The kids have probably outgrown a lot of T-shirts over the summer. This T-shirt bag is a way to put to use some favorite shirts that the kids aren’t ready to throw away. It could prove useful with kids heading back to school or to tote home purchases without paying a bag fee. The no-sew bag uses a simple knotting technique, but younger children may need help preparing and cutting the shirt.
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS
>> T-shirt
>> Scissors
>> Ruler or yardstick
>> Pen or marker
INSTRUCTIONS
Lay the T-shirt flat and cut off the sleeves.
Cut out the neckline into a larger circle or oval. Tip: Fold the shirt in half and draw a cutting line before making cuts
Turn the T-shirt inside out. (If you prefer fringe on the bottom of the bag, leave it right side out.) Lay the T-shirt flat and align the hems. Measure from the bottom hem and draw a line to mark the height you want your bag.
Use the scissors to cut a slit on both sides, stopping at the line.
From the bottom hem to the line, cut slits at approximately 1-inch intervals, for the entire width of the shirt.
(Note: There is no need to letter your strips. Strips were lettered to help illustrate the knotting process.) Tie both top and bottom A strips together.
Tie top and bottom B strips together.
Tie one A and one B strip together. This helps secure the bag and closes gaps between knots.
Tie both C strips together. Tie a B and a C strip together.
Continue this pattern of tying top and bottom strips and connecting them to the previous knot until you have tied all the strips. (If you tied the bag with the shirt right side out, this will be your fringe bottom.)
If you started with the shirt inside out, turn the bag right side out, to show the design. Place items in your bag and you are ready to go!
The “Keiki Krafting” column is courtesy HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts. For more craft ideas, visit benfranklinhawaii.com.
