basic food safety guidance from sources like the CDC and USDA is enough to keep reusable bags safe in everyday use.

If you take nothing else from this, let it be this: start with one bag. Pick a T‑shirt you never wear, or jeans you’ve been meaning to donate, and turn them into something you’ll use every week. From there, you can build out your own set of examples of diy shopping bags: 3 practical examples that fit your habits, your style, and your version of a lower-waste life.