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Today I’m back at it with t-shirt reconstruction! Oh, how I love to play with old shirts! They can have so many uses. You could make it from a new one or a not so new one. This is one that my son outgrew. We got it when we went to see the Braves during the 2017 opening weekend at SunTrust Park in Atlanta. (Yes, I’m still missing baseball horribly) This craft is a great use for a shirt that you love but will just never wear. It would also be fun to take a plain shirt and embellish it with beads or ruffles! The measurements can vary, too, depending on personal preference. The options are practically endless. Come to think of it, I’m going to revisit the ruffle idea as soon as I finish this post. 😁
I used a sewing machine but this project can easily be hand sewn. All that is needed is a t-shirt, scissors, needle & thread or sewing machine. I took pictures of every step if you want to try it. If you do, please share your beautiful creations.
My shirt of choice today 
My dimensions were 16″ wide x 18″ long 
Cut 4 strips from excess fabric & sew together to make 2 long drawstrings 
This doesn’t have to be pretty since it won’t be seen. Pull to stretch strips 
Pin & sew around the sides & bottom with like sides together 
Clip the bottom corners to reduce bulk 
Turn top down 3/ 4″ or so to make casing for drawstrings 
Poke a tiny hole on each corner of the outer layer of the casing for the drawstring to go through 
Put a pin on end of drawstring to help pull through casing 
Feed drawstring in, around, & back out the same hole. Repeat with drawstring on other side 
This is how it should look 
Poke a tiny hole near each bottom corner. Feed the drawstrings though back to front and tie a knot 
Finished backpack 
I love it!!
Some notes:
- My strips when sewn together were about 29″ long. On my next one I will add a few inches so it will hang a bit looser.
- T-shirt fabric is very stretchy, so when making holes for the drawstrings bigger IS NOT better. A tiny hole is all you need.
- You can use two shirts to make it stronger.
- Add pockets or other embellishments to further personalize it!
- This is a very forgiving project. Measurements, cuts, and seams do not have to be perfect. Just have fun with it.
I really hope you enjoyed this and that it was easy enough to understand. If so please like it and follow my blog.
Thanks so much for reading & stay safe!
What an original idea! I have to copy it! So an unused tee becomes a beautiful backpack!
Have fun with it. 🙂
Super cute idea! I have so many tshirts that I never wear yet hesitate to part with. What a great way to repurpose them.
Me, too. And these are so easy.
amazing idea to work with… It is much helpful
Thanks. It does come in handy. 🙂
Such an original idea, thanks for sharing it!
Thank you!
Super love the diy tshirt backpack, that is so smart and cute!!! I would love to make one for my wife, so cute.
Thanks! You should try it.
Wow! An awesome way to preserve shirts that I don’t want to wear anymore! Or can’t wear anymore, quarantine made me gain some weight.
😄 Quarantine is good for that! I’m sure you look great.
It’s very cute!! I want to follow the same idea with my old shirts. For sure, they’ll be of use again!
Thanks. I think these are fun & comfy to carry.
This is such a great idea, especially for those old shirt with great images but you don’t get to wear them any longer! I have one that I love the design but it falls too high on my neck and irritates my skin. I’ve not wanted to get rid of it, so now I have a fun idea!
Good for you! I hope you love it.
That is a really neat idea! I would not have thought to turn a t shirt into a bag. Also, as a Atlanta resident, I must say nice shirt choice.
What a great idea! We have a lot of old shirts sleeping on our wardrobe.
Thank you!
This is so cute as a backpack!!
I’m gonna have to try this with my old sports uniforms and camp tee-shirts…
We have lots of those from when my kids played. I’ve thought of making a t-shirt quilt.
What a great idea to upcycle old t shirts. I have lots that I was about to throw out. I will save them now.
Good! These are fun to make.
This is awesome! Who would’ve thought that a tshirt could make such a nice looking bag!
Thank you.