issababycreates

April Challenge – A Month of Photos & Reflections: Day 21, T-shirt Backpack DIY

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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.

This is one of my favorite t-shirt projects so far!
  • 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!

25 comments

  8. 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!

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